Another tough one to swallow (but sometimes the Truth hurts)…

Another RandomStarMusic.com Critic’s insight…

With knowing the difference between these two, you’re ahead of the rest…

Just in case you’re tired of hearing what I have to say, here’s a Critic from RandomStarMusic.com…

Without this TidBit…you’re just spinning your wheels and going nowhere.  Let’s move forward with TidBit#4…

May not like this one too much, but I wouldn’t steer you wrong…=)

Advice TidBit #2…

Here is the first piece advice that I have for Indie Talent (Artists/Models) in the journey from beginning to SUCCESS: TidBit #1…

…is the ability to create CONTROL within and for their company.  After being absent for a year from this blog, I’ve been gone doing just that.

Random Star Music is no different than any other company out there.  You have your highs, and you have your lows; there’s ups and downs; there are the “when will this happen” moments and there are the “OMGoodness, can I keep up with this” thoughts; and every once and awhile, if you are persistent in being productive, you’ll have a situation where someone will offer a helping hand.  In the case if the “helping hand”, be cautious if you’re accepting the assistance for the NOW or for the LATER.  Here’s why…

When I started RSM (Random Star Music), I began in the same direction that most individuals start in: looking for venture capital.  It took YEARS.  Years of paperwork, meeting people, countless business plans, projections, dealing with people who never called back, all while continuing to move RSM in the direction I wanted and modifying/developing the company to “blend” with a changing market.  EXHAUSTING is the only way to describe the experience in hindsight.  But when you want it, you want it, right??

Well the days came where the persistence paid off…and they weren’t all they were cracked up to be.

Some offered a good amount of money, but wanted a good amount of ownership.  Some, a poor amount of money, for a good amount of ownership (but none for a good amount of money, for a poor amount of ownership).

To say the least…I didn’t accept any.  Not because RSM was making a trillion dollars month, but because of an article that I read about Friendster founder, Jonathan Abrams awhile back (before Facebook-mania and when MySpace was in the process of dominating social media).  In a nutshell, the article stated how he was giving suggestions (pretty much the answer) on their “searching/query” process issue, how the executives (who bought into the company, not founders) ignored him and persisted to do it “their” way.  Well you see where they are now, compared to where they were.  You’re not going to listen to the creator/visionary of a phenomenon (at the time social networking was considered that)??

I’m not saying that a creator/founder has all the answers, or can match the experience of accomplished executives and board members.  However, if Time has shown us anything, sometimes “Crazy” works, creativity is the answer, or that others see in a perspective that the common individual misses.

I’m not right ALL the time (just most..haha) and don’t expect for my view to be law (unless it needs to be) but I expect my suggestions to be tested.  I’m a believer in “bouncing ideas”, gathering perspectives, analysis from others different from me AND THEN we make a decision (key word “WE”).  And as an entrepreneur, I suggest that you do the same.  Would you work at a company where no matter what you said, no one listened? -Employees have to deal with that regardless and some don’t mind-

So if losing your grip on your company is something you want to avoid, implement systems or ideals that allow you to do so.  Work hard at building a consistent revenue stream (this is the best way, because you can show YOUR idea works); work diligently to get your company where you NEED outside funding vs starting the development of your company with outside funding; and definitely, if the terms don’t “feel right” (not to be confused with nervousness), or your gut gives you the “uneasy” feeling…DON’T DO IT!  Understand that as an entrepreneur, you can CREATE opportunities with your company…you don’t have to wait on them.

Social Media sites…you gotta love ‘em.  So much in fact that I believe the time will come where we start to hate ‘em. 

Why?  Because they’re going to die out?  Not necessarily.  Because everybody is doing it?  Eh, gets annoying for companies who have no need for such a site (like a tire company) but not a strong enough reason, perse’, to plan Social Media’s demise.  Then why?  Why will we start hating them?  Advertisments!

The Ad-based only structure is the most annoying setup for a social networking site.  You have ads to the left, to the right, up top, down below, popping up in the middle of what you’re reading, survey of stupid sh*t that you could care less about, etc.  You can’t sneeze without seeing an ad; blink without accidently clicking one because now they move around; or stay excited about the initial visit due to the damn “commercial-break, screen-sized movie” ad before getting to what you’re visiting the site for!  However, in their defense (of some) these sites need a way to generate revenue to survive.  They have costs, just like any other business, that has to be paid monthly, semi-monthly, or annually.  So I’m not bashing their stategy, I’m just asking for more individuals who own/supervise this type of company to BE CREATIVE!

Be creative, work a little, hell…stress a little over “what the hell is this company about?”.  But considering we’re in the “microwave” era where society suffers from the “Givemenow” epidemic (myself included sometimes), this may be a far stretch bordering miracle request.  “Why make a million dollars actually having to work, when I can copy-cat?”  To some, that’s the same as:  Why make a buck working construction in 110 degree heat, when I can make that same money in air conditioning and at a desk?  Touche’….kinda.

But besides the obvious difference of physical labor and creative labor, this example isn’t exactly identical to the topic I’m addressing here, but has a major similiarity.  It’s WORK!  The reason it doesn’t directly relate, is because with physical labor, your health is affected.  Thinking creatively runs you little risk of having a body part severed (however, if you know of a time where thinking outside the box cost someone a leg, please leave a comment so we know to avoid that industry).

Anyway, the point here is, I don’t want RandomStarMusic.com to fall into the typical social media site revenue structure of old.  That too shall pass.  What is a company without organic growth and revenue?  A waste of time…eventually.  Need an example?  The DOT COM bubble burst.  Those with substance, outside of the “copy-cat” technique, survived when most of their counter-parts died screaming.  Those without substance…died screaming…or quietly because they couldn’t afford to scream (PA system was repoed).

Anyways, although I desire to create RSM’s own revenue stream outside of advertising revenue, I have main points that I’ll keep in place to maintain the current culture of RandomStarMusic.com.  Couple examples include that: RandomStarMusic.com will remain free for Artists, Models, and Critics; a simple, fast and easy sign up process remains in effect; and making sure that all who sign up continue to benefit from their membership with the company.  Simple aspects to contine but may come under scrutiny as the company grows (from players from behind the scene, not community members).  But unfortunately for them (backstage players), I’ve made up my mind to keeping these values.  (I got ya back members!)

So as a wrap would go…be creative.  Understand that some things will have to change from the origianl plan in order for this to work, but the core concept shouldn’t.  Don’t be afraid of a little work.  Hell, sometimes that’s the only aspect of life that keeps us real and makes living a relative experience, both personally and professionally.