Understanding Music Industry and Record Distributors

Understanding Music Industry and Record DistributorsUnderstanding Music Industry and Record DistributorsDistribution is the way that recorded music gets into the hands of consumers. Traditionally, distribution companies sign deals with record labels which give them the right to sell that labels products. The distributor takes a cut of income from each unit sold and then pays the label the remaining balance. Most distributors expect record labels to provide them with finished, ready-to-marketproducts, but sometimes distributors offer MD deals. ?MD stands for manufacturing and distribution. With this setup, the distributor pays the manufacturing costs of an albumup front and keeps all the income from album sales until that initial investment is paid off.? Music Distribution Basics In the 20th century, distribution companies were the links between record labels and retail outlets, which included music-only stores, big-box retailers such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy, and bookstores. It i s helpful to think of music distributors as wholesalers to better understand their role in the music industry. Record labels signed (and still sign) contracts with music artists. They oversaw music recording, marketing, and promotion. Consumers bought their favorite music on vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs and, in fruchtwein cases, it was the record labels that paid to have these products manufactured. To get album copies in the hands of fans, record labels signed deals with distribution companies that in turn signed deals with retail stores to sell the albums. Some distributors bought albums from record labels outright, while others distributed albums on consignment. Retailers did the same thing - some bought albums outright, and others agreed to put the products on their shelves on consignment. Radical Industry Changes Downloading brought radical changes to the music industry at the turn of the 21st century. Before crackdowns, fans downloaded millions of tracks from a wide range of artists at no charge through companies such as Napster. Although consumers now pay to download music legally from outlets such as iTunes and Amazon, sales of vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs have plummeted, and the music industry has lost billions of dollars. Subscription services such as Pandora and Spotify have further decreased music industry revenue. With hundreds of music distributor businesses folding, only a few affiliated with the largest record labels remaining. Sony, Capitol, Universal Music Group and Warner own the largest music distribution companies. The Future of Music Distribution There is still a role for music distributors in the digital age, even in the face of radical industry changes. After all, not every record label and musician wants to take on the task of distributing their work. For this reason, the music distributors that remain still work closely with record labels to bring music to fans some retail stores continue to sell physica l album copies. They also distribute music to digital download outlets, even though such businesses also offer distribution deals directly to artists. Opportunities for growth remain for music distributors that specialize in certain types of music such as classical, Latin, and jazz. Some distributors have found success by focusing on certain regions and distributing music locally.

How to Start a Dog Training Business

How to Start a Dog Training geschftliches miteinanderHow to Start a Dog Training BusinessNearly 70 percent of all U.S. households own a dog. Dog training services are in high demand as pet owners continue to demonstrate a willingness to invest in the well-being of their animals. A dog training business can be a profitable option with a low start-up-unternehmen cost for those looking to become a part of the animal service industry. Gain Experience Successful dog trainers usually have extensive experience working with dogs in a variety of different capacities. This experience may include prior work as boarding kennel supervisors, groomers, doggie daycare operators, pet sitters, dog walkers, dog show handlers, or other related employment. Strong knowledge of canine behavior is critical to success in this line of work because dog trainers must be able to modify inappropriate behaviors and encourage the development of desired responses. While formal training is not strictly necessary, completing an apprenticeship with an established dog trainer is one of the best ways to learn the business and gain hands-on experience. There are also quite a few formal training programs offered through professional schools. Aspiring trainers can also pursue certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) certification programs. Launching Your Business Most dog trainers are self-employed and operate their business as a sole proprietorship, although other options include operating as a partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each type of business is different, so be aya you consult an attorney or tax advisor, so you know what each operation entails.? It may be necessary to take out a business license, locally required permits, or a basic liability insurance policy as a part of starting a dog training business. Trainers should check with their local government to determine what measures will be necessary. Many trainers do not rent a physical space for their business. Instead, they travel to client homes, or to boarding facilities, to provide training exercises. This significantly cuts down on operating costs. Additionally, there is barely any equipment to purchase, other than a few leashes, clickers, treats, or other training aids the trainer prefers. Marketing and Networking Marketing is critical to a dog trainers success. Word of mouth will eventually provide many referral clients, but initially, a trainer needs to do some serious legwork to attract clients. Begin by coming up with a catchy name or logo that vermgen customers will remember. The business logo and contact information should be displayed on your vehicle if you use one. Additional advertising options could include a website (with newsletters and coupons), ads in local print and electronic publications, business cards, and brochures that can be distributed to local businesses. Anothe r option is networking with dog walkers, pet sitters, pet boutiques, and veterinary clinics to alert potential dog-owning clients about your services. In return, you can offer to give reciprocal referrals when new clients ask for advice on leads for other kinds of pet ownership services. If you can contract with a boarding kennel or doggie daycare businesses to provide regular training services, this approach will result in a steady stream of clients. Youll also save on travel expenses by servicing a large number of dogs in one concentrated area. Pricing Your Services It is very important to research current dog training rates in your area before deciding what your fees will be. Prices should be comparable to existing businesses, or slightly lower, to encourage an influx of new clients. Private classes with a professionaltrainerrange from $30 to $100 per hour. Trainers usually offer an hourly or half-hourly rate for private training lessons. Group classes, with multiple pairs of owners and pets, are usually priced slightly lower than private options. Again, be sure your area supports your pricing structure. Business Outlook According to the American Pet Product Association, the category of pet services (which includes dog training, grooming, and boarding) commanded 6.16 billion dollars of revenue in 2017. The escalating pet ownership industry is not showing signs of slowing down. If you like animals, a dog training business should be both enjoyable and profitable.

Bulletproof Your Job

Bulletproof Your JobBulletproof Your JobIn order to get the job you want, you have to protect the job you have.