Read the detailed description of basic services offered through Papa Lo Down to evaluate what areas you need consultation in to create a successful career/business. If you are seeking consultation in an area not listed below, don’t hesitate to ask. This list will be updated regularly to reflect current industry trends and client needs.
General Business Consultation - If you’re not sure where to start, what you need to do first, and still figuring out how much of your time, money, and energy you are willing to invest in your career/business, meeting with Papa Lo Down for a general consultation is the first step to your success. A 1-2 hour meeting will be used to answer general questions and evaluate your needs. An action plan with first steps will be discussed to help you get on the right path and move forward confidently. General consultation is also beneficial for self-managed clients who need an advisor on their team to discuss a variety of business related questions and decisions.
*A Monthly rate plan is recommended for clients during an album/project launch.
Biography - A bio is a summary that answers the basic questions of who, what, when, where why, and how; about you and/or your art, business, etc. This is a standard industry tool used for booking, press, and general business opportunities. A well written bio should be concise and intrigue the reader to learn more about you and your work.
One Sheet - A one sheet is a standard industry tool used for booking, press, and general business opportunities. It is your facebook/myspace profile on paper and/or PDF, a press kit summary on one page, and your creative resume. A one sheet should be aesthetically consistent with your branding, and used to promote a current project/release.
*A graphic designer is needed to complete this service. If you do not have access to a graphic designer, Papa Lo Down can refer you to a trusted network of professionals for your convenience.
*A bio and press photo are needed to complete the one sheet.
Press Kit - A press kit is an expanded one sheet that includes more detailed information also used for booking, press, and general business opportunities. A press kit is recommended for clients who have established businesses and careers, as a tool to highlight several areas of their business (i.e. bio, press photos, past projects, booking details, press, etc).
*A graphic designer is needed to complete this service. If you do not have access to a graphic designer, Papa Lo Down can refer you to a trusted network of professionals for your convenience.
*A bio and press photo are needed to complete the press kit.
Press Release - A press release is an official announcement generally made to inform the media, and create excitement around your project. Although this tool may not be as relevant in today’s social networking environment, it is still an industry standard, and recommended for a more professional approach to inform media outlets. A video press release can also be an effective tool when thought out and executed properly.
*A one sheet is recommended to accompany your press release.
PR/Marketing Strategy - A PR and/or marketing strategy is a necessary tool to promote your project. Without a strategy in place, promoting your business/product will become overwhelming, disorganized, and ineffective. A typical strategy may include time lines, to do lists, contact spreadsheet, target market evaluation, delegation to team members, a budget, goals, distribution, and someone to manage the process all the way through.
*Promotional tools (bio, one sheet, press kit, press photo, press release, etc), are needed to implement a PR/marketing strategy.
*A Gmail account is recommended to implement and utilize Google products (calendar, to do list, docs), for an efficient and organized strategy.
Branding - How do you make sure your audience distinguishes you from the rest? This is called branding. Your product/company name, color, logo, tag line, and overall aesthetic are part of creating a strong brand. Although this is an important element of your business, it may take time to develop, especially if you’re still growing as an artist/company. Your brand represents you, make sure you get it right and do it well… the first time.
*A graphic designer is needed to complete this service. If you do not have access to a graphic designer, Papa Lo Down can refer you to a trusted network of professionals for your convenience.
Distribution - In today’s digital world, there are numerous outlets to distribute your product, whether it’s online, the brick and mortar space, or a combination of both, knowing your options is essential. Creating partnerships with the right distributor(s) for your business can lower your expenses and increase profits.
Booking - An independent artist most likely manages all areas of their business, including booking venues and working with promoters to confirm shows, and collect payment. Knowing how to navigate this space can be overwhelming; how to approach a venue to book a show, or negotiate a booking contract are details that you should be prepared to handle. Booking can be your most profitable area of business and can also leave you the most financially vulnerable if you work with a shady or unorganized contact (this will happen at least once). Lower your chances of having a negative booking experience by learning the basics.
Rate Sheet/Tech Rider - A rate sheet is used for booking purposes, and lists your fees and booking requirements. This is useful to have on hand when working with promoters and venues. A tech rider is used to make sure all the neccesary equipment needed for your performance is ready and available to use. Information from both your rate sheet and tech rider can be combined in one form. These are also useful checklists to make sure you don’t forget minor details for performances.
Event Planning - Planning an event, launch party, album release, etc. consists of many details and working parts. This is usually part of your PR/marketing strategy and is a project within a project, all by itself. Figuring out the purpose, booking a venue, promoting, flyer/invite design, and executing a successful event requires organization, planning, and coordination with other areas of your business (i.e. distribution, promotion, branding).
Promoting - Thanks to the internet and social networking services, promoting is no longer just about passing out flyers. There are numerous ways to get your message out to your audience, knowing which ones will be the most effective and produce the highest return on investment is crucial in terms of maximizing your budget. This should be part of your PR/marketing strategy.
Networking & Best Practices - Being able to maneuver around networking opportunities and build relationships with peers, industry professionals, business partners, and the general public is one of the most important skills you should have as an entrepreneur. Although this may come natural to some, there are still some basic things to know in terms of ethics, respect, and timing. Basic forms of communication like sending out a mass email, text messages, phone calls, etc. should be planned out and executed professionally and in good taste. The value of your network doesn’t consist of how many people you know but the quality of each of those relationships. Your network is your networth, and your reputation is on the line every day.
Planning & Organization - Managing your career is an overwhelming task, especially if you’re also balancing a “day job”. Planning and organizing your career/business will allow you to achieve your goals and feel confident about tackling the next thing on the to do list. By utilizing Google products and implementing a system in your work space, a boost in productivity can be acheived.
*A Gmail account is recommended to implement and utilize Google products (calendar, to do list, docs), for an efficient and organized strategy.
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For more information and to schedule your first consultation please contact paloma@papalodown.com
