Resources

NASA’s Stunningly Beautiful Space Now on Instagram!

InstagramEarly last month NASA announced its decision to enter the social media game, creating and maintaining a presence on Instagram. While such a decision may not have monumental significance to either NASA’s space programs or the every day lives of the majority of people, it is definitely an awesome decision with various benefits that may brighten all of our days.

Instagram created a pretty ingenious niche in the social media industry, by basically combining key features of its two largest predecessors: Twitter and Facebook. By taking the best of both worlds, Instagram is an incredible social media magnet (and entertaining time waster.) Twitter thrives on the idea of short, to the point, messages, almost trains of thought, being shared across the web, while Facebook focuses more on longevity, providing easy to scroll timelines of the “social life” of users, for the most part documented through images and pictures.

Well Instagram does both. Bringing quick, thought “process-esque,” sharing to photographs (of course with pretty cool, retro picture effects.) And while Facebook focuses on connecting “friends,” we can probably generalize that statement to “acquaintances,” and Twitter connects friends but most importantly celebrities and athletes to the average Joe, Instagram once again does both, which  brings us back to NASA.

Beyond seeing what your friend’s eating in the “Valencia” color effect, or a squirrel searching for a nut, you can see the New York Knicks pre game workouts, Snoop Dogg, or Lion, smoking, and now beautiful images of space, courtesy of NASA.  NASA’s public visibility has shrunken over the years as the Space Shuttle program is no more. So, what better way to keep the public informed about the amazing space exploration that is still going on than to share amazingly stunning photos from space? “We’re constantly looking to expand our social media portfolio to include tools that will best tell NASA’s story of exploration and discovery,” NASA Press Secretary Lauren Worley said in the statement announcing the new initiative.

So next time you’re waiting for a train or standing in line for coffee, check out NASA’s Instagram, stare at some star formations, some nebulas, comets, cool stuff; and it may spark your interest. This may be a genius way to increase interest in space exploration, especially amongst the younger crowd who’s on social media 24/7.

Until next time,

Kelli Richards, President & CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

An Inspiring Leader & Mentor: Alan Cohen

about-alan-cohen

As a coach and a mentor myself, I think it is very important to have your own coaches and mentors in life and in business. I’ve been privileged to have a mentor whom I don’t know if I could grow my business or career without. Alan Cohen has written about 24 bestselling self-help and personal development books, and he is my mentor in my coaching practice.

Working with this powerhouse has allowed me to stand on the shoulders of giants and accelerate the success of my own business in ways that are too numerable to mention. I work with Alan every day, and I learn new things from him every day. I have been trained and coached in his coaching methodology and he just brings so much vibrancy to my life and so much substance to my work. In fact, I am one of only a handful of coaches invited to be part of Alan’s Foundation for Holistic Life Coaching.

Alan is best known for being a contributing author to the New York Times #1 bestselling series Chicken Soup for the Soul. He has also authored the bestselling books The Dragon Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, and the classic Are You as Happy as Your Dog.

His newest book, Enough Already, gives readers the tools to gain a new perspective about what is present in life and see the many opportunities in somewhat mundane situations. This book gave me a refreshing look at all of the possibilities in my life, and I would recommend it to anyone who is still searching for ways to be present in their daily lives.

Alan has a wisdom and vision of personal and professional growth that I find truly inspiring. He brings lessons of encouragement and empowerment to each of the people he works with.

“Do not wait until all the conditions are perfect for you to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.”

It’s ideas like this that have formed much of my own coaching practice and formed the trajectory of growth in both my personal and professional life.

My clients directly benefit from my having worked with Alan on a daily basis. I encourage everyone to seek out a powerful mentor to coach your own success and your own progress. I feel privileged to know and work with Alan Cohen and I want to bring that success to you as well.

Until next time,

Kelli Richards, President & CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

 

Hooked on TV or Apple TV or Maybe Both?

I have been hooked on my Apple TV ever since I set it a few months ago.  The small sleek black box lounging comfortably next to my cable box has become a symbol of home and comfort. My Apple TV is my friend. It carries all of my music, movies, and TV shows around for me. I access iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, HBO Go, ESPN, etc.

It seems that a lot of people have also thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment possibilities Apple TV provides. Since January 1, 2013, 6 million 3rd generation Apple TV units were sold. According to Nielson, 98 percent of homes own a TV. Most people have some kind of device hooked up to their television whether it be the Apple TV or some other DVR entertainment device.

step1-appletv-heroThe updated software, which integrated iTunes Radio and various other applications included several Disney channels, the Smithsonian Channel, the MLS, Vevo, and the Weather Channel. While I continue to find new and fun ways to use Apple TV, the honeymoon period of owning such a fantastic device has not subsided. Being able to access an entire iTunes library on a TV seems like an incredibly exhilarating experience. Apple even manufactured an incredibly sleek controller that screams Cupertino!

Not to undermine the obvious success that Apple TV has accumulated, Keith Loria, a writer for CMO.com, has written an extensive article documenting the short falls of “television complimenting devices,” and points to societal norms as a possible reason for a plateau effect on sales and uses. He writes, the TV is still very relevant, “because of the family and group dynamic of watching TV together in households.” (1) He goes on to quote Jay Miletsky, CEO of Sequel Media Group, stating, “The TV experience is a completely different experience that the experience of watching video content on a PC or mobile device. For one thing, TV is more communal- you watch with your friends or family, while PCs and mobile devices are more isolating… TV is a more of a ‘lean-back’ vs. ‘lean-on’ experience, where people watch TV with more of a relaxed attitude that they do strictly Web content.” (1)

While such societal tendencies to communally watch television –or entertainment in general –may for the time being put a ceiling on auxiliary entertainment devices. Erik Dochtermann, CEO of KD+E, a media research agency, believes that in “the long term, the spread of TV viewing to other mobile devices will be more rapid as the younger generation gets older, as their viewing habits are significantly different than the previous generation.”(1) Which may lead to way more impressive and integrated entertainment devices, but for now Apple is the King of such a genre of entertainment, and I would put my money on them continuing its superiority in the future.

1. Loria, Keith. “Insight/ Traditional Media.” New Life For Old Media. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2013.

Until next time,

Kelli Richards, President & CEO of the All Access Group, LLC

PS: Subscribe to my FREE All Access Group Newsletter https://bit.ly/AAGNewletter

PSS: Listen to an entire library of intimate discussions with industry visionaries https://bit.ly/AllAccessPodcastSeries (Priceless)

 

iTunes Radio: Have They Hit It Out of The Park?

radio_1xCustomizable, user integrated, radio stations have become the norm on music playing services, from Pandora to Spotify to fm.Radio; so it was just a matter of time before Apple’s iTunes developed and released a radio application of its own. And in classic Apple style, the iTunes Radio (accessible directly through iTunes, after downloading the new software) hits it out of the park.

Similar to its competitors, iTunes Radio, allows the user to create personal radio stations based on a specific artist, song, or genre. But where iTunes Radio differs from other learn-on-the-fly radio stations is the option to listen to 250, DJ created and genre organized stations. Featured stations range from The Beatles Radio, to the Voice, to “Miley Cyrus Bangerz,” Diplo tracks, and of course iTunes Top 100. In this way iTunes Radio reminded me of Sirius Satellite and other satellite car stations, offering unique, specific music.

But in exploring iTunes Radio, I picked several categories to study in comparing it with its competitors; the categories being: price, and music recommendations. In terms of price you can listen to iTunes Radio for free if you’re okay with listening to advertisements. However if you own an iTunes Match account, $25 a year, which allows you to store all your music in the iCloud and access it on any device, you can listen to iTunes Radio ad-free. Such a deal. Pay for music accessibility and the absence of ads is offered through Spotify as well; Spotify offers free use, with ads, uninterrupted music on a laptop or desktop for $4.99 a month, or uninterrupted music anywhere on all devices for $9.99 a month.

Pandora also offers a free service with advertisements, or an upgrade with similar deals to iTunes Radio and Spotify for either $36 a year, or $3.99 a month. Another great feature of iTunes Radio that can’t really be matched by its competitors is the ability to purchase a song you have recently discovered, again through iTunes Radio, and have it available in your music library. And you own this song, its not just saved in a queue!

Now on to what I think is obviously the most important aspect of iTunes Radio: the music. In this field, at least at the moment, I don’t quite see iTunes Radio competing with Pandora, in that Pandora offers more than 500 genre-based stations, and more than a million songs from more than 100,000 artists. (iTunes claims they have the most, but haven’t put a number on the “most”). It may be this extensive music catalog that Pandora has acquired that makes its music recommendations not only more accurate but more fun.

I can’t tell you how many new songs and artists I have discovered listening to Pandora radio, and in the few hours that I experimented with iTunes Radio I didn’t come across one “new” artist that I hadn’t heard of. This may just be a result of Pandora being in business longer and perfecting the art of recommending music, but to me they clearly had the advantage in this area. In addition, Pandora’s option to learn more about the playing artist and song lyrics is just a nice touch, aiding in your ability to “discover” new musicians.

That being said, iTunes Radio claims the more you use it, the better the recommendations. (Would you expect them to say anything different?). But for now it reminds me of iTunes “Genius recommendations on steroids.” But they have room to grow and most likely will.

Until next time,

Kelli Richards, CEO of The All Access Group, LLC

Bestseller Event

“5 Steps to Writing and Launching a Bestseller”

Come to this 1-day Workshop and Gourmet Lunch featuring the LEADERS in How to Write a Bestseller and Build REAL Online Branding.

AUTHORSHIP is the KEY to being a RECOGNIZED LEADER

Friday, November 15th, 9:00am-4:00pm
with Gourmet Lunch and High Powered Networking

Regale Winery

Regale Winery, Los Gatos, CA

Featuring: Kelli Richards, Bud Smith, Joanne Lehmkul, Mary Agnes Antonopoulos and some surprise guests: Bestselling Authors and Leaders.

Your Investment: $297.00 EARLY BIRD until 10/15/13 ($397 after 10/15)

sign-up

Come to this 1-day Workshop and Gourmet Lunch featuring the LEADERS in How to Write a Bestseller and Build REAL Online Branding.

In the last two years, I’ve written 2 Amazon bestsellers, and what I’ve learned is that moving a book from idea to fruition to LAUNCH to success is a huge undertaking.

If you haven’t written a book yet, this is a MUST do to be seen as a leader in your industry. Join me and 4 amazing speakers as we expertly cover theTOP 5 Steps in writing and launching a bestseller!

1. Book Development – What’s Your BEST / Next Book?
2. Write for Your Audience, not Yourself

3. Create Your Publishing and Marketing Plan TODAY
4. Build Your Author Platform 
5. Cracking the Code for Amazon Bestsellers

This event will focus on supporting attendees to leverage and create a powerful authorship PLAN and online presence and brand, recruiting valuable brand advocates to build a successful launch, AND blowing past roadblocks around writing, while providing networking opportunities to get to know – and support – other attendees.

This exclusive 1-day event will give you the opportunity to work personally with Kelli Richards and her valuable guest speakers – serious and respected mentors in their field – to accomplish powerful results and learn to use AUTHORSHIP to showcase your LEADERSHIP.  This event is perfect for Entrepreneurs, Creative Thinkers, Professionals, CEOs, and Small Business Owners.

Matt Swafford www.swaffordimaging.com San Mateo California 2010Our Host: Kelli Richards

Kelli Richards is a recognized thought-leader in digital music and entertainment with deep expertise in digital distribution and branded content, plus experience working with a plethora of luminaries and innovators. She drove music and entertainment initiatives at Apple for 10 years, and helped to birth a whole new consumer movement around disruptive technologies and emerging business models. As President of The All Access Group, she has worked closely with the author of “Instant Customer Revolution,” which explains wide range of start-ups, Fortune 100 companies, and established artists and industry leaders alike. She has served as a sought-after strategic consultant for the past 15 years.

Kelli Richards will help you:

  • Define your BEST / NEXT book and define what your audience wants to know;
  • Develop powerful connections that lead to speaking opportunities and a recognized role as a Thought Leader in your industry;
  • Identify the roadblocks preventing you from achieving your bestseller goals.

Floyd Earl ‘Bud’ Smith Bud Smith SmilingBestselling Author and Speaker, Bud Smith 

Million-selling author Bud E. Smith has written about creating Web pages, green computing, and healthy eating using chia seeds. Bud has also helped create technology products for blind people and launch protests for slowing climate change. He holds a BA from the University of San Francisco and an MSc from the London School of Economics and is currently based in Oakland.

  • Common threads and lessons learned from for over 20 years of writing.
  • How to become a bestselling author over, and over, and over again!
  • Using a pen name to help build your brand.
  • How to LEVERAGE your bestseller status to be a sought after author and speaker.

Mary Agnes Headshot Hair UpBestselling Editor, Mary Agnes Antonopoulos 

Mary Agnes Antonopoulos, Social Media & Branding Expert, “How to Crack the Amazon Code & Use Your Social Presence to Launch Your Bestseller.” Mary Agnes is a respected social media strategist with over 100 successful social branding and marketing campaigns for a variety of clients, including NY Times bestselling authors: Jack Canfield, JJ Virgin, and Christine Comaford; and Amazon bestsellers: Libby Gill, Kelli Richards, and many others.

Mary Agnes will share:

  • 45-minutes: Going from confusion to an easy, how-to toolkit to create an effective social media campaign in only 4 hours a week to LAUNCH your Book;
  • How to Crack the Amazon Code to reach #1 in your category;
  • Realistically reach over 80,000 people through Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, iTunes and BlogTalkRadio to help you launch your book!

Joanne LehmkuhlProfessional Authors’ Assistant, Joanne Lehmkul:

Joanne Lehmkuhl is the Owner and Founder ofVirtual Ms. Moneypenny, LLC.  Her specialties include marketing support, client relations, group coaching programs, online research, business systems and resources, and publishing services. She holds a certification in Internet Marketing and is also a certified Professional Author’s Assistant. In addition to serving as Director of Finance for Women in Consulting (WIC), Joanne is also a member of the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce and Business Networking International (BNI), Premiere Chapter, where she serves on the Mentor Committee.

Joanne will share:

  • 10 tips for new authors that guarantee non-fiction success;
  • Book Development, Publishing and Marketing Planning;
  • Have Clear Positioning and the Beginnings of an Author Platform AND Create an Online Media Kit!

Your Investment: $297.00 EARLY BIRD until 9/20/13

sign-up

 

About Regale Winery:

Inspired by Italian landscapes and Old-World villas, Regale Winery provides an opportunity to share the relaxed and sophisticated lifestyle that surrounds the production of wine.

Time seems to stop upon walking into our colorful and intimate garden vignettes featuring beautiful fountains, a spiral herb garden, outdoor fireplaces, a bocce ball court, and a traditional wood-fired oven. Three varieties of olive trees line the property from which we hand-pick and press the olives to produce our Estate Olive Oil.

Welcoming and intimate, the second floor dining room features a vaulted travertine ceiling, Italian fresco paintings, Venetian plaster, and ornate fireplaces to create an old-world Tuscan atmosphere. The room opens onto a heated, open-air terrace with breathtaking views of the coastal range and our formal gardens.

Just ten miles from downtown Los Gatos with no sharp turns or intimidating roads, experience Old World wine country without flying overseas or leaving the foothills of Silicon Valley.

An Interview with Paul Myers, Canadian Author, Musician & Journalist

Paul MyersMy recent Blog Talk Radio guest was Paul Myers. Paul is a Canadian author, journalist, musician, and songwriter, and the brother of comedic actor, Mike Myers. After a brief stint as songwriter and frontman for indie rock band, The Gravelberrys -which enjoyed a moment of fame with their alternative hit “Wonder Where You Are Tonight”- Paul began devoting most of his time to music journalism.

Paul’s first book was the authorized biography of the Bare Naked Ladies, called “Public Stunts, Private Stories,” which was published back in 2001. He wrote his second biography in 2007, “It Ain’t EasyLong John Baldry and the Birth of the British Blues.” He later wrote the script for John Orchards film of the same name, which lead to Myers’ nomination for a 2008 Gemini award for best writing in a documentary program or series.

You can hear our full interview on my website at https://allaccessgroup.com under the Resources Tab/BlogTalkRadio

Until next time,

Kelli Richards, CEO of The All Access Group, LLC

 

Search Resources

Topic Areas & Guests

Categories

Join our mailing list

For insights on industry trends, and for details on special projects/events. We respect your time and your privacy.

Don’t Wait — Do It Now

It may be a trite statement, and yes maybe overused, however how many of us are living from this mindset? In the wake of things like the Vegas concert massacre earlier this month — or losing another beloved rocker (Tom Petty), I was reflecting on how fleeting life really is. The best way to honor those whose lives may have been cut short is to live each day fully, fully present, in the moment. To express yourself with those you care about, let them know how you feel. To do the things that matter the most to you now, today — because the harsh truth is that someday may not exist! What if you just acted on a thought or an idea when it came to you, or called someone when they came to mind? Your life would be lived more fully in the moment, and your velocity and results would surely increase. Try it!

I love what Steve Chandler says in his terrific new book “Right Now: Mastering the Beauty of the Present Moment”, …

Todd Rundgren, Multi-Instrumentalist, Singer and Songwriter


(*Photo courtesy of Tom Callan)

An eclectically accomplished musician and studio virtuoso, Todd Rundgren is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter whose music career has spanned nearly five decades. His musical style has evolved over the years from the simple pop of his early solo albums to the more complex progressive rock of his band Utopia, which gained Rundgren a devoted cult following – and beyond. …

Bumper Cars — Be Safe & Sane in Parking Lots

Over the past couple of decades, cars have grown larger and parking lot stalls seem to have shrunk; or at least that’s the way it seems. While out running errands today, I wound up in three very small and overcrowded parking lots that don’t seem to have been designed for the times — and that just adds to challenges posed by oversized vehicles and inexperienced, impatient or frazzled drivers. I slowed my own pace to bear witness.

It was amazing to me how fast cars were zipping around and through cars trying to get in and out of stalls, how there was little to no patience, and how inconsiderate people were about how they parked within the stalls (not considering whether the car next to them would have room to open their car doors). They just didn’t seem to pay attention or maybe they just don’t care. Driver courtesy went out the window. Everyone was in a hurry, and I saw Suburbans and large, oversized SUVs and trucks parked in compact spaces — and of course since they didn’t fit, an extra space was taken away. It’s amazing there weren’t more accidents involving the cars themselves and pedestrians.

From research I’ve done, it seems something like 20-25% of all accidents happen in parking lots. And over 50% of injuries resulting from backing-up accidents happen when a vehicle backs into a pedestrian in a parking lot.

Here are some things to consider that can allow you to keep yourself, your car and others around you safe and sane: …

Tamer Rashad, Founder and CEO of Humtap

Tamer Rashad is a business leader with over 25 years of general management, corporate strategy, start-up and business development experience across the US, Europe and Emerging Markets. Currently, Tamer is Founder and CEO of Humtap; a music creation platform driven by the human voice and augmented with artificial intelligence and algorithmic composition, designed to enable real-time music creation and sharing for everyone on-the-fly with some really compelling applications for consumers, artists and labels. …

What You Need to Know About Corporate Politics

Working in the corporate arena, as an employee or consultant, chances are you’ve experienced politics from time to time, and chances are you’ve not always come up with the winning hand in every situation.

I’ve made some observations in this context over the years from when I was a corporate executive, and since as a consultant working within large corporations. Having been on both sides of the fence, here are some lessons I’ve learned that you may find helpful: …

Reflections on 9-11 — Finding the Gratitude

It was sixteen years ago today; that terrible day that “will live in infamy” for our generation. There’s no doubt it was one of the darkest days most of us have ever experienced during our lifetime. And yet, on reflection, some good things did come from it — for me personally, and for us as a society.

I was one of the producers working on a big Michael Jackson two-night anniversary concert that he did the couple of nights prior to 9-11 at Madison Square Garden in NYC. And I was slated to fly out of Newark to SFO on 9-11 (on Flight 93). …

Search Resources

Topic Areas & Guests

Categories

Join our mailing list

For insights on industry trends, and for details on special projects/events. We respect your time and your privacy.

9 Ways to Make a Lasting Impression at Your First Conference

October 27, 2014, LinkedIn Articles Success in business is all about connections and relationships. And with more and more people working virtually and face-to-face meetings becoming fewer and farther between, the stakes have never been higher for making a good first impression. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/9-ways-to-make-a-lasting-impression-at-your-first-conference.html

Turn Up Your Volume: 5 Big Moves Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Music Moguls

October 24, 2014, Inc. Music moguls and entrepreneurs have a lot to teach each other. But don’t worry; you don’t have to sing like Beyoncé or turn tables like Skrillex to bring the music to your business. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/turn-up-your-volume-5-big-moves-entrepreneurs-can-learn-richards/

Carla Harris

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-carla-harris

Stephanie Redd

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-stephanie-redd

Wearable Technology – iWatch and Wait

Formally known as “The Apple Watch,” Apple again forces us all to ask one existential question: What is it? Is it a bird? A plane? A watch, computer, bracelet, phone, or tablet? Now, you might be saying: Smart watches aren’t a new idea. But, in the end, Apple really does just do everything better.

The Ultimate Guide to Delegating (for Entrepreneurs Who Hate Delegating)

October 17, 2014, Inc. Freeing up your time won’t just make you more productive; it will also help maximize the skills and strengths of everyone on your team — including you. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/the-ultimate-guide-to-delegating-for-entrepreneurs-who-hate-delegating.html

The Secret Weapon of Billionaire CEOs and Other Wildly Successful People

October 10, 2014, Inc. If you’ve reached a plateau, it might be time to hire a business coach. A business coach can be a valuable asset to any executive and leader. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/the-secret-weapon-of-billionaire-ceos-and-other-wildly-successful-people.html

9 Ways to Make a Lasting Impression at Your First Conference

October 3, 2014, Inc. Conferences and industry events are a great place to initiate, establish, and nurture valuable business connections, but if you do the work before and after, you’re much more likely to maximize your time when you’re face-to-face. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/9-ways-to-make-a-lasting-impression-at-your-first-conference.html

Peter Hoddie

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-peter-hoddie

The Super Connector’s Guide to Making Powerful Business Introductions

September 26, 2014, Inc. If you aren’t actively looking for ways to make valuable introductions for your connections, your network isn’t as strong as it could be. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/the-super-connector-s-guide-to-making-powerful-business-introductions.html

Elaine Dennis

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-elaine-dennis

3 Essential Steps to Creating a Successful Personal Growth Plan

September 19, 2014, Inc. Drawing up a plan with the counsel of trusted advisors can not only help you visualize your goals and the necessary steps to achieve them, but it can also remedy a lot of the uncertainty that held you back in the first place. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/3-essential-steps-to-creating-a-successful-personal-growth-plan.html

Music and Your Brand: Five Ways to Tune Your Demographic In With the Right Band

Attention is a scarce resource—and that means it’s a costly one. In a world of hundreds of competing voices, art and music have become a powerful way to bring a brand back into the spotlight. The perfect example? The “marriage” of Alicia Keys and Blackberry. Blackberry didn’t just bring Keys in as a spokesperson, either; it made her its creative director. That wasn’t just some made-up title to give the “Girl on Fire” credibility; Keys has brought in some stellar ideas to create user (and fan) engagement. For her first act, Keys shot videos in every location of her tour, and she invited local fans and residents of those locales to send their own photos to include in the video clips. Photos chosen went on Alicia Keys’ on-stage video projection. Now that is a huge win around user experience—one of the fastest ways to turn engagement into ROI. Make It Relevant Right now, consumer brands are marketing more and more with music and entertainment. In fact, it’s become so important that some major brands have started their own record labels—including Red Bull, Scion, Mountain Dew, and Converse. Why? Music is a powerful way to create a cultural connection and engage with an audience while drawing your product even closer to your demographic’s lifestyle. Being hip, cool, relevant, and present as a brand is important, but the more important issue can be the cost to your image if you resist popular trends. (Just one example: Levi’s missed the hip-hop boom, and it cost the company $1 billion in sales—in one year.) Tuning in isn’t just a smart way to connect with your audience; it can be vital to your brand’s survival. The New ‘A&R’ Brands are becoming a trusted source for breaking hip underground artists to the mainstream media. The iTunes team at Apple (my alma mater) chose specific, obscure artists to create buzz around the launch of iTunes. That curating practice was really a form of Artist and Repertoire (or A&R), which used to be the domain of a record company. An “A&R” role—which I once did for EMI Music prior to launching the music vertical at Apple—was responsible for cultivating new talent for a label. Now, brands are performing that role themselves. By partnering with artists who fit your audience, you can create the perfect exposure for your brand to the right people. Here are a few ways to start: Find the right sound. If you don’t know which artists may make sense for your brand, hire people who do, or spend time online and on social media networks researching what your audience is listening to. Just ask and explore; they’ll tell you which artists you’ll want to pursue further. Target your age group. Brands vying for the attention of younger audiences—especially those 13-25—must be tuned into the entertainment world, especially when tie-ins between brands and bands are core to success. By partnering with exactly the right artistic act, you’ll net far more attention—and credibility—with your target audience. Get in touch. Many brands are approaching artists directly. If the artist is signed, the label may be involved, but it’s best to start with the artist’s manager (if an established band) or the artist directly (when a rising indie artist). Go where your audience is. Music festivals create the perfect audience for a brand. You’ll place yourself in front of thousands of viewers and kindle a shared passion with your artists’ fans. There are lots of music festivals catering to diverse audiences; find your niche. Unify and balance. Merging the needs of artists, brands, and fans can create powerful results. When an artist has a song that ties into the theme of a brand campaign, it resonates with the audience and is doubly powerful. Behind the Music There’s nothing quite like a smart, well-executed match between a brand and an artist. When Rihanna debuted her clothing line for River Island during London Fashion Week, she helped generate buzz and boost awareness in the United States around the UK-based clothing brand. When Panic at the Disco partnered with Honda Civic for the Honda Civic Tour in 2008, the group created an original, exclusive song for Honda’s Civic commercial. The band reached a much broader audience, which resulted in higher CD and ticket sales, and Honda was on the cutting edge with a new kind of branded content. Apple’s commercial for the launch of the MacBook Air featured a soundtrack from a little-known artist, Yael Naim. “New Song,” which was recorded in Naim’s Paris apartment, jumped up the charts and subsequently led to a wildly popular US tour—and critical success. Those are just a few examples; dozens of artistically interesting campaigns have benefited from the touch of a complementary musical act. That creative matchmaking is different every time, and it brings a new, fresh twist to a brand’s perception. The reason is simple: By its nature, music is both emotional and powerful. That’s why fans gather around their favorite artists, creating strong, tightly knit subcultures. Tuning into those communities can be the difference between becoming “white noise” and making a truly engaged connection—and that’s every advertising campaign’s goal. This post was originally published on Marketing Profs.

Music and Your Brand: Five Ways to Tune Your Demographic In With the Right Band

September 15, 2014, LinkedIn Articles Attention is a scarce resource—and that means it’s a costly one. In a world of hundreds of competing voices, art and music have become a powerful way to bring a brand back into the spotlight. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140915152830-9638-music-and-your-brand-five-ways-to-tune-your-demographic-in-with-the-right-band/

How to Harness Power Like a Celebrity

September 11, 2014, Inc. Three strategies of the stars that business professionals can use to make a difference in the world and do things that truly matter to them. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/how-to-harness-power-like-a-celebrity.html

Star-Struck: Tapping into the Power of a Celebrity Speaker

September 8, 2014, LinkedIn Articles Creating a well-designed event is a balancing act. Tapping industry leaders and controversial renegades, orchestrating brilliant panels, and throwing awesome after-parties all help draw people in, but a well-informed celebrity speaker can elevate your event to “can’t-miss” status with real punch and energy. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140908165516-9638-star-struck-tapping-into-the-power-of-a-celebrity-speaker/

Lisa Wellman

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-lisa-wellman

How to Harness Power Like a Celebrity.

Three strategies of the stars that business professionals can use to make a difference in the world and do things that truly matter to them.

In the mid-1990s, Apple ran a series of insightful ads entitled “Power Is,” featuring several celebrities describing what power meant to them.

Star-Struck: Tapping into the Power of a Celebrity Speaker

Creating a well-designed event is a balancing act. Tapping industry leaders and controversial renegades, orchestrating brilliant panels, and throwing awesome after-parties all help draw people in, but a well-informed celebrity speaker can elevate your event to “can’t-miss” status with real punch and energy.

Personal Glimpses of a Comet: Comic Genius Robin Williams

Sometimes there are people who touch our lives in brief glimpses – and those encounters are so magical that we hold onto them and look forward to the next one over and over. They’re friends of friends or colleagues we bump into at events or meetings or random connections where it seems serendipity is at work.

Only the Good Die Young: Robin Williams & Other Creative Geniuses Taken Too Soon

August 16, 2014, LinkedIn Articles I’ll never forget the first time I met Robin Williams. I was a teenager attending a taping of “Mork & Mindy” on the Paramount Pictures lot. Read the entire article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140816040437-9638-only-the-good-die-young-robin-williams-other-creative-geniuses-taken-too-soon/

Jamie DeWolf

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-jamie-dewolf

John Cook

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-john-cook

5 Important Books to Create Your Best Success on Every Level

Attention, book lovers – and CEOs – and artists – and entrepreneurs…. Here are five books I absolutely think you should read, and why. Yes, some of them have been out a while, but if you haven’t read them, give yourself an early birthday gift and order all five. (Then share them with someone you mentor. Remember, trusted advisors don’t just give advice and make powerful connections, they share the good stuff out there that inspires change and action.)

5 Conversation Tools For Nurturing Your Relationship With A Mentor

July 29, 2014, Forbes We’ve all longed for a classic mentor-mentee relationship at some point in our careers. We want someone who is savvy and seasoned. We want her to provide the perfect insights and career advice that will help us reach our goals. We want someone who will guide us to our destination. Read the entire article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2014/07/29/5-conversation-tools-for-nurturing-your-relationship-with-a-mentor/

How Technology Has Made Home Business Easier

Of the 28 million small businesses in the United States, 52 percent of them are home-based. Maintaining and organizing your business from home is easier with the advancements in mobile technology. With the latest apps and services you can organize your business’ finances, organize your team, market your product, and provide your customers with top-notch customer service. These technologies have made it easy for home businesses to streamline processes and produce products that mimic larger organizations.

Steve Hayden

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-steve-hayden

Eren Niazi

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-eren-niazi

Randy Haykin

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-randy-haykin

A Hard Day’s Night for Digital Legacy – The Lost Beatles Recordings

Great work will never die in today’s ever expanding online digital world. According to the IDC “The digital universe is growing 40% a year into the next decade. By 2020 it will contain nearly as many digital hits as there are stars in the universe.” In fact, according to Science Daily, 90% of all the world’s data has been written in the past 2 years. Wow. That is an incredibly daunting idea. Literally 90% of the information that is readily accessible to the world today was not available only 2 years ago.

Annual Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference

“Allen & Company is a private investment firm formed in 1922, located in New York and London. Allen & Company has advised, helped found and/or invested in numerous companies including BET, InterActiveCorp, Oxygen Media, Discovery Communications, News Corporation, the Coca-Cola Corporation and Google.”

Kick-Finishing: The Next Big Thing in Promotion – from Linkedin Influencers

It’s no surprise that artists and entrepreneurs alike frequently turn to crowdfunding — it works.

Crowdfunding campaigns raised more than $60,000 every hour in March. That’s a huge network recognizing and supporting individual projects and careers.

But it’s not just the initiation stage of a project that can benefit from a crowdfunding network. By using crowdfunding to spread the word after you’ve completed your project, you can turn your fans and partners into a massive marketing team and drastically increase the reach of your brand. This tactic is called kick-finishing, and it’s exactly what my musician friend Brent Bourgeois is doing with his new album.

Brent Bourgeois and the Origins of Kick-Finishing

Brent is a rock musician based in the San Francisco Bay Area with an extensive career in performing, songwriting, and producing. In the ’80s, he was a founding member of a fantastic band called Bourgeois Tagg and has since collaborated with numerous other talented artists.

John Holland

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-john-holland

How to Build a Strong Relationship with Your Mentor?

There is nothing more valuable for your personal and professional growth than finding the right mentor to guide and challenge you. But working with a mentor is not a transaction; it is a relationship, and as with any relationship it can be easily destroyed if you don’t take good care of it.

Tune in for my powerful interview with Brent Bourgeois

Brent Bourgeois is a long-time colleague and notable American rock musician, songwriter, and producer who most recently worked with Julian Lennon on their single ‘The High Road’ off of his New Album ‘Don’t Look Back’ (with sales supporting Julian’s White Feather Foundation).

How Your Brand Can Rock the Socks Off A Music Festival

Summer music festivals are full of sunshine, fun, and community, but they’re also packed with thousands of potential customers and brand advocates. Advertising at these events is nothing new, but startups that can find a way to become part of the festival can reap significant benefits.

Nancy Duarte

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-nancy-duarte

Dear HBO, Please Keep ‘Silicon Valley’ Real!!!

Of course, Hollywood is famous for exaggerating or overlooking important aspects of reality for entertainment purposes, but so far, HBO’s “Silicon Valley” looks promising. Despite the dramatic plotline and startup stereotypes, the show provides a mostly accurate portrayal of entrepreneurial life and may even help demystify some aspects of startup culture.

Cheri Huber

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-cheri-huber-0

Dear HBO, Please Keep ‘Silicon Valley’ Real

May 7, 2014, Forbes Startup life is a hot topic in Hollywood right now. From Joshua Michael Stern’s “Jobs” to the Amazon original series “Betas,” there’s an undeniable appeal to life in Silicon Valley for those both inside and outside the startup bubble. Read the entire article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2014/05/06/dear-hbo-please-keep-silicon-valley-real/

3 Seemingly Obvious Tech Mergers We’re Still Waiting For

May 5, 2014, Fast Company One of the best parts of working in the tech industry is having a ringside seat to watch heavyweights like Google and Apple duke it out for market share and to be the first to develop the next big thing. Read the entire article here: https://www.fastcompany.com/3029955/3-seemingly-obvious-tech-mergers-were-still-waiting-for

Important Security Measures for Small Businesses

With business data breaches becoming a common story on the evening news, small businesses need to be vigilant about securing their systems and technology to protect their customers and their operations. Symantec’s 2014 Internet Security Threat Report found that web-based attacks, targeted attacks and the number of breaches all significantly increased in 2013 and one in eight websites have a liability vulnerable to attacks. Make your business data difficult to access and manipulate so criminals move on to easier targets by knowing how data breaches occur, minimizing risk and regularly monitoring security.

Matt Swafford

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-matt-swafford

Tom Rodrigues

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-tom-rodrigues

How to Build a Strong Relationship with Your Mentor?

There is nothing more valuable for your personal and professional growth than finding the right mentor to guide and challenge you. But working with a mentor is not a transaction; it is a relationship, and as with any relationship it can be easily destroyed if you don’t take good care of it.

Cathal Furey

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-cathal-furey

Is a Joint Venture Right for Me?

Entering into a Join Venture is not something to undertake lightly. It is a major decision and requires careful consideration. Here are some of the basics of how Joint Ventures work and some key points to keep in mind when considering whether or not it’s the right move for your business.

Want to Take Your Project to the Next Level? Collaborate!

Although our culture tends to celebrate the idea of the “lone creative genius,” the truth is that a look behind the scenes of any success story will very often reveal the work of a stellar team; a group of passionate people who worked together to challenge and motivate one another. Steve Jobs famously promoted collaboration to increase productivity and creativity at Apple. It was one of the benchmarks of all the work that went on during my years there, and it continues to be a best practice of the corporation, and the alum that worked there.

The Who What Where When & Why of Startups

Essentially, startups form because a group of rebels are fueled to the brim by enthusiasm, innovation and passion about their ideas and products. Sadly, those assets are not enough though. Without the resources, infrastructure, and / or the knowledge to develop it on their own, it’s very likely to go supernova before it ever develops a comfortable orbit. Mentoring is a core part of running a successful startup.

John Amaral

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-dr-john-amaral

4 Steps to Ace an Early-Adopter Culture

In this era of rapid innovation, a new technological breakthrough can shake an entire industry in an afternoon, and consumers are hungry for the most advanced gadgets available. Businesses are constantly expected to be at the forefront of emerging technology.

Chris Dotson

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-chris-dotson-inc

4 Tech Dinosaurs That Will Finally Die in 2015

In recent years, technology has changed the way we view work, entertainment, media, and even our workout habits. While most people are focused on what’s next for wearables, cloud computing, and syncing gadgets, few have taken the time to consider the tech we’re going to be sending into retirement in the coming years.

4 Steps to Ace an Early-Adopter Culture

March 12, 2014, Entrepreneur In this era of rapid innovation, a new technological breakthrough can shake an entire industry in an afternoon, and consumers are hungry for the most advanced gadgets available. Businesses are constantly expected to be at the forefront of emerging technology. Read the entire article here: https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/4-steps-to-ace-an-early-adopter-culture/232132

How to Vet a Crowded Industry for Hidden Innovation Opportunities

Most of the 10 million thermostats sold every year throughout the U.S. were clunky, inefficient, and impossible to program, but a simple, Wi-Fi-enabled device that could be programmed via a smartphone — that could be a game changer. Fadell and Rogers saw this opportunity, left their jobs at Apple, and got to work.

5 Unlikely Music Legends With Great Advice for Entrepreneurs

We usually expect business wisdom to come from the likes of Mark Cuban, Elon Musk, and Warren Buffett — not Jimmy Buffett. But there are a few big names in entertainment who would surprise you with their entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.

4 Tech Dinosaurs That Will Finally Die in 2015

February 27, 2014, Forbes In recent years, technology has changed the way we view work, entertainment, media, and even our workout habits. While most people are focused on what’s next for wearables, cloud computing, and syncing gadgets, few have taken the time to consider the tech we’re going to be sending into retirement in the coming years. Read the entire article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2014/02/27/4-tech-dinosaurs-that-will-finally-die-in-2015/https://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2014/02/27/4-tech-dinosaurs-that-will-finally-die-in-2015/

Two Steps to Creating Collaborations and One to Surviving When they Go Wrong.

Today I had the privilege of interviewing Ian Miller. Ian is an expert brand and marketing strategist with 30 years of experience building hugely competitive brands and the CEO and Founder of The Brand Practice, a business and brand strategy consultancy. A recognized expert / lecturer in Ingredient Branding, Ian Miller has led the creation and global launch of the ingredient brand, NutraSweet, and worked closely with over 50 partner brands, including Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi – creating great synergy and collaboration around the business world.

5 Tools Every Entrepreneur Needs in 2014

Entrepreneurs must be practical experts, according to author and leadership expert Simon Sinek. A new business owner needs to specialize in his craft, as well as marketing, graphic design, and plant maintenance. He sweeps, writes press releases, and keeps the books. An entrepreneur is everything to everyone. Juggling so many jobs can be a huge task, but happily there are new tools and tech to get you through it without losing your mind.

Albhy Galuten

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richers-interviews-albhy-galuten

Step Away from the Smartphone

Of the 93% of Americans that use cell phones or wireless devices, one-third of them are using “smartphones,” with which you can browse the Web and check e-mail. In other words, most of us are spending our days walking around with our eyes glued to our phone screens, as chillingly demonstrated in this telling YouTube short.

Brent Bourgeois

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-brent-bourgeois

Bobby Fried

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-interviews-robert-fried

The Benefits of BYOD Across Different Company Sizes

Anyone connected to the business world has heard about the rampant popularity of bring-your-own-device policies, better known as BYOD. The trend will continue for the near future and likely beyond, with Gartner analysts claiming that 50 percent of companies will mandate a BYOD platform over the course of the next five years. The popularity and gains in morale aside, however, does a BYOD set of policies make sense to a company on a financial standpoint? In terms of dollars and cents, some businesses may get more out of BYOD than others.

The Secret to Becoming a Super Connector

January 28, 2014, LinkedIn Articles A few years ago, a former colleague reached out to me. He was working at Cisco, helping the company organize its 25 anniversary employee celebration. For the event’s entertainment, CEO John Chambers wanted Jerry Seinfeld. Read the entire article here: https://www.inc.com/kelli-richards/the-super-connector-s-guide-to-making-powerful-business-introductions.html

iPhone: Hover Technology Coming Soon?

Imagine having dirty or wet hands, not wanting to touch your phone, but still needing to use it- you can. It takes new phone anxiety and consequent over protection to a whole new level. But beyond aiding neat freaks in protecting their phones, this technology has immense potential, and really left me wishing that my phone could do the same cool new tricks.

Peter Hoppenfeld

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-peter-hoppenfeld

Live Viewing Services for YouTube Verified Users?

In a day and age largely defined by the creation and expansion of social networking, and sharing, YouTube’s expansion of live video services to all verified users, may not seem so revolutionary or even like a new idea, but it will no doubt prove its versatility.

Coin: Access to All of Your Cards in One

Coin is a new type of credit card that stores all of your accounts on one card. How can this be possible, you ask? Coin works just like any other credit card and you can swipe it in any machine, only this card comes with out hassle. To choose which account you want to use for each particular purchase, simply click the round button on the card and scroll through each account on the small display screen until you find the correct account.

4 Unique Gatherings for Thought Leaders in 2014

We live in a rapidly changing world, and it’s not about to slow down in 2014. Here are four exciting events in the coming year that will keep you on the bleeding edge of innovation.
International CES “It’s a lab. A social hub. A marketplace. And a few things they’ve yet to create words for.”

Mike Koenigs

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-qa-w-mike-koenigs-ceo-of-traffic-geyser-0

Chip Schultzman

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-qa-w-chip-schutzman-miles-high-productions

Anthony Cordova

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-anthony-cordova

Jeffery Weber

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-jeffrey-weber-author-producer

Brenden Mulligan

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-brenden-mulligan-ceo-of-onesheet

Lyle Workman

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-qa-w-musician-composer-lyle-workman

Christine Arylo

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-qa-w-christine-arylo-author-and-coach

Luke Potter

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-qa-w-singer-songwriter-luke-potter

Frans Johansson

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-frans-johansson

Scott Fox

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-scott-fox-0

Judy Robinett

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-judy-robinett

Dave Ulmer

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-dave-ulmer

EOS 3D: A Radical Step Forward for 3D Technology

But all this has changed with the introduction of EOS 3D – which literally prints 3D objects. These machines are capable of “printing” in plastic, metal, and sand manufacturing, and the appeal to various industries – ranging from aerospace to medical and lifestyle products – is undeniable.

How to Start a Rabbl: Tell Your Favorite Bands Where to Play, and When

With the advent of various personal music-creating and editing programs (from Audacity, to Garage Band, to Logic Pro) it has become increasingly easy, and more popular for individuals to dive into the independent music industry. Success stories of amateur musicians, making it big from small, at-home “studios,” are rolling in daily.

Freddie Ravel

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-freddie-ravel

Dave Jaworski

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://jeeni.com/track/kelli-richards-interviews-dave-jaworski-3rd-ever-employee-of-microsoft-canada

Carol Pepper

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-qa-w-carol-pepper-author-wealth-manager

Linda Ronstadt

Listen to the entire podcast here: https://allaccessradio.libsyn.com/kelli-richards-interviews-linda-ronstadt

Search Resources

Topic Areas & Guests

Categories

Join our mailing list

For insights on industry trends, and for details on special projects/events. We respect your time and your privacy.

Kelli’s monthly newsletters are her direct line of communication to clients and friends. Each edition includes a personal note, an overview of recent activities, book recommendations, and more.

Some past newsletters are included on this page. To become part of this community, and to receive the most current communications from Kelli, you can sign up by clicking the button below.

We’re thrilled to have you join us!

Search Resources

Topic Areas & Guests

Categories

Join our mailing list

For insights on industry trends, and for details on special projects/events. We respect your time and your privacy.

Join our mailing list

For insights on industry trends, and for details on special projects/events. We respect your time and your privacy.