The Real World

Throughout this past year, I've seen so many changes being made within myself. As I continued to strive and push myself to complete my Masters in Entertainment Business, I learned the importance of an education especially while trying to start a career within the entertainment industry.

There are many great music artists and professionals who were fortunate enough to earn a college education. For instance, singer/songwriter/producer Ryan Leslie earned his Bachelors degree from Harvard University. Of course not all of us feel the need to attend an Ivy League college just to have a successful career in the music industry but he is someone that has something that he could always fall back on.

As well, soul singer Lalah Hathaway attended Berklee College of Music. Other musicians who attended this college include Quincy Jones, Brandford Marsalis, John Mayer and Melissa Etheridge. All of these musicians have been able to have successful musical careers but if things were not to happen for them that way, they have the option of relying on their education. Although there are many successful music artists who did not attend college, like Jay Z, things are not always guaranteed to go as we plan.

During the times that many of our parents and grandparents grew up, they were taught the importance of earning a high school diploma. As times passed, there was emphasis placed on the importance of attending college and earning a degree. Currently, there are many people out in the world that are not able to have a successful professional career due to their lack of education. Just as athletes are encouraged to get a higher education so that they can have something to fall back on, musicians should received the same type of encouragement. This is a way for them to secure their futures and be prepared for the real world that exists outside of stardom.

Something that is found to be common within young actors and musicians is that they always had to set aside time in order to complete their schoolwork. Their parents went to extenuated lengths to bring around teachers and/or tutors to help their children while they were working. The same care should be carried throughout their adulthood lives. Being just a high school graduate doesn't really get people anywhere in today's world. Being able to expand your knowledge and understanding is what helps others to build long and prosperous careers in the ever-changing world of entertainment.


--- Jackee Walker


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Sources:
Berklee College of Music - Alumni Grammy Winners

Budget-Friendly Marketing Methods

So you have a great idea for a new business BUT you don’t have a lot of money in order to market it… What do you do?

I’ve found 3 simple ideas for marketing your new business venture when you’re low on funds.

1.     We always hear about importance of an elevator pitch. Many people don’t even know what an elevator pitch truly so to help you out, an elevator pitch is designed as a communication tool that will help you to articulate your message (ElevatorPitchEssentials.com). When you’re looking for a new job, we’re constantly advised that we should create an elevator pitch about ourselves in order to get people interested in our qualifications. The same tool can be used when you’re trying to find investors for your new business. In order to create one, all you need is a something to record it on. This is the opportunity to be creative so you can do a simple video or even narrate a presentation. Just make sure that you include important details to make investors want to contact you.

2.     Find a team of like-minded individuals to work with. This will allow you to gain some first-hand experience of the “Do’s and Don’ts” for your new business. In the end, this can definitely help to save you from making simple mistakes because you can hear what others have already learned. Also, you can take some of the heavy work burden from yourself by sharing the workload. Try bouncing ideas off of each other and come up with a simple plan to work together. Make sure that everyone is heard thoroughly and respected.

3.     Lastly, take advantage of networking opportunities. You can meet other entrepreneurs at various events all over the country. Don’t feel the need to restrict yourself to your particular industry because you never know who may be able to help you in the future. Many events are usually free of charge and take place in the evenings or on the weekends. So if you’re working a regular full-time job, you are still able to attend them. As easy way to take advantage is to look for events when you’re traveling to other cities. This will allow you to see what is taking place around the country and find valuable resources elsewhere.

Always remember to get legal advice from certified professionals. There are many other cost-effective solutions out there for you to take full advantage of when starting your new business so make sure that you do what works best for you and your business.

---- Jackee Walker