Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Swan, CEO of Soul Motivation Records, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run a record company called Soul Motivation Records. We provide positive, inspirational hip-hop music to music fans who are tired of constant negativity in their music. We want to be a source of hope and inspiration to those who are struggling.
Tell us about yourself
I started piano lessons when I was 5. I started writing my own songs a few years later. And I have been a professional musician since the age of 12. I have gotten to do a lot of cool things because of music, like tour the world, be on a movie soundtrack, appear on the Disney channel, open for some big bands, and a lot more! That's all been fun, but the biggest motivator for me is using music to help others. Music always gave me hope and a way to express myself. The more I learn about music, the more I realize its power to change our lives. Music has saved me so many times I can't count. Now I want to do the same thing for others.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think just getting up every day and not giving up when it's hard is a big accomplishment. We can do anything if we don't stop. The only way you truly fail is to quit.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Time management. When you own a business, you have to do everything. It's hard to manage your time. But you just have to pick your priorities and build a team as soon as you can to help you.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be sure you know why you are doing what you do - you'll have to hold onto this when it gets hard.
- Start simple and bootstrap - don't take on a lot of investors or debt - fund your business by the revenue you create.
- Build a team - you won't be able to do it all alone, so start looking for ways to build a strong team.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.soulmotivationrecords.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulmorecords/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamchrisswan/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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