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11 Tips for Starting a Successful Business

The possibilities that arise with the idea of starting a business are inspiring enough to make anyone want to dive in head first. However, taking a step back and looking at everything that running a business entails can be intimidating enough to make the same bright-eyed individual run the other way. While there are certainly many aspects to consider when starting a new business, there are some known tips across every industry that can help alleviate some of the associated stress. Below are 11 pieces of advice that will hopefully make starting a business less intimidating and bring out your inner entrepreneur. 

1) Make sure it’s a match

Enjoying running a business is only half the battle; ensuring you can take on the responsibility of doing so and integrating it with your lifestyle is just as crucial. You’ll want to choose a business that not only represents your passion, but reflects your skillset and lived experience to give you an edge in the sea of competition. Rather than just focusing on whether your product fits your market, prioritize finding a product and market that suits you.

2) Find your niche

When people investigate why their business isn’t doing too well, the answer often lies in their niche selection. Determining your business’s scope when starting will a) help you reach the right audience and b) prevent you from wasting resources catering to the wrong crowd. When deciding upon a niche, consider seasonality, rates of repurchase, and if your products are only needed for a specific phase of the customer’s life which they’ll eventually outgrow.

3) Take care of your employees

If you’re performing well with just you or any partners you’ve gone into business with, adding on some team members can work in favor of your hustle. Keep in mind, though, that your employees’ morale is a predictor of your business’s prosperity, and they should feel respected and appreciated under your management. Not only will you help enrich your employees’ skillsets by providing them the necessary tools to succeed, but they’ll also be more willing to help reach company goals if they feel supported by you.

4) Diversify your offerings

Starting with a narrow business focus can aid in building a loyal customer base that perceives you as your niche’s authority. Take advantage of the momentum and branch out into other sectors in your arena; this can help you reach a wider audience and further establish your business. Starting with a modest offering can also help you gauge demand and see what products or services you want to continue providing as your customer base grows.

5) Don’t quit your day job

Starting a business is stressful enough, but creating a business while worrying about making enough money to get by is infinitely more so. Avoid undue stress by starting your business while still employed to give you the funds to get started and invest back in your hustle. You’ll also open up more opportunities for yourself and your business if you already have a steady income. This way, you’ll be more willing to experiment with different aspects of your business you may not have had the means to do if you had relied solely on your hustle to support you. If you’re still looking for more funds to put into your business, start approaching investors or lenders after establishing yourself in the market.


6) Prioritize profit over revenue

Making money is exciting; however, focusing solely on the cash coming in can provide a false sense of financial security. When you start earning from your business, don’t forget to consider your expenses and overhead. Prioritizing profit over revenue can help you determine whether your business is doing well at the rate you’re operating or if you’re due for some advice and assistance. Making $100,000 in revenue gets less exciting when only $1,500 becomes profit after covering start-up costs and other expenses. Using a profit margin calculator can help you better grasp whether you’re making enough money to put back into your business while also having some left over for your savings.

7) Get some help

Building an empire on your own sounds fantastic in theory, but in reality, having some helping hands can take an immense weight off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your business. Assistance can range from seeking a business partner to split your workload and bounce innovative ideas off to a solid network that can provide support when you’re in crisis and lift you up in times of success. Financial aid or mentorship may also be available through government programs and non-profit organizations such as Futurpreneur in Canada.

8) Plan it out

Diving into a business idea out of passion and excitement is incredible. Still, it will often leave you feeling lost down the line when things get serious. Crafting a business plan that outlines how you plan to navigate the upcoming couple of months or years will help you allocate funds, delegate tasks, and ultimately save your time by promoting efficiency. If you notice your business is starting to slip and not up to where you want it, come back to your business plan and fine-tune it to get you back on track to success. While your business will be the focus of your business plan, keep industry trends and any competition in mind.



9) Establish your business

In the digital age, reputations matter more than ever; creating a professional aura for your business will help you establish yourself in your market. Start with the basic business fundamentals like a website, business email, phone number, and social media to stay connected to your audience while reaching new customers. Most importantly, keep in mind that you are the face of your business. Your interactions with others will reflect on your brand, so stay authentic and professional to maintain a positive standing.

If you want a website for your business like the one you are on now, feel free to reach out here. We would be happy to help! Most of our clients come organically through our website using Google, and we wouldn’t have a business without it.


10) Get legalities sorted

Legal trouble is the last thing you want to deal with when starting your own business. Taking time to understand all the laws and regulations for a new business at the beginning of your journey will save you expensive and time-consuming hassle further down the line. Learning about income taxes, registering your business, and worker’s compensation insurance, among many other things, will ensure that your company operates within legal guidelines.


11) Keep tabs on The competition

Anyone who puts their time and energy into starting a business wants it to be the best in the market. With the rate of innovation increasing rapidly, however, competition has intensified, making it harder to come out on top. Taking note of what your competitors are doing (as well as where they’re lacking) can help you identify and predict trends in your industry and also allows you to price competitively. That being said, you must not forget about the bottom line: your customers’ satisfaction. The reason you want to look at your competition is to be of better service to your customers. So, don’t get caught up trying to outdo another brand if it prevents you from providing for your target market.

 
CONCLUSION

Starting a business can be daunting both for a beginner and a seasoned corporate professional. While there are bound to be countless unknowns when taking the leap and starting your business, there are some things you can do to make the ride more enjoyable. Finding the right business to go into, making a plan, and seeking help will help you prosper as an entrepreneur. 

Written by Midhat Mujaddid

Have you ever considered starting a business? Do you already have one? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below. 

Thanks for reading this blog! We hope it was helpful. We are a full service media production studio, and specialize in audio / video production and website creation services. If you need help with anything media related let us know :)

 
 

5 Steps to Create the Perfect EPK for Musicians

An electronic press kit, or EPK, is a means of showing off your work to promoters. Think of it as an audiovisual resumé that markets you to your target audience. Whether you want to get your music on a streaming platform or score a spot on the bill at a music festival, an EPK can help you reach your goals as a musician.


EPK VS. ARTIST WEBSITE

Not to be confused with a website, which is geared toward fans who recreationally enjoy your work, an EPK is a straight-to-the-point method of letting industry connections get to know you from a business perspective.

Interested in learning how to make or improve your EPK? Below are five tips to help you:

1) COVER THE BASICS

One of the primary purposes of an EPK is to help your target audience reach you. Make sure you simplify the process by making your email, phone number, social media, website, and other relevant contact information easily accessible. Also, ensure to include a bio that gives insight into what you’re all about while also taking the opportunity to pitch your uniqueness to your audience. Many artists include two biographies in their EPKs: one short and one long. Quick facts that the press can use should be included in the short bio, while the long bio can go deeper into your story as an artist, which also can be used as promotional material.

2) SHOW YOUR WORK

It’s time to show off what you’ve got. Displaying tracks, album art, and music videos is key for your EPK, so make sure they take centre stage. It is important to stand out so make sure your tracks are professionally mixed & mastered, this can make your track stand out among the rest. List your most popular releases first, as music promoters likely won’t have the time to stream your entire discography when deciding whether they want to take you on or not.

Don’t forget to include projects featuring your music as well. This way, you can give promoters a sense of how your songs have been used in the past and how they can display them in the future.

3) INCLUDE REVIEWS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

While your work should speak for itself, featuring external opinions makes it so it’s not just your word convincing promoters you’re worth their time – other people agree. Professional endorsements hold immense value when marketing your work in an EPK, especially if they’re well-known names giving their input.

4) SELECT HIGH-QUALITY VISUALS

Just because an EPK is an industry document doesn’t mean you’re limited to a text-laden PDF document, rather the opposite. Use images and videos to capture your audience’s attention and give a better idea of your artistic aesthetic. Including a video introduction, pictures of your stage setup or tech rider, promotional shoots, or even performance clips can help promoters get a sense of how to portray you in the media. Pro tip: ensure promotors can download the images from your EPK so they can use them.

5) HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANT DATES

Including a calendar or list of important upcoming dates lets promotors know when they can contact you for an interview or book you in for gigs in the future. Showing your performance calendar gives the reader a sense of your demand as an artist. You can also include release dates, interview appearances, and meet-and-greets, among other future resumé events.


CONCLUSION

An EPK can help you immensely as an artist when building connections in the music industry. From helping you get your band on a ticket when starting to helping you reach out to more prominent names to get featured in the press, an EPK is essential for public relations and marketing. Hopefully, these five tips will help you in crafting the best EPK you can

Written by Midhat Mujaddid

Do you have an EPK? Will you be adding any elements to yours? Let us know in the comments!

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If you’re wanting to learn more about music production and business, we are developing a course called Producer Launch that will take you from beginner, all the way to knowing how to become a successful producer for a living!

Sign up here to be notified when it launches for an exclusive 50% off!


27 Music Production Tips for Beginners

Music production does not have to be an art set aside for those with large studios and expensive equipment. You're already halfway there if you’re passionate about recording and mixing music! Whether you’re between soundproofed walls or just in the comfort of your own home, mastering tracks is now more accessible than ever, and these 27 tips below can help you get started.

1) Expand your horizons

While you may categorize your music within various genres, looking to sounds outside your sphere can be immensely beneficial. Branching out musically will give your tracks a distinctive edge that can resonate with listeners outside your niche, widening your reach. Dave Grohl, current Foo Fighters frontman and former Nirvana drummer, discussed how traditional disco drumbeats inspired the rhythm section for Nirvana's 1991 smash-hit, Smells Like Teen Spirit. Although it may take some digging across genres and generations to find sounds that strike you, the inspiration and knowledge gained from doing so are vital for creating new music.


2) Make your own sounds

Are the presets on your software sounding old and out-of-touch with your current sonic atmosphere? Record your own sounds specific to the world you're creating with your music. Having unique sounds can help you stand out in your genre and open limitless possibilities for making new music in the future. Consider using found sounds, which are sounds you don't create by singing or playing on an instrument but rather those that already exist, such as the blowing wind or birdsong.

3) Learn music theory basics

Music theory is a hotly debated topic in the world of production. While there's no doubt about the power of being able to "feel out" what sounds good with no regard for musical scales or modes, they can certainly give you an edge in the studio. Learning basic concepts can help you understand why certain sounds go together, diversifying the musical toolkit you draw upon when creating your mixes. With countless courses available online about music theory for beginners, it’s now easier than ever to get started.

4) Find your "why"

Although making a prosperous career out of music production involves a stable salary, your time in the studio shouldn't be money motivated. Ask yourself what kind of music you want to create and why you want to make it. Try to pick up new skills every time you're in the studio and pass them on to fellow producers to create a community that lifts each other up. It will show in your music if you're only making songs to fulfill a contract. On the other hand, genuinely wanting to create music because you enjoy it will ultimately result in more captivating music that communicates your love for the craft.


5) Try new approaches

Falling into the trap of chasing a "signature sound" often makes songs sound repetitive and tired. Don't be afraid to switch things up and try different chord progressions or time signatures to keep your music interesting. For instance, on Soundgarden’s 1991 album, Badmotorfinger, every song features an alternate tuning for the band’s guitars, with the song Mind Riot even having every guitar string tuned to E. While you may feel like you're taking a big jump by trying something new, every track you make is filtered through your creative lens. No matter what you produce, listeners can pick up on specific elements that make a song your own as they’re the sounds you’re instinctively drawn to. It's infinitely better to get experimental than to make the same track twice.

6) Don't be defined by genres

Genre labels may be helpful when digging through a bin at a record store, but they shouldn't dictate how you make music. Countless bands have even succeeded in mixing genres, bestowing upon them their signature sound. From Rage Against the Machine combining rap and metal to the Red Hot Chili Peppers marrying punk and funk, the lines dividing music categories are becoming increasingly blurred, so take that as an opportunity to get more experimental with your music.


7) Work with others

As you're just getting started in the music industry, know-how from seasoned professionals is invaluable. Whether you're brainstorming ideas you wouldn't have thought of alone or learning how to turn mere concepts into real audio, having an extra creative in the studio is extremely helpful. Not only will the quality of your music benefit, but you'll also learn tips that will increase your mixing efficiency. Not yet part of a production community? Don't be afraid to reach out on social media to build connections.

8) Reel it back

When putting together your final product, keep the best tracks on your final record and only the best sounds in your tracks. If you're a guitar player, for example, it can be tempting to have a record full of 12-minute songs full of solos through different pedals. Still, it's also important to recognize that your listeners' attention spans aren't infinite, and you need to make the most out of the time you have on your record to showcase your best work. This can be difficult to do at first as your repertoire is limited, but as you build your catalogue, it gets easier to decipher what tracks are worth releasing to the public.

9) Set up correctly

Buying recording equipment is only half the battle; ensuring it’s put together and placed optimally is a whole other deal. Make sure you consult the manual to ensure the hardware is in order, then play around with the acoustics of your studio to find the sweet spot where your speakers and mics should go. The specific advice when setting up speakers is to position them as far away from the walls as possible while maintaining equal distance between them and where you'll be listening. Think of creating an equilateral triangle between yourself and your speakers to ensure an optimal listening experience.

10) resist repetition

It can be tempting to listen to your old tracks right before a studio session, but doing so may send you down a hole of self-doubt. Many artists start to revel in nostalgia and subconsciously imitate their old songs, making their music sound repetitive. While there's nothing wrong with having a consistent sound as an artist, you don't want your tracks to sound tired and overdone.

11) Know when to stOP

Being in the producer's chair opens your ears to every tiny mistake in your music. The true test of a producer is knowing when to stop editing and wrap up the song or mix you're working on. Whether stopping and sending it to the "finished" pile or just stepping back and scrapping it altogether, knowing when to stop working on a track will save you valuable studio time, allowing you to tend to your other projects.

12) Use what you've got

Buying all the newest gear to keep your music sounding up-to-date and fresh is tempting, but learning to use what you have can be highly gratifying and valuable in its own right. Instead of buying another app that you may only gain a surface-level understanding of before buying the next, aim to gain a deeper understanding of the software you already have. Learning to use all that your equipment offers can inspire you to take new turns with your mixes and produce interesting sounds with previously hidden features.


13) Revisit your first mixes

Frequently, the first ideas you think up are the best. After countless hours laboring over a single track, trying everything to get it perfect, the final product is usually found in the first mix. Typically, the first mixes are the most effective at capturing the original message or sound you wanted to convey, with other versions usually just containing filler.

14) Balance originality and presets

Holding yourself to the standard of creating music that's 100% original can put immense pressure on your shoulders, thereby fostering inactivity. While you should strive to create sounds that are unique to you, it's not cheating to use the preset functions offered by your software. By allowing yourself to tap into the provided sounds, you can focus on the bigger picture of overall sound without getting caught up in details like the equalization of individual sounds, which can hinder your productivity in a creative rut.


15) Record first, think later

The "all eyes on me" feeling can be pretty nerve-wracking when stepping in front of a microphone to record. Capture some laid-back magic in the studio before formally stepping into the booth by recording as soon as you enter. This way, you can document any jams or unscripted moments that occur when getting settled in that can blossom into something great down the line.

16) Set goals

Breaking into the music industry is no easy task. What can help, however, is setting goals and breaking them down into tasks you can complete daily. This way, you can track your progress in the studio and re-evaluate your plans to ensure they're still achievable and relevant.

17) Don't rush

There are countless interviews where artists share how they wrote the lyrics to one of their hit songs on a napkin in under 30 minutes. For some people, this can work, but understanding a track's full potential can take time and should not be rushed. Don't be afraid to take time experimenting with different sounds, re-arranging verses, or just packing a track away to deal with another time. It's better to take time on a track you're proud of than to release a song to meet a deadline.



18) Know your listeners

You shouldn't limit your music strictly to what you think your listeners will enjoy. Still, it can be helpful to imagine whom you want to be listening to your music. if you are making music to be played in specific venues such as restaurants or cafes, for example, you'll want to choose more ambient, passive sounds as opposed to tracks intended for targeted demographics. Another helpful cue when making music is to imagine the type of songs you wish you had heard growing up. You can then tap into your past and present influences to make music that a vast audience can enjoy.

19) Be consistent

Relying on motivation to get in the studio will only get you so far, but being consistent with a schedule Is when you're going to notice an improvement in your work. Documenting what you've done every time you get to work will help you see how far you've come in making your tracks. You can also note what you wish to complete before getting started to hold you accountable and ensure you're not wasting time in the studio.

20) Limit distractions

Getting inspired is one thing, but constantly getting off-track from your responsibilities is a waste of time. Narrow your focus on what you want to have completed every time you sit down to work. This way, you're less tempted to go off doing other unproductive tasks, leaving you unsure of what you got completed for the day. Countless apps are available that help limit distractions to ensure you are the most productive you can be.



21) Learn software techniques

You can be a skilled musician, but your tracks may not be worth listening to if you don't know how to use your production software to communicate that. Get familiar with all your production software has to offer, even functions you may not think apply to you. With a vast array of knowledge, you can successfully record your current tracks and possibly inspire new ones with ideas of how you can practice specific techniques.

22) Stay inspired

While you shouldn't wait for inspiration to strike to get started recording tracks, surrounding yourself with things that spark creativity is an easy way to stay inspired. You can check out what other music producers are working on, listen to new genres of music, or even look at things like films or video games to step out of the typical music bubble, all while still being introduced to new ideas you can apply to your work.  

23) Have a vision

To have a successful music production experience, you should be clear about what you want to achieve and how you will achieve it. That's not to say that you should follow one concrete plan without room for evolution; rather, the opposite. An idea of how your work will turn out invites creativity as you can brainstorm various methods to get there and tweak your final product.


24) Create a Designated workspace

Having a specific area where you can walk in and know it's time to work can be highly beneficial as a music producer. Complete with all the necessary equipment, this space should be somewhere you can go when you either have a set idea ready to record or are just trying to get some concepts down for an upcoming track. By no means do you have to have a professional recording studio; what a home studio can do now is what someone 30 years ago would have needed a team of experts to do.

25) Enjoy the process

Music production is a true test of creativity, dedication, patience, and consistency. While it can be a grueling process with sleepless nights and creative blocks, make sure you're enjoying the time you spend producing music. You have the opportunity to contribute to the ever-changing music industry with tracks that express who you are both as an artist and individual. It's no easy feat, but it's rewarding to look back and see how your sonic atmosphere has developed into a reflection of you which is then communicated to your listeners



26) Accept feedback and critiques

Putting out tracks is scary; there's no doubt about it. As such, it can be hard to hear anything other than praise when letting others listen to your mixes. It is crucial, however, to remain open to critiques as they usually come from a place of care and others wanting to see you improve. Learning to accept when your music may be lacking can only help you grow as an artist and will enhance your music drastically.


27) Finish your tracks

Seeing a track through from start to finish is a valuable learning experience. In front of your eyes, you can see how a concept can go through various changes and overcome challenges yet still communicate an original idea or message. You also improve your workflow and build confidence by familiarizing yourself with finishing up a track and increasing your catalogue.


CONCLUSION

We hope these 27 tips clear some of the fog around music production, regardless of whether you're a beginner starting out or a pro looking for some extra information. Learning your software, staying consistent, and communicating your love for the craft are all essential when getting into producing music and setting yourself apart in the crowd. Happy producing!

Written by Midhat Mujaddid

Will you be trying any of these music production tips? Do you know a producer who you could share them with? We'd love to hear in the comments below!

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If you’re wanting to learn more about music production and business, we are developing a course called Producer Launch that will take you from beginner, all the way to knowing how to become a successful producer for a living!

Sign up here to be notified when it launches for an exclusive 50% off!