Creating Positive Memories

One of the greatest gifts in life is the ability to take your experiences and share them with the rest of the world through creative ventures.   Many people get overwhelmed at the thought of writing a book, producing a movie, or writing a song.  Some of the best ways that I have been able to find clarity in projecting my ideas in all of these are to take things step by step.  The internet is one of the greatest tools used to make these ideas come to life.  However useful the tools that we have available to us, we still need the right people in the right place to make your thoughts a reality.

  Breaking down the big picture into small attainable and realistic goals seems to be one of the most helpful ways that I have been able to achieve them.  When I mention having the right people in the right place, I mean allowing the experts that have the expertise in the industry to do their jobs.  We live in an age that has abundant opportunity so that we can do many things ourselves.  Part of being a leader is in knowing and understanding where the best use of your time is.  When it comes to publishing a book there are so many helpful companies out there that will do this at a financial cost to your project, however one must also consider other risks involved such as giving up your copyright.

Authors completing any creative work should always keep in mind their ultimate goals.  If the goal is to reach the mass market and quickly by a set period of time, one would consider weighing their options to find the choice thats most suitable to that need. Another challenge that creative people find is during certain periods of their life, is how to take their company to the next level.  A great book that I found to be extremely helpful is Good to Great by Jim Collins.

We all want and desire for our creative works to become huge successes but we must also consider the risks associated with that.  We must have the drive, passion, and a huge WHY we do what we do.  It is this reason that will bring one through the tides of change for our companies.

Literary Publishing Blog

There are aproximately over 7 billion people in the world, according to the World Population Clock.  In our journey in this life, we meet thousands if not millions of people that we have interacted with, had a short conversation with, or that we have worked with.  There are some that become friends for moments, years, and for our whole life.  Have you wondered how many opportunities that may have been passed up to get to know one so special and dear to us that it was an absolute gift just having them be there?  Scientists are now saying that our life expectancy here on earth is about 69 years.

So in this 69 years on average that we have to live, how can we make the most of it?  The answer to this question resides so deep down that only we can unravel it.  Making the most of it to ME may be completely different to someone else.  If we be sure that where we are today could have been altered by ONE SINGLE life event that changed our course, what if we knew those alternative choices RIGHT AT THE TIME OF the choice?  Lastly, what if we knew that EVERY drop of energy altered waves of energy that changed others lives in a lasting, positive way?  Take a moment to watch this quick video that I found to be so powerful that in just a few short moments, you will look at life differently.

I am here to present to you a new book series called "Ripple".  Award Winning author, Dawn Closson, interviews thousands of people while she travels the nation that all have a story to tell.  We can and have learned a lot from those that become huge successes, such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.  There are billions of others in the world that have a voice and want to share it with you!  If you were chosen to write your story, what would you have to say?  What if the choices that we took were  linked into others path so that you too, could become all that God set out for your life?  Dawn Closson, helps engage others in a therapeutic style to place pieces together and grant access to the largest kind of love in life.  Stories of lost loved ones found again, tragedy, forgiveness, healing, and power all come from the internal depths of our heart.  She uncovers the truth to love, and brings hope as well as light to the beautiful eyes she meets with every story that is told.  What is your story?

Industry Expert Blog

Legal liabilities are concerns for new startup companies.  In the entertainment industry there are many that need to be addressed and companies must have a strategy on combating them.  The Entertainment Law Update Podcast by Gordon Fire mark is a great podcast to keep updated on the newest legal concerns in the entertainment industry.  Podcast# 43 “No copyright Sherlock?” mentions a case of copyright infringement.  William Faulkner estate sues Sony for using a nine- word quote from a Faulkner novel.  The quote says, “The past is not dead. Actually it’s not even past” is paraphrased in the movie Midnight in Paris.  The court dismissed this motion in favor of Sony, which could not find similarity enough to enforce the lawsuit actions.    Gordon Firemark gives other examples of similar examples of copyright infringement cases.  Other publishing companies have been challenged with this issue.  New startup companies need to ensure that any copyright is filed with the Copyright Office in a timely manner to prevent others from using the work.    The United StatesCopyright Office gives clear instructions on how to register, and even provide user-friendly videos to help authors to protect their work.

The next podcast # 44 by GordonFiremark discusses crimes, FOIA, and blurred lines.  In this podcast it discussed a lady wanting to use the song “Happy Birthday” in her movie to discuss the history of it.  Nelson contacted the one who had the rights to it, and was “quoted a licensing fee of over $1,500”(Firemark, 2013).  Warner Chapel had control over the exclusive rights of the song and melody however after much research, she found that the melody and lyrics itself were not copyrighted formally and should be use for the public.  Warner Chapel Music did not challenge her evidence but was just trying to decrease the lawsuit amounts.  Here again we tend to see copyright issues even with the very basic songs we have known for years.  The legal requirement to file a lawsuit is that a copyright must be properly registered in a timely manner.  This decision was dismissed.   According to copyright.gov (2013) “A work of authorship is in the “public domain” if it is no longer under copyright protection or if it failed to meet the requirements for copyright protection. Works in the public domain may be used freely without the permission of the former copyright owner”.  A new start up company must be able to differentiate what is truly illegal to use and what is public domain.  Hiring an entertainment lawyer can help with understanding the differences and ensure that the company is following standard operating procedures and preventing it from getting into litigations.

The last podcast #33 from Gordon Firemark is about many cases of copyright infringement, trademark infringement and a cease and desist letter sent from Jack Daniels lawyer, Christy Susman to author Patrick Wensink who wrote Broken Piano for President.  Jack Daniels claims that the front cover of the author’s book resembled the label for Daniel’s whiskey.  The letter, which went viral about how nice it was but also firm, allowed the author to know that the company needed to protect its trademark from being weakened.  Laws and regulations are put in place to be followed.  Companies must be on the lookout for anyone that may try to use their brand to their advantage either for monetary reasons or for the association with the brand.  How can companies do this?  Watching your competitors and doing careful market research can lead to results.  Companies should hire specialists that will constantly be on the lookout for any infringement cases that may cause the brand to be weakened.

References:

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-definitions.html

http://firemark.com/2012/08/07/entertainment-law-update-episode-33-cease-and-desist-but-nicely/

http://firemark.com/2013/09/25/entertainment-law-update-podcast-44-crimes-foia-and-blurred-lines/

http://firemark.com/2013/08/14/episode-43-no-copyright-sherlock/

http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/jack_daniels_cease-and-desist_letter_goes_viral_for_being_exceeedingly_poli/

 Image Reference:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://i.huffpost.com/gen/698330/thumbs/o-JACK-DANIELS-BOOK-COVER-570.jpg%3F1&imgrefurl=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/23/jack-daniels-book-cover_n_1696453.html&h=421&w=570&sz=133&tbnid=WBKeTc4Vny6WZM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=122&zoom=1&usg=__ChNh81c7MfM8aKlFAZj2q4ubFTU=&docid=pYxR-sUWhOK0gM&sa=X&ei=k4uSUt-XBOnY2wXv44DYBw&ved=0CFEQ9QEwBA

Artist Management

Artist Management Or Artist Marriagement?

  A recent theory (Allen, 2007) states that  “An artist manager must know absolutely everything about the artist’ life”.  When looking at Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs we can see that certain needs must be met in an order before fulfillment of the next.  In order for an artist to reach their fullest potential and self-actualize, the manager must move with them.  A manager must understand every aspect of an artist life because it all affects their performances in one way or another.  An example of this would be in that the artist’ personal life with their spouse can be reflected in their performances. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs

How much information is too much?  Would not one consider it a liability to release this to someone who could possibly use it in future for their own advantage by sharing it with the world either through print, media, or other source?  This all boils down to the level of trust between the two.  A contract between the manager and artist must clarify every detail possible to prevent any litigation issues in the future. 

Too much information would create an injustice for negation and leverage.  The manager could have so much information it would make it hard for the artist to

Negotiate because they also do not have the leverage that is needed.   So the solution is a Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs management questionnaire.

There is not one part of an artist life that a manager does not encounter on a daily basis.  The directing and guiding from the manager comes into play to help ensure the success of the artist. 

The closest analogy of an artist and the manager is that of a good marriage. According to Xavier(2004)  “To succeed, it takes a lot of hard work along with a willingness to communicate, compromise, and change as the relationship grows and new challenges are presented.  Above all, a good marriage requires a strong sense of mutual trust and the ability to see things are they are”. 

An artist must have a passion driven deep from an intrinsic motivation.  An artist must master their work but also know the “Why” they work so hard doing what they do.  A great manager will help guide the artist even during the deepest and darkest part of the career.  During the hard times the artist may need reminders that they are serving a greater purpose larger than themselves.  A great artist will play many roles as a friend, business coach, and risk taker. 

In essence, the success of the manager is completely dependent upon the success of the artist.  Both roles are crucial and they both must mutually understand, and trust one another.  An example of how a manager is a direct reflection upon the career of an artist can be seen with PDiddy’s managers all whom have gone to jail.   PDiddy’s bad choices of managers have reflected upon his career negatively and prevented him to reach his fullest potential.  Artists must be good judges of character and managers must understand their servant type position for the artist.  This can cause one to humble himself or herself before the artist but also have a strong desire to see to it that above everything, the artist will succeed.   

Negotiation Tactics

The first video that I watched was related to entrepreneurship and negotiation as a supplement to our material at Full Sail University.  What I learned from this first video was that if we don’t write stuff down, negotiations go smoother if everything is written down, every time you have a meeting.  Some advice given was to write a quick email about what came from the meeting and having one spot with a folder with all of the correspondence regarding each project.  They discuss that if a negotiation can not be made, that utilizing BATNA(Best Alternative To A Negotiated Agreement will be a course of action taken to fall back on.  The first thing the video talks about is to develop a list of actions to take, converting the best alternatives into action, and lastly, selecting which option is the best.  When you go into negotiation you and the client wants to get the best out of it but if nothing can be reached, then you have a dilemma.  This strategy is a great way to come to a common ground.  Being aware of the best alternative is crucial to the success of the negotiation process.

When it comes to operating my own organizations, I will need top- notch negotiation skills to compile my product lines, and deals with real estate.  I may not always be able to come to a definite negotiation agreement with my suppliers, or with banks regarding a piece of property.  I will utilize BATNA negotiation to use for the more difficult negotiations where both of us cannot come to an agreement about an offer or cost for my organization.  By finding the BATNA, both sides can be mutually satisfied. 

The next video I watched was a TED talks with William Ury, “The walk from no to yes”.  William describes how we deal with our deepest differences.  He also mentions that it is extremely easy for us as humans to react, but urges us to sit down and talk about things.  We should come to a perspective that we are able to keep our eyes on the prize.  In positional bargaining we look at a series of positions and alternative solutions while ordering them sequentially according to the desired outcome.  This is then sent to the other party to reach an agreement

I may have to utilize positional bargaining if my resource that is being negotiation is limited to time, money, or some sort of psychological benefit.   I may also have to utilize positional bargaining in my real estate company because the other party(banker, investor, etc.) may want to maximize the share of a fixed sum of money.  If I were to put in for an offer for a piece of property that is below what the bank is asking for it, I may need to utilize this negotiating strategy.  The bank wants a lump fixed sum and I am trying to negotiate them down.  Lastly, positional bargaining can be used when current of future relationships have a lower priority than the immediate gains from the negotiation.   If my current bargaining tool is considered to not have enough leverage with the other party, I may not get the intended results of the negotiation.

The last video that I watched was a Debra Stevens negotiation skills video. She is the owner and coach at Dramatic Training Solutions.  Her company is a leader of sales and management training in the UK.  She reveal’s some great thoughts about handling dirty tricks in negotiation. 

There are a number of dirty tricks that the other party may impose in a negotiation. Some of these are threats, exaggerated assertions, chicken, bogey, intimidation, and take it or leave it, to name just a few.  How one handles these dirty tricks can determine the success of a negotiated agreement.  Some of these dirty tricks may require us to separate one self and emotions from the problem and even call the opponent out on their tactics.  The first step is to recognize it, the second is to ensure the party understands that dirty tricks are not to be tolerated.

Personally, I have dealt with many of these dirty tricks.  Recognizing them seemed to be half of the battle to reaching a conclusion and having the opponent know that its unacceptable.  I realize the deeper my businesses penetrate the market, which I will have to uncover many of these tricks for what they are.  In negotiating contracts for an artist, or for my parts from my suppliers.  Calling the opponents bluff will toughen my skin to ensure that as a professional business woman, that I will not tolerate being walked over.  I need to stand firm on my values, morals, and ethics, in my organizations, and need to oppose anything contrary to them. In doing so, my employees, and the stakeholders of the company will develop a deeper respect for the organization.