AleanElston.com

Tag: business

  • A Conversation with Mr. Over Time Grind

    It’s funny how social media can put you in contact with people you would least expect to meet. The connections that you can make, the things that you can get done in business and in life can all come about within the instance of a tweet or a Facebook comment on a post. That’s exactly how it came about that I met Mr. Over Time Grind, Mr. OTG if you will. When I came across his Twitter account I checked out his website and saw that he was a producer and fell in love with the grind and the business model of his site http://www.idoublel.com/. (Check it out you’ll see what I’m talking about) I thought why aren’t all producers/artists doing something like this and being about the business of music instead of expecting everything to be for free? I reached out to him and asked if I would pick his brain with an interview for the site and he agreed and below is a synopsis of what we talked about as, he had a lot of knowledge and experience to give. I decided to share with you all of the note worthy information, especially what is most useful for all of us who are looking to get up and get out there and make it.

    For this interview, I started it out a little differently. Instead of diving into my questions I decided to start out with questions that I had asked my Facebook friends to give me for Mr. OTG and this was his response.

    Steph W. Asks the following questions:

    What are the top 3 adversities that you have had to face in order to get to where you are today?

    Go Crazy Remix

    Well the top 3, I’d have to say would be Confidence, you know getting my confidence up in order to take some of the feedback that the industry can bring your way. As an artist you wear your creativity and your heart on your sleeve and you have to be strong to be able to accept that people may not like everything that you put out. With that I’d say that my second one is learning how to take criticism. I’ve had to come to understand that the things that people say aren’t because they don’t like what you do, it’s because they have their opinion and they just want to help to make what you are doing better. The last thing that I’ve had to overcome is learning not to dis-count anyone. I’ve learned that just because someone doesn’t have the money or connections that you are looking for doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give then a listen or a chance to hear what they have got to say. I’ve looked over a lot of quality people in the beginning who are not doing it big in the industry and realized that I’ve missed out on making a connection with them when I had the chance. So if there is anything that I really want people to know is that I’m open to talking with people and hearing what they have, you never know where it may go.

    The saying goes, “It’s not what you know it’s who you know.” Does that account for the minority or majority of your success in the industry?

    Crown +Dro

    I would say it’s definitely what you know. There are things that I didn’t know and in the industry a lot of people aren’t willing to share information about how to protect themselves and how to really make money and to continue to be a success in this industry. When I first started, I didn’t know too much about copyrighting my music, and joining ASCAP and all of that stuff on how to protect yourself and really profit from your music. There are still things I’m still learning about the business like the promotional photos, and things like that, that artists and producers need to promote themselves.

    After all you have achieved…What is your primary inspiration that allows you to continue what you do and come up with fresh concepts?

    Postman (Dirty)

    My primary inspiration comes from life. I’m a regular blue collar dude, I work with my hands and working with my music for me it’s a release. I draw inspiration from things that are going on in life around me. Like the other day I was walking towards South St. and I saw the bums on the street and I went home and worked on a song about that and how they looked to me and the struggles and the life they must go through. I’m not the type of artist that raps about the 8 cars or the huge mansion that I don’t have, that’s not who I am and that’s not what I aspire to be, I just want a good car, place to live and the things that I need to take care of, to be taken care of, and I don’t have problem working in order to get that.

    What was your most rewarding experience as a producer?

    I 2 L’s

    My most rewarding experience would have to be when my girlfriend at the time told me that she just heard one of my beats on TV, on a promo for the Tiny and Toya 2 show. I didn’t believe her when she said it then I told her to rewind it, and then I heard it! I was like WOW, and I wasn’t excited because it was playing on TV I was happy because the feedback I got from my friends and family was so positive and it was rewarding to me that people would be able to share in my music.

    Luis Y. asks:

    If the eight year old version of him was to walk up to you today, what would the eight year old version of you have to say to you today?

    84 More

    Well the 8 year old me, would probably be like, why didn’t I end up like the dudes in Hoop Dreams lol! But based on how I grew up it was kinda like that, except I got hurt and it ended my ball playing. As it turned out I had to find something else that I was good at to occupy my time and eventually it brings me to where I am today. But I think the 8 year old me would be proud of me.

    After we finished the Facebook questions I asked a few of my own, mainly about the business of his music. I started off asking how he got the name Mr. Over Time Grind.

    SO when I checked out your website, I was thoroughly impressed how you have your beats up and ready to go either for sale or for lease and you even give bundle details on the beats! When I saw that I was like he truly is Mr. OTG, this dude is not playin! [laughs] Where does that name come from and where did you get the concept for that site?!

    Novacane Remix

    Well I used to work my job all day and spend all night at home working on my website and my music to the point where when I would come into work I would have bags under my eyes and be super tired and people stated calling me Mr. Over Time Grind and the name just stuck and if been focused ever since. For the site the site came about as a way for me to promote my music and have it available for anyone who was interested. Similar to the blogs that I have, that is more about the promotional aspect and networking for my music and to give others a way to have their work out there and get attention to their music.

    What kind of success have you seen with your music being on those sites?

    Well I have been fortunate enough to now be working with Philly artist Tone Trump, I’ve had my site talked about on the Star and Buckwild show and with my own music I’ve had over 55,000 downloads of my mixtape.

    I think that I have covered everything; I know that we have covered a lot! Is there anything that you would like to mention that I may have missed?

    To Buy beats my website is www.Idoublel.com Check out my music company is www.over-time-grind.com where We do a lot of things, from Television Composition, Promotion for Tone Trump (Philly artist), Production, music, and out 3 blogs http://www.So-Stadium-Status.com, http://www.Indytrackhustle.com, and http://www.Gimmie-dat.com. And follow on twitter at @MrOTG and @idubl

     

  • Ask an Entrepreneur: Lara Georgine on How to Obtain GOOD Clients

    Throughout the start of my blog, one of my main missions is to share information about the business of business so that others may gain knowledge and insight on how I do things. Recently, I thought it would be interesting to gain the insight of other entrepreneurs like myself who would be willing to share their insight on business as well. Throughout my search I have found Lara Georgine through the popular networking site LinkedIN. I asked her if she could share how she obtains good clients and avoids the problem clients. Check out her response below and be sure to check out her blog, www.larageorgine.com/blog for even more insight on Lara and her business!

    As an entrepreneur, I gain the most customers through LinkedIn. I have joined many different groups and I post my different websites as well as my blog (which I try to keep updated weekly). I also do artwork specifically to post on other blogs to receive ping backs and/or as trade for a listing on their site(s).

    I also attend trade shows that are of interest to me and I place advertisements with Google ads, which can be great as I have received a good amount of free advertising dollars by searching the internet. I have joined some local groups which offer a link to my blog, and I respond to ads from different listing sites.

    I have been very fortunate with my clients so far, and have had few problems (knock on wood!) but I make sure that all parties are comfortable with the contract I provide. I did have to learn the hard way to make sure to have the contract there in the first place, as I had sent art work without more than a vague email, which does not hold up as a contract. I lost both my art and my client on that one.

    I have found that the most important thing is to be up front and to make sure that the client is aware of when I am available and when I am away. Not that I need to tweet them my working hours, but if there is a holiday or a long break, they must be aware as early as possible.

    Best of luck to all who are out there!

    Website: www.larageorgine.com

    Blog: www.larageorgine.com/blog

    Contact Lara via email at: lara@larageorgine.com

     

    LaraGeorgine is a Philadelphia and New York City-based fine arts professional with more than a decade of experience in art direction, graphic and textile design, illustration, and corporate identity management. Her work has been lauded by major apparel and design firms around the country, and her creative, solutions-based approach has built LaraGeorgine’s reputation as a leading independent creative professional in a diverse scope of capabilities. In addition to her portfolio at www.larageorgine.com, and her fabric line at www.spoonflower/larageorgine.com, her designs have appeared on the sales floors of some of the world’s major retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Target, Sears, Walmart, Kohl’s and others. (Taken from http://larageorgine.com)

  • Things you MUST have to be a GOOD model (Part 1)

    ANTM Cycle 7 Models (no that is not me in the top of the picture, although I do get mistaken for her a lot)

     

    I usually get a lot of questions about modeling and what it takes to get ahead in the industry. Every time I am asked I always make it a point that being a good model, means being a “model person.” What I mean by that is, be the model that you want to be. You have to model a model in order to be a good model! That means getting into the mindset of a model and executing those mannerisms in your daily life. For example, when you are starting out as a model, you might compare yourself to your favorite model. Not saying that you look like that person, but their successes and thier persona. Don’t mimic what they do, but research what it is about them that has gotten them to the point in their career that they have reached.

    Aside from the physical things that one needs in order to be a good model there are a few things from within that a model must have if they want to get ahead. One of the main things is a personality.

    Personality

    As a model, you will meet a lot of people and the key to you getting more modeling work often lies within meeting these people. You will need to be able to talk to people and project to your potential client that you are a confident and capable person. How do you do that? You have to talk and let people have a feel for the way you are!

    Strike up a conversation with someone you don’t really know at social functions. Doesn’t have to be anything deep, it could be about the weather or better yet, compliment them on something you like about their outfit. That is usually a small ice breaker that can usually get the conversation flowing, who knows where it may go.

    Another thing that most models need to be a good model is a good head on their shoulders, you have to be SMART!

    Be a smart model…

    I can’t tell you how many models I have met that seem to be the stereotype of the “DUMB” model. Very pretty but can’t count to 10 worth a damn! lol. As a model you are in this business as a self-employed business, you are independent. Even if you get signed with an agency, you are on your own. The agency works for you, you don’t work for them, no matter what you may think. Whatever jobs they send you out for, it is your choice whether you go or not. You are on your own to take care of how  you secure it, your transportation to get there, your hair, makeup, clothes, etc. you are responsible for it all. If you don’t know what you are doing, I strongly suggest that you do a lot of research about the business or start asking some questions. No client wants a model who doesn’t know what they are doing, and the ones that do, WILL exploit you for your ignorance. (MESSAGE!!! *in my spike lee voice*)

    The last thing that I will mention for this article is:

    You have to have “THICK SKIN”

    What I mean by that is., you have to be able to take criticism, let downs, and whatever else this industry will throw your way. You can’t take everything personally and let it get you down in this business. Not everyone is going to book you, there will be times when people will tell you no and then IF they tell you why they said no and its a negative reason, you have to be able to take it as this is just the way the business is. If you cant handle someone telling you that you weren’t chosen because you have a look that they weren’t looking for, take it as you didn’t fit for this particular gig but there are plenty others where you would fit. When you find it, find out how you can exploit it and make your money to get in where you fit in! Don’t let one let down, let you down completely.

    Part 2 will be up, pending the feed back from this post! 🙂

  • Warner Music Group to be sold by Week’s End…Maybe

    According to www.FMQB.com:

    The final bids are due for Warner Music Group today, and the company could reportedly be sold by week’s end. Sources tell Reuters WMG is expected to go for at least $3 billion to one of two competing groups: Len Blavatnik‘s Access Industry and a joint bid by Tom and Alec Gores‘Platinum Equity and Gores Group.

    One source tells Reuters that Ron Burkle‘s Yucaipa Co dropped out of the bidding late last week, while bids from two major competing music industry companies “fell short of what Warner’s board was looking for in the second round.” Digital Music News notes that Yucaipa was the group that included Napster co-founder Sean Parker.There is still the chance that music companies such as BMG could be involved down the road by purchasing some of WMG’s assets from its new owner. Even though bids are due this week, there is no guarantee a deal will close in the coming days, according to one of Reuters‘ sources.Additionally, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday night that Blavantnik is frustrated by the decision process and has threatened to drop out of the bidding if WMG’s board takes too long to make up its mind.


     

    In casue you don’t understand what this means… WMG is the world’s third-largest record label behind Universal and Sony. In recent years, the company has overhauled its business model and made significant inroads in the digital music market. Digital revenue represented 40% of its recorded music revenue in the U.S., WMG said in its most recent earnings call. I wonder how this will change the way they do business after it’s sold…

  • Miami Fashion Week Casting (Philly, NJ, NYC Area Models)

    “Casting Couch” The Fashion Show & Swimwear Model Competition

    Prize: Paid air fare & hotel for 1 first place Male & 1 first place Female model to Miami to particapate in the Miami Slpash: Dive into Fashion Swimwear Showcase – Catalina Hotel, South Beach Miami, Fl. – July 16, 2011

    “Casting Couch” The Fashion Show & Swimwear Model Competition
    To take place at the Key Club, 58 Park Pl., Newark, NJ 07102

    Fashion Show Date & time TBA –

    Female Model Criteria:
    Height: 5’7″ to 5’11”
    Dress size: 2 to 4
    Attractive face
    Swimwear model physique
    Experience runway walk
    NO DIVAS!

    Male Model Criteria:
    Height: 5’11” to 6’2″
    Waist: 32″ to 34″
    Attractive face
    Muscular physique (comfortable in speedo)
    Experienced runway walk
    NO DIVOS!

    All interested models must email Bernardmoore09@gmail.com the follow to be considered: City & State of residence, 2 swimwear photographs (NO LINKS), measurements (dress/jacket size), bio/resume & complete contact info – Please note: Only emails containing this info will be responded to.

    Other than the first prizes of air fare & hotel, the winning models will be paid $75.00 rate to participate in the Miami Fashion Week Show as well as other perks.

    Thank you! GOOD LUCK!