How to Write a Music Business Plan V 2.0 (American Idol Version)

So...you've seen the show, and want to be the star?! This how-to will help you build a career portfolio to become an American Idol (without the show!)

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Talent (you'll know)
• Pen/Paper or Computer
• Rough demo or songs ready for demo

1. The American Idol show is the extreme version of how to make it in the industry ... and as you might of noticed (Rubin, etc.) even winning A.I. doesn't cement you in the industry. The first step is to get your demo together.
2. If you have a rough demo, you need to trash it, or polish it. You need a professional recording studio to track your voice, and to amp up any lacking parts of your beat. **See Warnings Below** If you don't have a demo yet ... you NEED to have one. If you don't write your own songs, pick a popular song on the radio and make your own version (THIS IS NOT A SELLABLE ITEM).
3. Armed with your new (or revised) demo, you have the first piece of the puzzle. The music business is ALWAYS looking for talented people, you have to plug yourself in. Look into TAXI and pay the small fee for the job listings in the industry. This is instantly a way into the music industry. You can also hit the clubs for a home fan base.
4. If you hit the club, the BEST way to get a check is to do the show for free. All clubs will sit and listen to you if it is free entertainment. I have found the easiest way to get a gig is to attach a "Free Drink" coupon to the inside of the CD. Selling the CD's for $5, and the club covers the drink cost (usually just a $1 shot).
5. Now you have LOTS of people with your music ... the next step is to keep them involved with you ... cue the internet noise. You want everyone to visit your site, your myspace site, your ehow site...
   
   You get the idea. Put the site on the CD, or the insert ... somewhere they will see it. ***See Tips Below***
6. Sending your demo into a company might produce results, but for the most part, many people now are looking for website clicks / youtube clicks, etc. They want Worldwide artists now, and someone who has all of their marketing done. You can start with the CD, maybe enlist a friend to tape a show at the club, and start to build a fan base online.
7. Use your click volume to build a business plan to continue your stability. The business plan should include an advertising budget (both selling and buying) and a completely functioning club budget you get on a weekly basis.
8. If this is your last step ... and everything is moving for you, Congratulations! You really are a true American Idol!

Tips & Warnings

• CD's given at clubs tend to be tossed in a car, or tossed in the house. Make your cover an ad...sell people to your website, and accept them as a friend. Don't deny anyone.
• About your website ... keep it professional ... people might be checking your site out from work.
• Be careful about signing up for more than you need. Get an hour in a studio ... only after you have practiced to perfection. Studios get paid by the hour.
• Home studios are great. If you can get the quality from a home studio...definetely use it.