Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Adam McInnis, Owner of The Billboard 500 Club.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Billboard 500 Club is an online music community that provides a safe and motivating space where upcoming musicians can be mentored by Award Winning Producers, Songwriters, and Executives. We foster recording collaborations and demo critiques, which allow musicians to build large-high-quality catalogs fast without going into debt. Our worldwide club also provides artists with a trusted way to pitch and place songs directly to TV, Film, Video Games, Commercials, and Trailers so they can make a full-time living from their music.
Tell us about yourself
I am an award-winning songwriter and producer who's seen every angle of the music business over the last 20 years. As my career rose in success, I assumed I would run into less drama in the business; however, I was wrong. In fact, I found out that the bigger the deals became, the more clear it was to see the cracks in the music industry. From the top to the bottom of the music business, I discovered so many holes along the way. Unfortunately, these holes have allowed the industry to leak out millions of dollars and destroy so many people's dreams. My goal is to help patch those holes and create a more sustainable music industry.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I've had a lot of accomplishments as a musician myself, but I'd rather highlight our artist's accomplishments as there have been so many wins happening inside The Billboard 500 Club over the last few years. Our company has helped over 20 artists now sign contracts for TV/Film, which has been amazing to see! Some of our artists are on the radio, on tour, and working with major brands. We also just have a song land in the movie "About Fate," which was #4 on Amazon this past Christmas.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things for me to see over and over again is when people do not fully invest in themselves. There's this false idea I've seen many artists assume (perhaps because of what they see in Hollywood movies and singing show competitions), which is that they believe if they just give 50%, then somewhere along the line, a company or investor will meet them halfway and give them the other 50%. The reality is that's not how business or success works at all. What I've learned is that you have to go all in 100% of the time and find other people who are resonating at that same frequency in order to truly push things forward. I've seen too many talented people stop halfway, never getting to see what they truly could accomplish. As such, the Billboard 500 Club is for those who understand this and go all in 100% of the time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Plan for ten years ahead, nothing less. You may have to adapt or pivot, but plan as if you'll be in your business for ten years.
- Make sure you do your best to be the best in your field.
- Create your business culture around your core values. You can't please everyone, so don't try to, but if you stick true to core values, others who believe in them will believe in your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thebillboard500.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicindustrycontact
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicindustrycontact/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/musicindustryc_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/music-industry-contact/
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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