Easy Access into the Music Industry

The emergence of online digital outlets has made it easier to break into the music industry. Technology has given music artists an easy pass into their dreams. It is much easier to get a record deal then it was a decade ago. With artist being able to record their music at home on a laptop and distribute it all over the web there are reduced barriers to music creation and distribution. In my opinion the emergence of technology has watered down music on all levels. Technology has taken the essence out of music, I think if the industry wants to see a turn around it has to concentrate more on artist development. Just because a person can make music at home on their computer doesn’t make them a complete artist. The consumer is downloading a song without even seeing an image of the artist. I can remember before you even heard a song from an artist you would know a brief background of where he or she came from.

I think the most important thing music executives need to figure out is: How to get music to fans in a way that makes sense and without losing money. The only suggestion that I have is for the industry to convert over to a digital industry. By this I mean concentrate more on the digital sales and not necessarily the tangible CD. I see the CD going out of existence in the next ten years and music solely being digital. With iPods and cell phones being able to play music the consumer has no need to have a CD anymore. Unfortunately, music artist will have to continue to find creative ways to sell their music until someone finds a way to stop piracy and the leaking of albums. The most creative thing for an artist to do is find something that coincides with the release of their album and join forces to generate a buzz and sales.

http://techcrunch.com/2009/03/08/big-music-will-surrender-but-not-until-at-least-2011/

Funding Options For Starting A Business

There are numerous options to choose from when selecting financing for starting a business. The Community Development Venture Capital (CDVC) is a source that provides funds to businesses in underinvested markets. The CDVC has helped over 100 companies with financing over the last decade, and provides its members with funding opportunities that are affordable. I believe the CDVC is an excellent option for a business with not a lot of cash on hand. If someone has a solid business plan that shows solid financial returns the CDVC will help with investments. 

Another financing option is the National Community Investment Fund (NCIF). This seems to be a good option for a business owner that is associated with a partnering bank affiliated with the (NCIF). The NCIF invests in banks and credit unions that generate both financial and social returns.

I noticed that to obtain financing from the majority of these private funds the individual must have moderate to low income. I think this makes sense because if a person is in the high-income bracket there is no need for financing. I think one of the big things that investors look for in the business plan is the risk of the investment. There is no such thing is a business with no risk. I feel that if you don’t discuss the risk with the investor they will assume you haven’t thought about the risk and not be willing to loan you money.

Another site that can help with starting your business is SBA.gov. They help business owners to determine their financial needs. The SBA gives small businesses a voice within the federal government. The SBA does not directly loan money to businesses, but they play an important role to make sure you are represented in a way that will aid you in the loan process. I feel this is one of the best options for small business owners specifically because they focus on obtaining loans from the banks for small businesses.