Michael Bethany is a man of power and influence who toggles between roles of husband, father, leader, and artist.   He is a native of St. Louis, Missouri and resident of Dallas, Texas.   In the role of marriage there are obvious negotiations being conducted.  Similar deals occur as a father but all negotiations have rules and in the role of leader and artist there are several best practices at play when Michael Bethany is solidifying a deal.

Michael Bethany served as General Manager of Fred Hammond Family Entertainment (FHFE) oversight of daily operations, product development, and vendor management of merchants and retailers for a number of years.  During his tenure negotiations and deal making were primary activities to development a successful methodology for critical contracts.  “Everyone wants something for nothing because the risk is that they will invest in something that may not sell” says Bethany.  Because of this fact it is critical to negotiate for the winning situation for each party.  To ensure product is available to the market it is critical for merchants to purchase in bulk but most retailers begin negotiation to purchase small at wholesale rates, which limits their risk of exposure. 

The key to successful negotiations is in knowing your opponent.  Bethany recalls that becoming familiar with the other party will open the door to familiarity.  Defenses are minimal and the interest to partner is more apparent than the need for product placement.  A long-term relationship or brand alignment is more valuable than the units to be sold.  When merchants adopt an artist they become a resource to connect fans directly to the artists music, literature, or films.  To accomplish this may mean that you allow merchants to enter into a consignment deal instead of the standard retail purchase agreements.  The focus has to remain on the product and not solely on the interests of both parties to accomplish the sale of the artist product. 

The experience as General Manager at FHFE has benefited his role as Executive Worship Director at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship here in Dallas, Texas.  His management of people and scheduling of all creative aspects of fellowship at the church has opened doors for additional deal making and negotiations of existing and potential future contracts.  Having these responsibilities also open the door for conflicts while doing business in a Christian environment. Dealings in this space can’t be harsh or filled with haggling because it can have rippling effects spiritually.  However, its still important to be prepared before negotiations and concentrating on the opportunities at stake and mitigating risk for both parties. 

Crowdfunding…

With the current climate of lending being less liberal having more stringent criteria it is nearly impossible to finance your business, project, or idea without depleting your personal savings.  The U.S. economy has been hit with such huge impacts in the primary and secondary market that lending institutions are less likely to fund dreams or buy into ideas that show no profit potential.  Crowdfunding has the latest tool in fundraising innovation that can help raise capital to fund your project or business.  Currently the American securities laws will not allow for contributors to secure a return on projects funded by crowd funding but this concept is largely accepted in the U.K. and Australia according to Business Lawyer, Mark Mohler.  

Full Sail University Program Director, Ron Cook, shares his thoughts on crowdfunding and its affect on the entertainment business.  Cook explains that this is a way of expanding your family network of financial contributors that are connected with your purpose and dream and is not considered a loan but a donation of purpose.  The power of this tool has immediate benefits.  Your mission is funded, all donations are acknowledged, and each giver now has personally attached to your mission as a result of the tier level descriptions for each gift. 

Donation and rewards based funding is largely accepted and gaining momentum across the country among several platforms. Indigogo, Kickstarter, and RocketHub that are high grossing crowdfunding platforms with variances in commission, disbursement criteria and published releases.  Approximately 43% of projects are funded according to Kickstarter and half were less than $10,000.  John Nash, course director at Full Sail University, mentions success in crowdfunding happens when you consider what’s important to the funder.  He states that the “crowd” in crowdfunding is the most important component of this practice.  Each giver that connects to your mission is now connected to the execution of your project through shared ideas and best practices highlighted in a compelling story.   

As the use of crowdfunding becomes more widespread among entrepreneurs and within our economy it is possible that more laws will be created to protect the investor and subject to federal regulations. The more we move away from the conventional practices of lending without credit, collateral, and record of success it is possible that contributors will begin to consider the limitations in donating funds without the benefits of being an investor.  Governing authorities may insert practices to ensure that raising capital independently of lending institutions may have adverse affects for the project owner, but for now crowdfunding is clearly a depository for donations among contributors with shared goals and likeness of mind.

Influence

From the time I was 10 years old I have heard that I possess wisdom beyond my years.  It has been gift and curse because some cannot determine my age at first glance and those that are familiar with my age perceive my views as weighted.  I choose to find value in my innate abilities to question what is in front of me, hear what is not said, and see what is not in front of me.  I enjoy discernment and live naturally in a spiritual state that relies on something greater than myself for inspiration and direction. 

In viewing TED Speaker, Jessica Jackley, I have connected with her views on poverty, money, and love.  At the core of her message we are reminded that social media messages have influenced our decisions to sow seed in the ground to reap a harvest of change.  If we are seen performing a task in accordance with moral laws we can free ourselves from the burdens that are often portrayed in the images we see of poverty.  We are often shown the existing lack and not the resource to remove lack from the equation. 

I think its compelling that our view on poverty is controlled by media.  Chris Anderson said it best when he described that our brains are processing more data through video than transcripts.  By being able to access experts through video has opened our minds to achievement.  Innovation is within us and now within reach.  Not only can we change the images of poverty but we can also share new images of innovation in the midst of poverty. 

We have the power to change the image of lack with a name, a place, or a new idea.  We can also discover that once we put ourselves in the midst of poverty that we will be reminded of our power to influence the definitions of lack and how the worlds sees it.  Africa as we view it is now synonymous with HIV/AIDS, and filth inspiring giving through an appeal to the abundance of bare necessities easily accessible in other countries.  Africa through the eyes of an African will prove that they too are influenced through the messages they receive from around the globe. 

The Internet has provided and on going dialogue among people around the world.  Everyday millions of people are able to post an idea or message to any group of people.  To influence the world we must decide to teach from our own expertise which includes the growth from our initial place as a novice by sharing the inward journey through our own discernment and voice leading us to address our feelings about the negative images we see and where to sow our seed. As we continue to process information we can inspire others and obtain cause or cash investors for our own mission. 

#InvitedbyShySpeaks EP Release Prep, Show, and Encore

The last few months have been extraordinary.  I'm amazed at what has been accomplished by Tenth Child Inc in such a short span of time.  Preparing for the EP Release of ShySpeaks has been an exciting run filled with many tasks, managing moving parts, and a prayer to seal the deal.  

From the time we began planning this event it was apparent that a lot would ride on the success of this EP launch.  Initially the artist wanted the EP to be a free download and a gift to her fans to keep them interested. After encouraging Shy to allow me to introduce her to the world with a fresh sound and new brand she agreed to treat this as if it were a new introduction to ShySpeaks.  

We agreed to take her stage performance from energetic to captivating by adding live elements to her show.  By using her performance tracks as a guide we added singers, drums, keys, and a bass player as musical director.  Thaddeus Tribbett is most known for being music director for his Grammy Award Winning brother Tye Tribbett.  He currently tours with Jill Scott and Maxwell which makes him the perfect candidate to bring out the best in ShySpeaks music.  The singers and musicians are also up and coming artists looking to take their skill to a professional level and wanted to be apart of this experience.

The next step was to redesign the artist website.  We added new graphics and high resolution photos and social media feeds to bring her site to industry standards.  We had to conduct research to get the most out of the website functionality with a restricted budget.  My goal with this assignment was to invest in things that we can have multipurpose use.  So the photo shoot would provide content for the album cover, website, and electronic press kit.  

The promotional video was created the same night as the branding photo shoot and a personal invitation teaser to be leaked to fans to anticipate the final body of work now known as Invited.  I tend to ration content little by little to keep a professional appearance as new opportunities comes.  So far the strategy is paying off.  ShySpeaks has received an overwhelming response to her new brand.  And the feedback has been overwhelming for Tenth Child Inc.  The industry is recognizing our signature and it feels incredible.  

The photos attached are a reminder of the hard work, sleepless nights, disagreements, tears, and prayers that have sealed ShySpeaks and Tenth Child Inc on this journey to platinum.  It takes courage and commitment to be broken and restored.  Artists should see themselves in their brand.  A brand must have the ability to evolve.  A manager, artist developer, or branding strategist must be able to create the model experience for the artist to deliver commitment in an instant.  Tenth Child Inc is a capable of building, launching, and managing any artist brand.

Now it's time for an encore!  Consider yourself #Invited.

Live footage coming soon...

Photos by Faith Anderson

Album Art by Collette Presley

Industry Research: Music in Our Schools, Distribution, Entertainment Education in Brand Management, and Virtual Artist Management

Music in Our Schools

I was very fortunate to grow up in a city that inspired children to reach the highest level of talent imaginable.  As the daughter of a teacher I have spent many days preparing myself for college and life after school.  Having grown up in a family of musicians and singers it has been a natural progression for me to sing and play the piano. In high school my teacher, Janice Bayouth, was a major influence in my life.  She encouraged me to embrace being in the company of creative people.  Ms. Bayouth is still my teacher, counselor, and mentor.  She nurtured me through all of my insecurities with music performance.  Regardless of the applause from the crowd I lived for her approval. 

Because of this experience I am advocate for the school of performing arts.  With the economic decline in our nation funding for music and fine arts are limited and diminished in priority throughout out our national public schools systems.  Disney Performing Arts is an advocate for the Music in Our Schools efforts and partners to award teachers and institutions with recognition and finances to support create efforts.  Recording Artist, Danielle Bradbery, has been featured on the 2014 promotional tour to bring awareness to this issue.  The performing arts program at Disney has inspired me as a talent recruiter.  It is necessary that talent can reflect the mission and importance of achieving the highest expectations for our children.  Exploring every opportunity in creative arts will inspire discipline, harmony, and happiness among our youth.   Since 2009 public school systems have reported an increase in the dropout rate and test scores.  According to the New York Times, studies have shown that there is a direct link between music and literacy and believe that removal of these programs in our schools should be reconsidered and treated a vital programs for the next generation of youth.

This information will help me execute a plan to launch an awareness campaign to keep music and fine arts at the helm of public school funding. With March being the month designated for this cause I can begin building corporate sponsorships and plan a campaign to inspire charitable donations and bring awareness through artist performances.   My initial campaign will start with developing an online platform to receive donations and provide live stream performances through online media.  Having identified existing music appreciation models has inspired me to action.  I am now aware that this issue is at the forefront of several institutions and that my contribution will further this cause.

Distribution

Live entertainment is now available online through cable providers.  Subscribers have the ability to access programs online as a result of their subscription.  In prior years this activity did not require authentication from the viewer.  Cable providers who have merged with television networks risking inflation of prices to consumers of nearly 121%. In 2013, TimeWarner Cable resolved its issues with CBS in after refusing to pay a significant fee to transmit CBS signals resulting in an increased payment to subscribers. 

Independent artists and filmmakers have been given the opportunity to avoid the corporate monopoly by creating live performances to be viewed via live stream on platforms such as stageit.com and YouTube.  Through this platform performers are afforded the opportunity to sell tickets to live performances creating a revenue stream for themselves.   Similar to Vevo, the artist can control live performance videos provided to audiences across the globe without the ability to archive each recording for future view.  However, artists have the ability to use another digital platform that will reach anyone with a smart mobile device.  Consumers have the opportunity to either determine the ticket price and/or purchase the experience as advertised.  The benefit to the artist is that can promote an album free of the expense of travel to new markets.  The concept of this idea translated to television networks is an idea to be considered. 

Just as Sony Entertainment and Universal Music Group hasuse YouTube as a tool for artist recruitment and marketing, television networks can use similar platforms to select live performances for the music channel bundles to be sold and distributed worldwide.   Should recruiters adopt this practice more independent artists would subscribe to the use of digital tools and consumers would gain access to new and innovative talents giving digital platforms the opportunity to provide reporting to every chart within the Nielson rating system.  Knowing this information will assist in endeavors to pioneer a new movement for independent artists to expand revenue and market reach from free media solutions to television.

Entertainment Education in Brand Management

The entertainment industry is a demanding industry.  Some refer to it as cutthroat while other industry’s frown at the freedom of expression while parallel industries partner to bring awareness to their missions.  New artists/athletes are often thrown into fame with only a surface view of the responsibility to model appropriate behavior maintaining a positive image.  Overnight success translates to infinite access to people, power, and money.  As brand identity is defined, so should education be provided to new artists and athletes launched in entertainment. 

Performers should know why celebrity sells and how to secure and maintain endorsements.  A DualEntertainment Path Model of Brand Endorsement was created to display the correlation between the consumers emotional needs and the assignment of endorsements to superior celebrities.   This model considers the entertainment value to the fullest.  Consumers and their interest are the basis on which this model is created and used to determine a successful brand.   The recent deal between Beats Music and Apple Inc. is said to the largest acquisition in Apple’s history.  As a result of consumer interest in the headphones, Apple has set its eyes to purchase the headphone and digital music streaming service for $3.2 billion dollars.  This deal is a great example of how consumer interests play a significant role in brand success. 

Entertainers should determine short and long term goals.  Managers should choose clients who have realistic long term goals and are prepared to not only excel at their craft but also in creating an iconic brand.   Brand development should evolve over time and with consideration to the consumer base.  Consequences of disappointing consumers can be fatal to a career.  Managers of high school recruits scouted for national leagues and newly discovered artists can benefit from knowing this model intimately and preparing themselves for a highly favored yet scrutinized future with consumers of their craft and corporations.  Further study and exposure of this tool may lead to the development strategy to develop a model for independent artists seeking endorsements.

Virtual Artist Management

Independent artist have need of organization.  These artists are unique in the fact that they operate as record label without the capital to penetrate the market through mass publication and distribution.  As software is developed for proprietary use the need to manage a career according to industry standard still exists for unsigned artists.  Artist Growth is software now available to new artists and some major labels.  This tool can assist in the organization of finances, merchandise, calendar events and more.

This tool will be instrumental for virtual artist management for a TENTH CHILD INC.  Use of this tool can support salary demands up to and above $90K according to Bureauof Labor Statistics. To management multiple artists with equivalent needs at various stages of their career is a strong feet.  A key characteristic of a manager is the ability to navigate in entertainment business is the ability to manage and promote the artist’s career and protect assets.  The artist growth management tool creates an intimate view to be shared to administrators and public view to band members.  Artist Growth is unique in the sense that it provides an education in financial management, social imprinting and tour scheduling.

Tenth Child Inc will develop a plan for virtual artist management to expand market reach nationally.  Upon completion of this plan the company will open artist roster to candidates across the United States within the scope of entertainment.  By adopting a system of record for all clients the ability to streamline multiple artist management is now possible.