An Open Letter To Those Affected In The Music Industry During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Dear colleagues,

It’s sad to witness the industry that keeps Americans entertained, is now crying for help with no hero in sight.

The pandemic has brought on so many new challenges and hardships to the music scene. Lately, it feels as if the industry where people turn to find their “big break” can’t catch a break of its own.

The past few months, we have seen tours get canceled, live venues shut down, a hiring freeze, and rising levels of unemployment.

The good news is that you are not alone, with over 13.55 million people currently unemployed in America.

The bad news is that the “starving artist” industry is on a fast track to becoming a self-fulling prophecy.

So what can we do to stop it? How can we become pandemic-proof?

I wanted to share with you the 7 steps that I would take if I lost it all tomorrow.

If I had to start from scratch.

No income. No money. No team. Nothing.

The 7 Steps To Becoming Pandemic-Proof

#1 - Define Your "Red Carpet Moments"

Write out your top 10 moments in your life where you did something you are proud of! I like to call these my "Red Carpet Moments" because it serves as my personal highlight reel. By reminding yourself of how amazing you truly are, you step into an empowered mindset. Not to be cliché, but empowered people empower people.

So write out your "Red Carpet Moments" and every time you feel discouraged turn to your list. Remind yourself to shine bright like the superstar that you are!

#2 - You Have A Special Set of Skills

Did anyone else read that in Liam Neeson's voice?

List your special set of skills, and rate them in ascending order of your strongest skills. Most of us have invested our time, money, and energy into becoming the sharpest tool in the toolbox.

Put your skills to use instead of letting them rust or collect dust. Your goal should be to learn high-income skills so you are never affected in a down economy.

#3 - Identify Problems In Your Industry

Brainstorm some problems affecting your industry. It could be big or small. The more massive the problem, the more massive the financial reward. The idea is to exercise your ability to identify problems that need solutions.

For example, a common problem that small business owners have is that they have no idea of how to gain new clients. As a result, they are stuck printing out brooches and using other 1990's era marketing practices.

#4 - Become The Problem Solver

Become a master problem solver. Your new job starting today is to get paid to solve people's problems by putting your special set of skills to use.

Be resourceful. Be creative. Be innovative. This my friends, this is how startups are born.

So far, we have defined our skills, we identified problems, we created solutions... Now, all we need to start generating income is people that would benefit from our solutions!

#5 - "Allow Me To Re-Introduce Myself" - Jay Z

As the adage says, your network is your net worth. Write out a list of at least 20 people that you know who are suffering from the problems you identified. Channel your inner Jay-Z, and re-introduce yourself as the person that has the solution to their problems.

If you don't know 20 people, think about the ones you do know and the people they're connected to. Your six degrees of separation could be the missing link to your first six-figures in the pandemic.

#6 - How Much Does Your "Band-Aid" Cost?

How much is your solution to their problem worth to them? Is it a simple headache, or is it getting rid of a massive migraine?

You see, in medical terms, if you have a small wound that needs a couple of stitches, a general doctor can treat you. But if you needed brain surgery, you would have to call a brain surgeon.

In that same regard, the more valuable and in-demand your skills are, the higher the price point. This is why you should always invest in yourself and your self-growth.

#7 - Negotiate, But Never Sell Yourself Short

If a potential client tries to lower your rate for whatever reason, then they are not your ideal client. Some may say, some money is better than no money. As tempting as that may be, remember that cheap clients tend to be problematic clients.

Reframe your mindset, remember that you are solving a problem for them. You are making their lives easier and better, so that should be worth something, right? The only way for people to actually value you is for them to pay you.

If someone can't afford you, offer payment plans, and negotiate on the payment terms, but never sell yourself short.

So if you find yourself scraping by due to the pandemic, simply follow these steps.

As living proof, I started The Fame Hackers by following these 7 steps.

The massive problem is that independent artists don't know how to earn money with their music.

My solution is helping independent artists monetize their music, grow their fanbase, and gain media exposure.

Use this time to your advantage to improve yourself, learn new skills, or start new ventures.

The last recession gave birth to a lot of startups. This pandemic will give birth to the new generation of wealth in our country.

Be a part of the change and take action. As my favorite saying goes "action takers are money makers." You're only 7 steps away from becoming Pandemic-Proof!

Comment below how you are pivoting to stay profitable during the pandemic ????

Let’s save the people behind the curtains,

Isabella Bedoya

TL;DR: If you're struggling financially, get in the habit of identifying problems and solving them. People get financially-rewarded to solve other people’s problems.

#Innovation #Entrepreneurship #MusicIndustry #Covid19 #MusicBusiness #Music #CaresAct