Interview with CBS Outdoor: Enhancing Coca-Cola's corporate image

Interview with Rueben Wood, owner of Spaced Out Magazine

Rueben Wood is a celebrity journalist and owner of Spaced Out Magazine. Since its launch his website has received over 8.6 million hits and is fast becoming a valuable partner for several leading media brands and companies. 

Your known in the industry as a media icon and celebrity journalist but I wanted to start from the beginning. What was it like for you growing up in Brunswick, Georgia.? Was there ever any sign that you would wind up choosing this life?

Rueben Wood of SOM Media Network

For me growing up was rough, my parents split when I was 7 years old, so I moved to Dawson, Ga. and lived with my mother until i was 14. It was during this time i learned what it meant to hustle. I got tired of getting only $5 every two weeks for allowance, so i started selling snacks in the third grade. I would take my allowance, figure out how much candy, drinks, and chips, i could buy, and how much food, i could make at home that would sell. I went to school one day, and just started selling food, candy, and drinks. I never really stopped selling stuff. By the time I moved back to Brunswick, I was focused on studying the market, and I did. By the ninth grade I was a fully fledged entrepreneur, and that's what i was known for! I didn’t think growing up that I would be a celebrity journalist or owner of Spaced Out Magazine, I just knew I could sell stuff, I’m very creative, and I love to cook.

When did you first start thinking about celebrity journalism? What were the first things that got your attention?

In 2000 I did my first freestyle, and from that I went into production. From that dancing, to singing and being this musically inclined person, that led me into the entertainment industry. When I graduated high school, I was determined to make it in the industry, so did a lot of music both recording and producing, but in 2011 I noticed as an indie artist there wasn’t much for us to promote ourselves. I think it was meant to be like that, because that’s what sparked me to make a change. I was new to journalism but always wrote songs, so i studied it and looked at other magazines, but none of them captured me the way i wanted to capture people. Most magazines fit into a category but i wanted to create one that was more than just one category, it had to be something different and worth it. So that's how I came up with SOM.

You were once known as a Hip Hop and R&B act by the name of Yung Bank. How did this evolve to you becoming the owner of Spaced Out Magazine and the SOM Media Network?

I was signed to a distribution agreement with Island Def Jam and Bright Lights Entertainment, back during that time and I didn’t like my situation. After I left it, I thought having a manager would help me do something different and be more of a benefit to me but it wasn’t. I found myself losing out on deals from other major labels, and being limited over all with my musical talent. Before I made the final decision to make my transition to media fully, I asked myself did I tell my story? But I knew music wasn’t the way for me to do that, helping others and creating the next big thing was something better for me. Since growing up with the entrepreneurial ambition, I just naturally made an easy transition to media even though my fans were pissed. Once I became a legitimate business owner, I began to work with many indie artist and major acts, so it was definitely everything I knew it would be.

How do you balance your involvement with the business of being a celebrity journalist, whilst also supporting other projects such as your involvement of being a celebrity chef in the show “Small Kitchen Big Taste”?

Since cooking comes more natural, it was easy to balance that. We have been in post production for “Small Kitchen Big Taste” for sometime creating the best version of the show as possible. Since it isn’t backed by other major networks I have more control over the show and the reach it will have to consumers and fans. But sometimes it is a struggle to do so much in one day, but it always pans out.

What do you find the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing the success of my clients, and the artist I have helped. Also seeing the look on peoples faces the first time they bite into something I’ve cooked.

What have been some of biggest struggles you have faced in the industry?

Poor Management, lack of motivation, and understanding whose really loyal and right to associate with.

So what advice would you give to someone who is just starting to get into celebrity journalism?

Do your research, invest in yourself, and find your own lane. Once you do these go to the top and don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do.

Have you any plans (personal or business) that you can share with us about your future plans / goals / lifetime goals?

I’m pretty sure you will see them manifest very soon! Stay tuned!


Want to contact Rueben?

Email: info@spacedoutmagazine.com
Phone:  404-673-1180

Interview with Matthew Anton, SEO Specialist

Matt Anton is has been involved with the SEO industry since 2006, with his latest projects can be found on mattanton.com

Matt Anton Co-founder of NJ Anton

You’re running an internet marketing & web development agency that’s generating some nice revenue. What has been the experience so far?

My experience has been that people either understand the importance of having a proper online presence or they don’t. While business relies heavily on communication and agreement, trying to convince someone their rankings or reputation matter online is an uphill battle; we choose to do business with those that understand this benefit versus educating them and selling them.

Why SEO – how did you personally get interested in SEO and what drove you the most to found an agency focused on SEO and Marketing?

I first became interested in online marketing in 2006 when my brother Dan Anton and I were attempting to create a social network for gamers. Hard to believe we’ve been around as long as Reddit. During that time my focus was marketing and promoting the website. After spending months and years researching and testing I started to realize SEO was the best source of traffic because it was consistent and provided a fantastic ROI.

Can you list a few of your agency’s best achievements for clients from a results perspective?

We don’t reveal a client’s rankings unless they allow us to share privately with other members. That said, you can look at testimonials from our products and services. You can see with over 1000 reviews and testimonials we have many more clients that simply don’t say anything but a smile and subscription (which we appreciate greatly)

What according to you is the path the SEO industry is taking while going forward?

SEO or any type of data optimization and organization is going to continue to be important. Data is only getting more complicated, and algorithms need to sort it. Whether it’s SEO or something similar in the future, user experience and popularity will continue to fuel it. That’s why Crowd Search Me has been so successful.

Do you think content marketing can be an effective replacement for SEO in future?

Content marketing has been a huge buzzword lately; it goes hand in hand with an SEO strategy but there is a law of diminishing returns. Sometimes content needs to be in the form of trust, with reviews, testimonials, interviews and not necessarily a how to article or video. Businesses need to focus on running their businesses, not turning into a magazine subscription.

From your experiences of running an agency handling Website Development – what is the impact of responsive sites and good site designs in general on user metrics and organic traffic?

Websites that don’t offer up a good experience are going to experience large bounce rates, and low average time spent on page, which Google hates to see. This will hurt your rankings, so a great user experience is always the first step.

In your opinion, what are some of the best ways to build/earn links in the present time without violating Google’s guidelines?

I don’t believe in the black/white/gray hat SEO debate because it’s just noise. There is only 1 algorithm, and it’s our job to feed it near and long term. Any link building or “acquiring” is manipulation, so the best approach is to be smart about it and spread out your efforts.

Where do you see your company and yourself in the next five years or so?

Sound like my mother in law on my first date with my now wife haha. I see myself constantly figuring out ways to help businesses gain an edge over their competition. Right now that vehicle is SEO. It’s a game that I love to play because the stakes are high and the rewards are lucrative and personally fulfilling to help someone else succeed online.

Want to contact Matt?
Email: matt@njanton.com
Phone:  609 372 4518

Interview with InVert CEO and Best Selling Business Author Hawk Mikado

Hawk Mikado is the CEO of InVert and best selling author of the eBook 'The 3 Major Challenges That Can Kill Your Business''.

Hawk Mikado CEO of InVert Strategies

First off – can we have a little background information on you Hawk – Where do you live? 

I live in beautiful San Diego, when I’m not traveling to Las Vegas, Scottsdale, LA or Florida.

What motivates you?

Striving for excellence in everything I do.

What inspires you?

My Wife Caitlin, my passion for seeing businesses grow, and my love for my work.

By the time you were 18 you had built 6 companies, can you give some advice on choosing profitable niches?

Pick your target audience, and have a velvet rope of qualifications like annual revenue, salary, company size and title.

Pre-selling has been the number one way to grow my business. This is one of the strategies that we teach to our clients and in our programs. The principle is to sell your products or program to enough people that you get paid to develop a new product or program. I go more in depth with this in our Linked With Clients Online training, and in my other book The CMO Handbook. What I’ve found though, is most businesses need to address the first 3 challenges they face, before they can pre-sell.

You've faced many struggles on your road to business success. How has your experiences helped you to develop as a entrepreneur?

I overcame the challenges I faced by seeking out mentors who could help me through the pains and “demons” I had. I learned about psychology, Neurolinguistic Programing, Tactical Influence, Leadership, Accountability, and Mindset Shifting Techniques. Eventually I developed my own process that I call Neuro Communication Systems. I use the processes to remove immediate doubt, pain, fear, sadness, and more. Overall I’ve spent around $100k in my personal development, and I continue to invest in myself to continue to learn.

If you were new and starting today, what would you do differently?

I would make finding a team a priority. Once I brought a business partner on we started to grow much faster. When you start a business as a solopreneur there really aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. Even when there are two people it is still a challenge to get everything done. When you have a team supporting you they take care of the day to day task you aren’t good at so you can focus on what you are good at. 

All 3 of the killers are key to avoiding, though. Your team gives you the space to focus on what you’re good at. 

I wish that I knew these 3 keys to begin with and it would have taken me 15 years less to build a 6 figure business.

These are 3 Major challenges that every business will face at some point. The challenge becomes how to overcome them if you're in the middle of them AND how to avoid them if you haven't experienced them yet.

In our eBook The 3 Major Challenges That Can Kill Your Business... And How to Avoid Them we discuss the simple yet important keys to developing a business that will grow with you through the million and multi million dollar marks in your growth.

The best part about this is that these 3 “laws” of business are seen by businesses that are making multiple Billion’s to those just starting out.

The first challenge is all about your relationships. Building relationships with the leads you have, with new leads, and most importantly with your centers of influence who will bring you more leads.

You’re not going to get the QUALIFIED leads your business needs to grow if you can’t get leads to come to your door in the first place. In our ebook we share very cool techniques on how to develop these relationships.

The second challenge is related to making sales. This means you have to convert the leads you get into PAYING customers. Yet not just any type of paying customer, you’re going to need some BIG-TICKET products & services that you can offer and sell.

The amount of energy you spend to land a $500 client is about the same as a $5,000 or event $50,000 client. So why are you focusing on the $500’s when you have $1,000’s laying at your door! We share with you some strategies and tactics to make the transition in the book.

The last is around your team. Most companies hire fast and fire slow... we believe that you should be hiring fast and fire faster.... ONLY if they’re not a good fit. The right team can make all of the difference, and having the tools that get you the results you want to begin with is even better.

Another part of your team are your center’s of influence. They are the JV’s, Affiliates, & promotional partners that give you the ability to leverage everything you’re doing.

If you’re interested in learning all of these things you can download our book and watch the free training video inside as well.

Text InVert to 96000 or visit http://NVRT.ME/3Killers

In your book ''The 3 Major challenges that can kill your business'' You wrote about 3 'laws' that businesses should follow to grow successfully, How would you focus on the challenge of getting customers to keep coming back – other than good service?

Having great relationships with people is key, they like working with you and it’s fun and they see results. Usually once you solve a problem a new one is created so anticipating that can help with repeat business.

The other is to balance between developing new products, pre-selling, and fulfilling.

There are 3 pillars of a business structure. Marketing/Sales, R&D/Production, & Admin/Operations.

Most companies put 50%+ into Admin/Operations 30% into R&D/Production and only 20% into Marketing/Sales. This is a recipe for disaster. How can your business grow, let alone survive, if you only give it what it needs 20% of the time.

Put 67% into Marketing and Sales. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend $7 out of $10 on marketing & sales, it means that you are investing 70% of your resources overall to attracting the right qualified leads, and a lot of them. Developing relationships with those leads to close sales. And those relationships will lead to centers of influence. One key with this is when your team builds relationships first and sells second your sales will increase by 199%... 300%... or over 1500% in our case.

You put 23% into Admin and operations. This includes delivery of your services, products, programs, etc. YET Just because it's only 23% doesn’t mean that you’re going to want to slack on performance.

The last part is your R&D and Productions. This 10% is crucial to your growth, AND your best results will come when you do 2 things. First is only create something after you’ve sold it (pre-selling) and second is create something new at least every 6 months to keep your company relevant. Your customers/clients will also have something new to buy.

How do you keep your business focus – Do you have any suggestions for entrepreneurs who are experiencing challenging times?

A friend of mine (Jim, Chess Now) who teaches chess to executives, taught me something priceless. The difference between a strategy and a tactic, how to know the difference, and when to take advantage of each.

A strategy is a choice. A Tactic is an opportunity. And success comes from executing tactics as they present themselves, and leveraging strategies to keep you moving towards your goal.

If you want to be successful, you will want to understand that some of your choices will take you off track, others will present opportunities. Learn from the choices you make, and take action on opportunities that are presented.

Also realize that you can’t do it all yourself. If you’re having a challenge, hire someone to solve it... no matter the cost. It will give you a much greater return than it will ever cost you. And increase your marketing and sales departments. Hire, Hire, Hire!

Have you any plans (personal or business) that you can share with us about your future plans / goals / lifetime goals?

This July I will be marrying Caitlin, my goal is to build my company and hire a CEO to take over while I pursue my political career to become the President of the United States.

Want to contact Hawk?

Email: Concierge@InVertStrategies.com

Call: 855.350.4295

To download your copy of this free book Go to http://nvrt.me/3killers 

or Text InVert to 96-000.

Interview Mr.Tricks CEO of Heavy Management Worldwide & Heavy Graphics Marketing

Mr Tricks is the CEO of Heavy Graphics Marketing and Heavy management Worldwide both are U.S based companies and both have a long established history of brand development, Marketing & Artist Development.

Mr.Tricks CEO

You are the co-owner of Heavy Graphics Print and Marketing Solutions and manage music artists under Heavy Management WorldWide, tell us a little more about these companies ? 

I am the CEO of Heavy Graphics Marketing, which I co-own with my amazing wife Celebrity Designer Gia and my multi-media partner Super Steve. Heavy Management Worldwide does artist development, music submissions for outlets such as movies, commercials, endorsements and more. Our main focus at this time is a young talented Hip Hop / R&B artist, which a lot of Major Labels are after him named Aaron Salem. Not only is he what’s new in Hip Hop, but is the next up and coming. 

How did you get started in the marketing and music industry?

It kind of all happen at the same time. Back in 1999, I found myself becoming an accidental club promoter. Along side my friend Dj Eon, three girls dancers called “The Mad Skillz Queens”, and a female rapper named Wisdom Love. I decided to throw a party! I Decided to throw a house party. Over 300 people showed up to my apartment, so I said why not try a club? I started doing parties in South Beach. I got some advice from one of Miami’s biggest promoters Fred DuBerry “Dew” of D.W.O., who told me “You have a good heart, people like and will follow you, and if you do it right, you can make more money than a doctor".

As it turns out, I went Heavy into promotions. Aside from club promotions, I began to get a lot of calls from other clubs and promoters, who saw our success and wanted me to give them concept and design ideas for their events. Before I knew it, I was getting 4-5 phone calls weekly. One promoter mentioned, I’ll pay you for each idea and concept, before I knew it, I was selling over 20 ideas and concepts a week over the phone. 

A good friend of mine, Miguel Paredes, who owned a printshop gave me an opportunity. As I was sitting on the box of flyers I was picking up from him for my event, he mentioned I was doing a lot of printing and selling a lot of concepts. He suggested for me to work with him and open up my own office for design and printing, and focus on the Hip Hop and Latin clients which was my target base .It was no brainer, I teamed up with another creative 16 year old named Thought 57, and opened Heavy Graphx 14 years ago. From there everything grew into the blessing it is today Heavy Graphics Marketing and Print Solutions. 

How would you describe the job of an artist manager?

First of all for me, I must be a fan of the person I manage. That is why I only focus on one artist at a time. But, it would be hard to describe it as a job, it’s more of a choice of life for me. If you see my story, everything was chosen for me by God, I never said I wanted to be anything, I was just given opportunities and I took them all and so I became them. I believe God’s gift to us is our talent, and what we do with it is our gift to him.


When is a new artist ready for management? How can he/she find a manager?

When the time is right, you won’t have to look, they will find you “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”. 

Do you have any advice on how an up-and-coming artist should assess potential managers?

Keep it real, be honest, be you, work hard, stay focused, be grateful, humble and learn to have persistent patience.

New technologies (social media, iTunes) have added a dynamic to the music industry. How do you continue to provide counsel to your clients even as the ground continues to shift under

By always staying ahead of the game. A lot of Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Ted Talks. Constantly recreating myself and being aware of all new sources of marketing and promotions that are new and relevant .

Where do you plan to take your business next?

To transition Heavy Graphics Marketing into an advertising agency. To make Heavy Management Worldwide a platform for Music, where we will create a new “cool” for today’s youth, without the negativity, drugs, profane language, which is over used in today's music culture. Which I believe is not needed. “When I reach the end of this life as we know it, and I am standing in front of my Creator,
I would like to be able to say just one thing “ I have not one bit of talent left, because I used everything you gave me”.

Mr.Tricks
CEO
Heavy Graphics Marketing
Heavy Management World Wide
Heavy Legacy Foundation

Interview with Pierre Coombes Managing Director of Big Wolf Marketing Ltd

Pierre Coombes is the Managing Director of Big Wolf Marketing Limited a British based global B2B sales company. Big Wolf has gained a renowned reputation as one of the UK's leading Sales specialists Marketing agencies.

What does Big Wolf Marketing Ltd do and how is it different from other marketing agencies?

Pierre Coombes Managing Director of Big Wolf Marketing Ltd

At Bigwolfmarketing.co.uk we are a specialist Telemarketing agency, but we also cater to other marketing needs like digital, design and even print. What differs us from the other Marketing agencies out there would be our real focus on value for money, by ensuring we create results in-line with our clients expectations. 

Can you describe yourself briefly? What is your passion? How did you get started and how did you become a Managing Director?

I'm passionate about people, psychology, methodology and of course as an entrepreneur challenges that yield the opportunities to created extended income for both my business and my clients.

What's your day-to-day kind of role? What do you do day in day out?

Most of my day is spent consulting with clients, with the view to understand their businesses, challenges and short and long term goals. I also coach, train and talk at events, while at the same time, quite unusually I'm a very active MD, I do from time to time deliver active specialist telemarketing myself for corporate and high profile clients. 

What do you think are the main elements of a good marketing strategy?

There's really no one good marketing strategy for every business, for example some companies telemarketing doesn’t look to return a viable return on the investment and digital may be the leading route to return. Both myself and my team look at companies on an individual basis and look to understand their business model and then look to plan and implement a strategy that works uniquely for them.

What is the biggest marketing mistake a business can make?

Relying on 1 route to business, i.e just advertising or just email marketing, too many people make assumptions and place their eggs in too many baskets and that’s usually an unwise option. 

Concerning lead generation? Where do you think B2B vendors can find the most in-market sales opportunities today?

Well undoubtedly the internet isn’t a bad place to start, so having a central business platform online to best position your business is key. That said without real interaction, you cant do business, and thus as I’m sure you'd expect, Id over most suggestions for how to find most opportunities, say it is in the power of expert telemarketing to really give action.

What can we expect from you in the future? What's to come? 

I'm very excited to announce that not only do we have our flagship head-office in Reading Berk, our satellite Mayfair,London & Manhattan, New York offices, but we are launching a new Office in Valletta, Malta at the start of July the website will soon be up at www.bigwolf.com.mt 

Contact Pierre Coombes @ bigwolfmarketing.com

Interview with Urban Starz Media founder and music publicist Lashaun Turner

Lashaun Turner is the CEO and Founder of Urban Starz Media, a global media and leading urban publicist firm based in the United States. The company has grown from strength to strength representing music artists and building exposure in established online as well as print media.  

Give us a little background on yourself. What have you done inside and outside of music? What lead you to start Urban Starz Media?

Lashaun Turner CEO & Founder 

Outside of the business I’m a mother who raised three kids, and now a grandmother. I’ve worked as a Registered Nurse for 25 years, and am an all-around Entrepreneur at heart. I’ve been involved with several business ventures throughout the years and I’ve even sold Real Estate.

The Music Industry and Public Relations however sort of picked me! I began social networking back in the days when Black Planet & Myspace first became popular social networks. I was a very active member of the News sections and forums and began to develop an online persona that I parlayed into my own popular Blog and Radio show known as the “Ms Rant” show. I became a You-Tube partner and was even interviewed by the Associated Press. Eventually I started getting approached by indie artists to do write-ups and features on them and that’s how I was introduced to the indie music industry. After that I became an established blogger & contributor on other popular globally recognized magazines like YoRaps, and Gorilla Leak. I realized that the connections I’d made over the years social networking and my ability to write were a skill set publicists have, and, artists would pay for- so I launched my company with a focus on becoming a strong voice for the Urban Artist and Entrepreneur in the emerging New Media realm that is the Internet.

The world of PR is awfully elusive to most musicians. Can you give us a breakdown of what most music publicists do?

Generally Music Publicists work to get media exposure for Artists through online or print coverage, and via radio or television interviews, radio airplay, and Social Media.

I specifically work in the URBAN GENRE of music with up & coming artists. I have placed clients in HYPE MAGAZINE, SOURCE MAGAZINE AM/FM/STREAMING RADIO, and other premium Hiphop/Urban Culture sites.

What do you find the most rewarding part of your job?

I enjoy helping independent artist who are seriously trying to get to the next level, exceed in their music careers. It’s very satisfying to watch the motivation and encouragement an artist gets when they start to see people outside of their friends and family experience and interact with their music. Recently I was able to place a client in the HYPE Magazine and SOURCE on the same day , the excitement was palpable and the artist and the whole team felt like they were finally getting the recognition they’ve worked hard for. Their efforts are paying off- that’s what I enjoy, helping artists see a payoff from their exposure.

What have been some of biggest struggles you have faced in the industry?

Some of the downfalls I think are related to the fact that these artists are struggling for the most part. Many of them are maintaining jobs while trying to have a music career at the same time. It’s a difficult proposition because to have any measure of success in this industry you MUST invest in yourself and that means you must have a budget. At the same time you have to be able to dedicate your time & energy to your music like it’s a full-time job. Therefore one of the downfalls I run onto is not being able to work with someone either because they have no budget or in some instances if they do, they don’t have time for interviews, questionnaires, making appearances and building social media fans & followers, which are all crucial elements in the exposure process.

Another challenge in working with some artists is that many haven’t taken the time to educate themselves on the business of music and branding. There are a lot of “hobbyist” artists out there.

There is always debate within the music industry on the state it is in, some say it is dying, others that it is evolving. What are your thoughts?

It has definitely changed and therefore I would prefer to say evolved. I think to some extent the MUSIC itself is questionable right now because of the over-saturation of artists now able to put out songs, 3-4 a day (YIKES) lol.. Anyone can download a beat and become a music artist, distribute their songs on ITUNES and now – you have this state of Music. 

As an Entrepreneur I see all types of potential to be active in this business called music. The Music industry will never die- but it will continue to change.

At what point do you recommend that an artist start working with a music publicist?

When they have the basics – a manager, a project ( GREAT MUSIC)  and a budget. When an artist has taken care of the legalities of their music, and exhausted the reach of their manager’s contacts-it’s time to look at getting a publicist. If you've managed to build some local buzz and you want to expand your reach- think about hiring a Publicist.

People make a big deal about getting radio play still. Is this still as relevant for the modern artist? If so, how does that work?

Radio play is mainly through internet stations for indie artists. And yes radio- terrestrial, satellite –all still important. But as we know the Record Labels/ mainstream artists have and continue to dominate traditional radio. There are very few stations and programs on AM/FM radio that will play independent music. There are some but few. So I think its great if you can get it- but, you can still succeed without it initially. Now don’t get me wrong having a song on the radio is MAJOR and a good look no matter what. There are a few major internet radio stations as well tho – and a lot of people do actually stream music on their mobile devices and such. Internet radio is going to surpass the others eventually..

What are the qualities you've found in the most successful artists you’ve worked with? What has stopped artists you’ve worked with from being successful?

Successful artists are passionate about what they do- beyond driven, more like obsessed.  Work ethic is extremely important. An artist willing to work hard, listen, and learn the business of music is on to a successful path. It’s the old make plan and work it. Strategize build a team and go to work. Making the music is the easy part.

I’ve worked with artists who I thought had great potential but didn’t want to do anything to promote themselves. They turned out to be hobbyist, wanted everything handed to them instead of working collaboratively. Its one thing to hire a publicist to get the exposure opportunity- but it’s the artist who has to engage his/her fans. 

Last question: for anyone wanting to work in this industry, what would be your best advice for them?

Step your game up. Learn the business. Get your music legal, copy-written and join a PRO. Surround yourself with knowledgeable an energetic people who support you and can give constructive criticism. Enjoy the ride and whatever else you do- make great musicJ

Lashaun Turner CEO URBAN STARZ MEDIA & P.R

Twitter@TrcSocialMedia

FB@ LashaunTurnerPR

IG-@URBANSTARZMEDIA

Interview with AMG music mogul and founder Devon Brabham!

AMG Founder Devon Brabham

AMERICAN MONSTER GUILD (AMG) is a Music Management company founded in 2010 by Devon Brabham out of a basic need for a management company created for artist development, booking, talent agency for upcoming artists and premier musical expression. Since its origination, AMG has expanded to such midwestern locations as Chicago, Texas, Detroit, Mississippi and the newest expansion is in South Africa.

Over the past 5 years under the direction of its founder and CEO Devon Brabham, the company has traveled the world over constructing opportunities for artists including concerts and showcases. Devon started his music management career at 21 years of age and has served as an independent A&R for several independent labels, most recently, Indie Music Factory.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START THE BUSINESS?

My younger brother Darek Brabham and I started a platform for Independent Artists, DJ’s, Producers, Dancers, Writers, and Urban Performers from all walks of life. After he passed I decided that Las Vegas and the world were ready for this entertainment platform uniquely created for artists to be heard around the world.

WHAT DOES YOUR COMPANY DO?  

American Monster Guild re-brands artists in order to facilitate their growth. AMG teaches artists about their brand, the legal processes, and procedures necessary in order to gain fans and traction on their growth and potential. Through strategic promotion and marketing AMG gives artists diverse exposure and more opportunities to showcase their talents through exposure, distribution, promotion, marketing and network relationships. American Monster Guild has the proven platform to catapult artists to the next level of their career.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST REASON AN ARTIST WOULD WANT TO WORK WITH YOU?

Our mission at AMG is to elevate, teach, and develop artists at all levels of experience in order to expand their musical and individual brand exposure. Through our showcase platform and management structure, artists can be assured that their music and brand will not only impact music fans regionally, but also reach beyond the local area and into other major music markets across the United States.

AMG is most known for the artist showcases we put on and the type of artists that sign up and flock to an American Monster Guild showcase.  We are currently in negotiations with several promoters in order to enter into touring agreements that will provide more national opportunities for AMG Artists.  Our company is growing and has become a respected & known entity in the entertainment industry in Las Vegas.  Now with a stronghold on the Las Vegas music scene we are branching out and gaining recognition and momentum across the U.S.A. This ultimately is the reason artists and other businesses want to work with us.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN RUNNING THE TYPE OF COMPANY THAT YOU DO?

Ensuring that every day that AMG reaches a new group of fans, DJ pool’s, producer pools, or community. AMG is focused on changing lives, and improving independent artist’s lives and teaching them business savvy techniques.

WHAT ARE THE NAMES OF YOUR CURRENT ARTISTS AND WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON?

There are several projects that we have in the works. There is an AMG compilation album slated for summer 2015 which will feature production from some of the hottest upcoming producers and talented AMG artists. Our current roster artists are - VIP, Eddie Fuse, EC2RX, Bono DaKidd, Tray Hazit, Bravo, Rob Mack, Nitti Bo, Howell, Doe Balla. And our newest signing is the multi -talented Boogie Madeoff. Our company is growing and so are all the artists we manage.

WHERE CAN PEOPLE CONNECT WITH AMG AT?

The company contact phone number is 702-416-6828 and email address is americanmonsterguild@gmail.com.

Fans can connect with us on Facebook -http://www.facebook.com/Americanmonsterguild

Media Inquiries to URBAN STARZ MEDIA &P.R c/o Lashaun Turner (951) 665-8365 UrbanStarzMedia@gmail.com

Interview with Stingray Advisory Group LLC Owner and Co-Owner of Gold Leaf Designs LLC Leandra Williams

Leandra Williams is the owner of Stingray Advisory Group LLC and co-owner of Gold Leaf Designs LLC. The companies dynamic solutions allow business to reach the next level of growth by focusing on key areas of developing marketing strategy development, financial review and strategic planning.  

1.Tell us a little bit about yourself and your entrepreneurial journey.

Leandra Williams

I have always had a passion for learning. I obtained my Bachelors degree with a dual major in Business Administration & Computer Technology. After completing that program, I earned my Masters of Business Administration with a Strategic Business Management concentration. I knew that I wanted to have a speciality focus as well so I looked for a program that was of interest to me and could add additional value to my, at that time, current skill set. That led me to completing a Forensic Accounting certification program. While I was in school, I was working in the corporate world in banking and finance. During that time, I experienced the economic turn back in 2008. Nonetheless, I had the opportunity to work in several different areas as I was promoted within the organization. I worked with business clients a relationship manager and was able to learn about different industries, their strengths and the challenges they were facing. As I was completing my forensic accounting program, I was evaluating my career path and my next steps. The corporate world really wasn’t the ideal fit for me and the culture was not a match. I knew that I could be doing more with my talents and abilities. After conversations with family and trusted colleagues, I went to the drawing board to figure out if I branched out on my own, what would my company look like, who would it serve and how would we operate. From that, Stingray Advisory Group & Gold Leaf Designs were formed. Though they are unique entities, they have a great synergy based on the clientele each company serves. They have provided me with the ability to bring my interests and passions into the workplace everyday.

2.Let’s discuss how you help businesses. Exactly what is Stingray Advisory Group consulting?

Stingray Advisory Group assists people who either have an idea that they are looking to get off the ground or existing companies who want to take their business to the next level. We create dynamic customized solutions for business growth. Our main focus areas are: strategic planning, fraud preventiontraining, marketing concept development & implementation and website creation. It’s very rewarding being able to work hand-in-hand with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners and be impactful in the success of their operations.

3.What’s the common misconception business owners have about expanding and increasing their revenue?

One common misconception is that there’s only one way to do it-by spending money. Each business is unique. We are able to really learn more about the clients we work with, where they’re at today and what their goals are. The answer might be increasing marketing or it may be to review their current marketing efforts because they are missing their target audience. There may be ways to reduce expenditures, increase revenue or reallocate resources. We love being able to really analysis an organization’s position and figure out how to best meet their needs and help them take that next step.

4.What has been your biggest business challenge as a business advisor?

One of our biggest challenges as advisors is separating ourselves from the previous perception of consultants. Unfortunately the term “consultant” can have a negative connotation these days, though unfair. We pride ourselves on developing long-term relationships with our clients and being accessible, reliable partners. We are hands-on when it comes to the implementation of the solutions we recommend. Clients can be confident that we will be with them every step of the way. We don’t just provide a recommendation without the tools, guidance and support to see it through.

5.You’re the owner of Stingray Advisory Group and co-owner of Gold Leaf Designs. How do you manage all of your personal and business activities?

Time management is crucial for me. I am the type of personal that writes to-do lists, prioritizes tasks, use calendars and reminders, all of those types of things. I like being organized, which is good, because it would be very challenging to keep everything in place otherwise. I think you can always make time for what’s important, whether that’s completing a business project or spending time with family and friends. I fully believe in a work-life balance.

6.What do you see as the business issues advisors should be addressing over the next one?

All business issues are important however the biggest issue that we’re working to address with clients is around the importance of fraud prevention and risk management measures. Unfortunately fraud is an area that is a growing concern however it tends to be something small businesses in particular are reactive to versus proactive. When fraud takes place in a small business, it is typically under-reported and can be detrimental to their operations. We are working to increase awareness of this issue with our clients and help them take necessary steps to identify the potential risks and mitigate them as best possible.

7.What would you like to tell professionals trying to build their business?

To determine where their strengths and interests lie up front. As entrepreneurs, we can easily take too much on our plates and try to manage everything. It’s just not realistic or healthy to try and operate efficiently that way long-term. I can certainly understand financially hindrances initially. Being strategic in your focus and understanding what you can realistically do based on not only your abilities but passion, will help highlight what needs to be delegated or outsourced. Utilizing resources and assistance when needed can really help set your business up for long-term success.

Contact Leandra Williams @ www.stingrayadvisorygroup.com & www.goldleafdesignsllc.com