In the symphony of the music industry, musicians are often celebrated for their creativity and talent. However, in the rapidly evolving landscape of this industry, there’s another role that musicians must master…
That of an entrepreneur.
The advent of digital technology has transformed the music industry, revolutionising the way music is produced, distributed, and consumed. This transformation has ushered in new opportunities for musicians, but it has also introduced new challenges.
To navigate these challenges and carve out a successful career in this dynamic industry, musicians need to look beyond their creative abilities. They need to think like business owners.
Here are a list of ten skillsets that successful business owners have that would be beneficial for musicians to learn in order to sustain for themselves a more successful music career
- Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is a key skill that successful business owners possess, and it’s equally important for musicians. It involves setting clear goals and creating a roadmap to achieve them.
Musicians can benefit from strategic planning by having a clear direction for their career, which can guide their decisions and actions. To develop this skill, musicians can start by asking themselves some important questions so they can start really defining their career goals.
- What do they want to achieve in the next five years?
- What kind of music do they want to create?
- Who is their target audience?
Once these goals are defined, musicians can create a strategic plan outlining the steps to achieve these goals. This plan can include strategies for music creation, promotion, networking, and more.
Strategic planning also involves regularly reviewing and updating the plan as circumstances change. This flexibility allows musicians to adapt to changes in the music industry and their personal career trajectory.
- Financial Management
Financial management is another crucial skill for business owners that musicians should master. It involves understanding and managing income, expenses, and investments.
Musicians who are adept at financial management can ensure their career is financially sustainable, allowing them to focus on their music without worrying about financial instability. Musicians can start learning this skill by simply tracking their income and expenses.
This includes income from music sales, streaming revenue, live performances, and merchandise sales, as well as expenses like recording costs, equipment purchases, and marketing costs.
By regularly reviewing their financial situation, musicians can make informed decisions about their spending and investments. Furthermore, musicians should also learn about tax obligations and potential deductions.
- Marketing and Promotion
Marketing and promotion are key skills that business owners use to sell their products or services and for musicians, these skills are crucial for promoting their music and personal brand. Effective marketing can help musicians reach a wider audience, increase their music sales, and build a loyal fanbase.
Musicians can start developing these skills by understanding who their target audiences are and the best ways to reach them. This could involve social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, or even live performances.
Musicians should also learn how to create compelling promotional materials, such as music videos, social media posts, and press releases.
Furthermore, musicians should keep up with the latest marketing trends and strategies. The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and musicians need to adapt their strategies accordingly.
- Networking
Networking is a skill that successful business owners use to build relationships and open up opportunities. For musicians, networking can lead to collaborations, performance opportunities, and valuable industry insights.
Musicians can start developing their networking skills by attending industry events, such as music festivals, conferences, and workshops. These events provide opportunities to meet industry professionals, fellow musicians, and potential collaborators.
Musicians should also learn how to effectively introduce themselves and their music, and how to maintain these professional relationships over time.
Online networking is also crucial in today’s digital age. Musicians should learn how to use social media and other online platforms to connect with industry professionals and their fans.
Participating in online music communities, engaging with fans on social media, and reaching out to industry professionals via email or LinkedIn can be effective networking strategies.
- Negotiation
Negotiation is a skill that business owners often use when making deals or resolving conflicts. For musicians, negotiation skills can be crucial when dealing with record labels, concert venues, or collaboration agreements.
Musicians can benefit from negotiation skills by securing better contract terms, getting paid fairly for their performances, and resolving conflicts in a way that protects their interests.
To develop these skills, musicians can start by learning about the basics of contracts and negotiation strategies. This could involve reading books on negotiation, taking a course, or even practicing negotiation in everyday situations.
Furthermore, musicians should also learn about the common terms and conditions in music contracts, such as royalty rates, copyright ownership, and performance obligations.
Consulting with a music lawyer can be beneficial in this regard.
- Time Management
Time management is a skill that successful business owners use to juggle multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines. For musicians, who often have to balance music creation, promotion, performances, and other responsibilities, time management is a crucial skill.
Effective time management can help musicians increase their productivity, reduce stress, and ensure they have time for both their music career and personal life. Musicians can start developing this skill by setting clear priorities, creating a schedule, and learning to delegate tasks when necessary.
Furthermore, musicians should also learn to use time management tools and techniques, such as to-do lists, calendar apps, and the Pomodoro Technique.
- Customer Service
Customer service is a skill that business owners use to maintain good relationships with their customers. For musicians, their customers are their fans, and providing good customer service can help build a loyal fanbase.
Musicians can provide good customer service by responding to fan messages and comments, addressing complaints or issues promptly, and showing appreciation for their fans’ support. Musicians should also strive to provide a positive experience at their live performances, as this is often a key touchpoint with their fans.
Furthermore, musicians should learn to use customer service tools and platforms, such as social media, email, and customer relationship management (CRM) software.
- Project Management
Project management is a skill that business owners use to manage multiple projects and ensure they are completed on time and within budget. For musicians, project management skills can be crucial for managing recording projects, tours, and promotional campaigns.
Effective project management can help musicians ensure their projects are completed successfully and efficiently. Musicians can start developing this skill by learning about the basics of project management, such as setting clear objectives, creating a project plan, and managing resources.
Furthermore, musicians should also learn to use project management tools and techniques.
- Understanding Legal Aspects
Understanding legal aspects is a skill that business owners need to protect their business interests. For musicians, understanding legal aspects is crucial for protecting their music, their brand, and their financial interests.
Musicians can start developing this skill by learning about the basics of music law, such as copyright laws, contracts, and trademark laws. This knowledge can help musicians protect their music from infringement, negotiate fair contracts, and avoid legal disputes.
Furthermore, musicians should consider consulting with a music lawyer, especially when dealing with complex contracts or legal issues.
- Adaptability
Adaptability is a skill that successful business owners need to navigate changing market conditions. In the music industry, trends and technology are constantly evolving, so musicians need to be adaptable to stay relevant.
Adaptability can help musicians stay ahead of industry trends, adapt their music to changing audience preferences, and navigate changes in their personal career trajectory.
Musicians can start developing this skill by staying informed about industry trends, being open to feedback, and being willing to learn and try new things.
Furthermore, musicians should also learn to use tools and techniques that can help them adapt to changes, such as market research tools, music production software, and digital marketing platforms.
Always being up-to-date with all aspects of music industry trends and/or digital technology will also be beneficial to a sustainable music career.
In conclusion, the music industry is not just about creating beautiful melodies and compelling lyrics. It’s also about understanding the business side of things.
By thinking like business owners and developing these key entrepreneurial skills, musicians can navigate the challenges of the music industry, make strategic decisions, and ultimately, achieve greater success in their musical journey.
So, embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, and let it guide you to the high notes of your music career.
