Resources
6 Ways to Build Your Brand and Grab Your Audience
In today’s world, the connection to your customer is your number one asset. The path to communicating most effectively to your “fans” literally becomes the yellow brick road. If you’re not giving your fan or client a myriad of choices through which to connect, you are missing out not only on revenues, but also on building your army of loyal brand advocates. Here are 6 best practices to implement immediately to forge a solid, long-standing relationship with your best audiences and clients.
#1. Good as Gold – Email Addresses. I can’t stress this enough. You need to ask your client / fan base for their email addresses often – and you need to offer them something valuable in return. Whether that’s a great audio course that you’ve created or a track off your new album, having a way to reconnect to your target fans or clients frequently and authentically is your most valuable asset. For more information on HOW to collect those email addresses (what mechanisms to use, what offerings to inspire the trade, etc.), please sign up for the pre-sale of my forthcoming ebook, “All You Need is Love – Using Social Media to Build an Army of Brand Advocates.”
#2. Body and Soul. The body of your work has got to be excellent obviously, but in today’s world, your fan base and clients want more than just your products. They want to know who YOU are and what makes you tick. They want to be your friends on Facebook and feel a personal, one-on-one connection to you. In short, they want you to bring your soul – the passion behind your work. Be sure that you’re sharing with enough depth and in enough places to create this powerful connection to your audience. This could mean giving interviews to mainstream media – or to popular bloggers. It could mean sharing videos and photos of your personal life – images of you when you’re just being you, without your “brand” everywhere. If you don’t have a blog yourself, consider putting one up. You can keep it super simple by doing video blogs from wherever you are, bringing your fan base “behind the curtain” so to speak and including them in what you do and who you are, body and soul.
#3. Microscope, Telescope, Periscope. If you’re ready to move forward with the most important work of your life (and if you’re not, stop wasting time already!), then you’re going to need a dream team to move you forward. It’s easy to get caught up from a singular point of view – whether that be a microscopic view lost in the details, or a far-out telescope view of the big picture, but with NO details – and if you don’t have a periscope to look underneath it all and spot the rough seas — you just might not survive the process. Begin pulling your team together from near and far – choose them with great care.
#4. Inquiry! Constantly asking your fans and client base what they want from you is a vital best practice. As we know from the music industry, things can change day-to-day, and it’s those artists who are listening most closely and who remain the most malleable, who are the most likely to survive – and thrive. You can use an online service, like SurveyMonkey to run a poll, or you can reach out through your newsletter. Ask your audience what they most want from you in the next month, six months and year – and then make sure that your model is wrapped tightly around those expectations. And while you’re asking for stuff, ask for their cell phone numbers. Mobile marketing is huge. ASK your audience how they want to be contacted and then CONTACT them. Send those messages once a week or so with an idea or better yet, ask them for their ideas. Send them to a free online show. Make the connection.
#5. Testimonials. Whether you’re a top tier platinum artist, a leader in your industry, or just starting out – nothing speaks louder than the words of a fan, client, collaborator, journalist or even a team member. Start gathering those testimonials and post them everywhere – on your website, your newsletter, your social media sites and your fan forums. The client has nothing but choices in today’s world; make sure that you’re sharing the wonderful things being said about you and the work that you do.
#6. Inclusivity and Exclusivity. Be sure that you’re out there in a big enough way to include as many possible clients and fans as possible. Having said that, be sure that you’re also building a level of exclusivity into your products and your availability. Have a space that belongs only to your most ardent uber fans. Perhaps that’s a forum only for superfan members at a certain level of payment or participation, or perhaps it’s an event that you do (either live or online) that only has room for 50 guests.
*For new musicians, one space to check out is StageIt (see the Resources section for more info).
Kelli Richards, CEO, The All Access Group, LLC
and Author of The Art of Digital Music
An Intimate Q&A with Tom Silverman, CEO of Tommy Boy Entertainment
Tom Silverman, CEO of Tommy Boy Entertainment and the Force Behind the New Music Seminar Speaks with Kelli about where the Music Industry is Headed.
Here are a few excerpts of my interview with Tom Silverman on my All Access Radio Show. To hear the entire interview, please visit my website at https://allaccessgroup.com.
Kelli: Tom, where do you see the future of music and artistic control of content heading?
Tom: Artistic control. Wow. I don’t like to use the word control when I’m talking about artistic. I think the problem with the business right now is it’s based on control. The old music business was based on control. And you know, we’re starting to build a new music business that’s based on different values altogether … The old business really was based on power and control and coercion… all that “nice” stuff, and the new business really is based on cooperation, community, connection and collaboration. It’s a much different paradigm.
Kelli: Tom, why do you think traditional labels are so afraid to hire new artists and how do you think a new artist can succeed despite these roadblocks?
Tom: … Whenever you have a consolidated business or industry, they become risk averse. The more companies roll up and consolidate, the less risk they take. That’s true in any business. The labels would rather be conservative … it costs a million dollars to roll the dice every time you sign a new artist. It’s at least a million dollars in America even to see what you have. They’re saying,’ let’s sign less artists and let’s spend less money on those few artists that we do sign them, in marketing, and then let’s do 360 deals with them so we have a bigger return’
Kelli: And some artists, the smart ones, aren’t signing those kinds of deals, right?
. … If you want to be signed in the early part of your career, when you don’t have any hits yet and no history, you’re going to have to do a 360 deal – or you’re not doing a deal – that’s just the way it is – unless you go with a small independent.
Kelli: How should a new artist succeed, if in fact, they don’t get signed by a label?
Tom: Okay, a lot of what we’re talking about now is New Music Seminar curriculum. An artist has to do it themselves anyway at the beginning – there’s almost no artist being signed off of just hearing a tape or CD. That’s just not happening any more. They have to have some action – some story – some heat. They have to bring heat to the table before anyone cares about them. Before a booking agent cares about them, before a manager cares about them, before a label cares about them. Think about a label as an investor. If you’re a venture capitalist, you have to have some reason to sign the deal. It’s about managing risk and reward. We can’t get caught up in the emotions of music. It’s just a business reality.
One of the things we’re trying to do is to create a new business reality, an alternative to this. One which would please the artist in the long run, make money for the investor in a five or ten to 1 return on a hit, so that more money can flow back into the business and more artists get signed and more artists have an opportunity to break through. Not that you can’t break through on your own, but I have to say, I’ve done some research … in 2008, there were only 1500 artists that sold over 10,000 albums that year. There were only 200 new artists that had never done it before, and that includes Lady Gaga. So let’s use that number. I like to call it the obscurity level – when an artist breaks 10,000 albums, they’re in the game. So out of those 200, 192 were actually on independent labels; only 8 were doing it themselves.
Kelli: Tom, you relaunched New Music Seminar a couple of years ago (and I’m thrilled to be part of it this year, by the way). Share with the audience more about New Music Seminar. What’s behind it?
Tom: … Our message is a very specific one. The record business is dying. It’s sinking. There’s nothing that’s going to happen that’s going to change that. But there will still be a music business. We just don’t know what it will be, and the purpose of the New Music Seminar is to build the next music business, hopefully a profitable and sustainable music business. So we’re convening the architects and designers of the next music business. I mean, everyone knows how bad the record business is right now, and for the last ten years they’ve known it. We don’t waste a lot of time talking about that, because talking about a bad situation doesn’t change it. We want to be constructive. We’re not trying to fix a broken boat. We’re trying to build a new boat. It seems like other conferences talk about how do you bail water out of this boat to slow the sinking. Do we bail to the left or to the right?
Kelli: Yes, this is all about solutions and hope and a design for what comes next.
You can catch my show every Monday at 5pm PST. https://BlogTalkRadio.com/AllAccessRadio.
Kelli Richards, CEO, The All Access Group, LLC
Hot Stuff from Hot Caramel – Excerpts from my Interview with Irene Cara
Being able to support great artists and entrepreneurs as they break away from past successes in their lives and embark on the new is one of life’s biggest highs for me. Few performers have had the amazing success and influence of Irene Cara – I had the chance to interview Irene recently and to hear about her new group, “Hot Caramel.” The direction Irene Cara’s sound and life has taken is deeply inspiring. Just to remind everyone about Irene’s lifetime of successes, as an actress, Irene received the Image Award for Best Actress for her work with Diahann Carroll in the NBC Movie of the Week, Sisters. She also received an NAACP Image Award Nomination for her portrayal of Myrlie Evers in the PBS movie on Civil Rights Leader Medger Evers “For Us the Living.”
For Flashdance alone Irene won 5 major awards, including Top Female Vocalist-Pop Singles and Pop Single of the Year. As a songwriter her talent earned her an Academy Award, 2 Grammys, a Golden Globe and a Peoples Choice Award for Flashdance. She was also the first African American female to win an Academy Award since Hattie McDaniel in 1939, plus the first Hispanic female since Rita Moreno and the first bi-racial female ever to win in any category – pre-dating Halle Berry by nearly 20 years.
Here are a few excerpts from our interview. You can hear the entire Q&A at https://allaccessgroup.com/articles-and-resources/blog-talk-radio.
Kelli Richards: “You know, Irene, there’s just so much to say about the amazing career you’ve enjoyed. Your list of awards is long and impressive. If you’re able to choose just one or two, what have been the most shining moments in your career that you’ve been most proud of?
Irene Cara: “I think this new phase is really the most important thing to me now. I mean, I don’t like to look backwards. I like to live in the present and look forward – to look toward the future. I started in the industry as a child … and I did a lot of work as a 5 year old, 6 year old, 8 year old, 11 year old. You know, I did Electric Company when I was a child. I did my first movie at fourteen, a highly acclaimed, pretty much is considered an African-American classic called “Sparkle.” At the time that was unique, because that was during the whole black exploitation genre of films. There were very few films about people of color.
Of course, Roots was iconic classic television series that started the whole miniseries genre. I played Alex Haley’s mother as a young girl. I started my entire career as a child and then into my teens. And then, you know, Fame and Flashdance were pretty much the end of an era for me. Pretty much the highlight of a 20 year career for me…
So now, this is the stage where I consider the beginning of my adult career. It really embodies who I truly am as an artist.
… I’ve been a working artist since childhood, and this is the first time where I’m now free to express myself as an adult artist the way I see myself … not fulfilling someone else’s vision of what that is.
To learn more about Hot Caramel’s new double CD, visit https://irenecara.com/cdbook3.html
Kelli Richards, CEO, The All Access Group, LLC
Gregg Allman – Somehow You’re Still on the Run
Gregg Allman has always been a guy who colors outside the lines, in my opinion. There’s no question that The Allman Brothers Band has serious staying power. Probably best known for “Sweet Melissa,” Allman is a bluesy, jam-band pioneer who practically invented Southern Rock. As most followers of Allman Brothers music probably know, Gregg has had a long career that began with he and his brother playing together when they were only in high school. They followed what is now an almost a non-existent route to success – they were signed by a label. Although the sound of the album they produced was definitely not what they wanted, it did begin a lifelong, winding success story for Gregg. (Sadly, his brother passed away in 1973.)
Allman would tell you himself that he’s been way up in his life, and he’s definitely been down. Last year the 63-year old musician had a liver transplant AND a new album in the works. Released just a few weeks ago, “Low Country Blues” was produced by T Bone Burnett. In it, Allman covers music from some of the music that most influenced his own life and voice – from Muddy Waters and BB King, to Buddy Guy and Magic Sam. Low Country Blues is definitely one of those “up” moments in Gregg Allman’s remarkable body of work. It’s rich with passion and implies a deep understanding of those highs and lows that life throws at all of us.
It was T Bone Burnett who brought Allman the initial idea of a cover album. Said Allman in a recent interview, “He told me some guy gave him a hard drive, it has 10,000 obscure blues songs… He says, ‘I’m gonna pick out twenty of ‘em and send ‘em to ya and you tell me what you think.’ He said, ‘They’re old, like Billie Holliday old, and when you listen to ‘em, I want you to think about us gettin’ in there and about bringin’ ‘em up to today.’” The recording process was amazingly easy and electrifying, said Allman in his easy southern drawl, “If it works right, it all turns real magic, and that’s what happened this time, more so I think than anything I’ve ever recorded. We got 15 masters in 11 days; let me tell ya, they just went Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!”
Pop is the right word – the album definitely has chops. It has a unique, deep bluesy sound, easily recognized as pure Allman, and backed by a troupe of A-listers in the music world. In addition to Burnett and Allman, Doyle Bramhall II also played on guitar. The rhythm section was comprised of upright bassist Dennis Crouch and drummer Jay Bellerose, and the lineup included a brass section led by trumpeter Darrell Leonard (whose resume extends al the way back to his work with Gregg’s late brother, Duane Allman). Finally, the sounds of Night Tripper, Mac “Dr. John” Rebennack, completed the pack on piano. (Rebennack co-wrote “Let This Be A Lesson To Ya’” with Gregg on The Gregg Allman Band’s 1977 classic, Playin’ Up A Storm.) To add to the overall collaborative effort, the album’s one original composition, “Just Another Rider” was even co-written with longtime ABB guitarist Warren Haynes.
A gypsy at heart, Gregg Allman is both a traditionalist and a non-traditionalist. He is eager to get out and tour the new songs, kicking off in New York on March 10th at the historic Beacon Theatre and then winding his way around the east coast and then through Europe – landing back on this continent late in September with two dates in Canada. You can find his entire tour schedule at https://bit.ly/GreggAllmanTour and definitely pick up the album – at under twelve bucks; it’s a million-dollar participation in the voice of a true American music giant. https://amzn.to/GreggAllmanAlbum
“Places you been, things that you done, and somehow you’re still on the run,” Allman sings on the original song “Just Another Rider.” I think we’re all glad that this guy is still out there on the run, entertaining and inspiring the rest of us to do the same.
Kelli Richards, CEO, The All Access Group, LLC
Remembering John Lennon – 30 Years Later
Like much of the world, I’ve spent the last week thinking about John Lennon and the anniversary of his death on December 8th. It’s honestly hard to believe that thirty years have passed since he was taken from us in a single moment’s insanity. In fact, most of the time, it’s hard to believe that John’s really gone at all. His was far more than the voice of a generation – it was often the voice of our hearts and our conscience.
And as unimaginable as it is to hold space for the thirty years of unspoken words and unwritten songs, what I truly cannot get away from this week is the rest of John. As great a man as he was, and as truly generous a soul – especially to his fellow musicians – for two men out there, John Lennon wasn’t a Beatle – or an icon – he was simply Dad.
I met Julian Lennon for the first time several years ago. I was struck with how gracious he was and how engaging – how much he reminded me of his father and how strongly he had aligned with his Dad’s passion for peace and conservation. But I was also captured by the deep sadness he seemed to bear, just under that gracious surface. I remember sharing with Julian how sorry I was for his loss – and recognizing how he had lost his dad, twice really. It was a deeply heartfelt conversation and a genuine connection. In a career filled with world=renowned musicians and many celebrity relationships – it is one that has stayed with me at a core level.
Julian has his own voice of course. His new album “Everything Changes” should be out by next year, and in October he helped his mom, Cynthia Lennon, publicize the John Lennon Peace Monument in Liverpool. And Sean has found his own path as well, now co-leading a band with his musician / model girlfriend, Charlotte Kemp Muhl (Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger.)
But all successes aside, it’s still Julian I think of often – and Sean. How the thread of their lives with their dad, John Lennon, was forever cut short by something so senseless and beyond comprehension. I have always been struck by how much Julian looks and sounds like his father – in the way that only fathers and sons can. In fact, one of my career aspirations has always been to create a benefit concert with Julian and Paul McCartney around John Lennon’s music. To use the talents I have to honor how much was left unsaid, by one of the people who most deserved to hear it – his son. Julian embodies his own gifts and talents along with his father’s.
I suppose that is really my attempt to make sense of these things – this loss – to find some deeper meaning. To find some thread of understanding that will provide some peace – for Julian and for the rest of us. To knit a golden thread through time and space and recapture one of the greatest voices of humanity, and to simply risk listening and hearing what we MIGHT some day achieve – if we would only imagine. John’s greatest gifts were surely his music and his wish for peace and love which inspired and sparked a generation. And we are truly fortunate that his legacy and grace endures and burns most brightly in Sean and Julian.
Kelli Richards, CEO, The All Access Group, LLC
“Connecting the Dots Between Entertainment and Technology”
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Is a Joint Venture Right for Me?
Once you’ve embraced collaboration as a means to achieve your highest potential in your project or venture, at some point you might start to see potential for more formal partnership.
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.
The ultimate goal of embarking on a JV is to expand your business, whether by developing new products or moving into new markets. JV’s are particularly relevant for those hoping to expand their business overseas.
No matter the size of your business, Joint Ventures can be utilized to strengthen long-term relationships or to collaborate on short-term projects. A joint venture enables you to share risks and benefits with a partner and can supply you with access to established markets and distribution channels, more resources, greater capacity, or increased technical expertise.
Entering into this type of collaboration with another business is complex; building the right relationship takes time and effort. If you do not have a clear understanding of the goals and the way value will be shared moving forward, a Joint Venture can burn you in the long run. (Just ask IBM when it partnered with Microsoft in the early 1980’s.) Success in a JV depends on the right relationship, a clear and thorough understanding of the goals, and effective communication of the business plan. Here are a few things that could be deadly to your Joint Venture:
> Goals are not 100% clear
> Different objectives among respective partners
> Friction and poor cooperation due to different management styles
> Insufficient leadership and support in the early stages
> An imbalance in levels of investment, assets or expertise brought in by respective partners
Flexibility is at the heart of what makes a JV such an attractive option. For example, a JV can cover only part of what you do and have a limited life span, therefore limiting the commitment and exposure for both parties; or alternatively, you might decide to set up a new company altogether to handle a particular contract.
To help you decide what form of JV would best serve you, ask yourself how involved you want to be in managing it, and consider what could happen if the venture fails.
Understanding how much risk you are prepared to accept is a key element of choosing the right JV approach. Take the time to develop clarity around this central question and you will thank yourself down the road!
Until next time, Kelli Richards
CEO of The All Access Group, LLC
PS: The right mentor will also have the right CONNECTIONS to move any effort forward. Be sure to ask who they think they can bring to the table around advisorship, possible collaboration and even funding.
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.
How does this apply to you? Here’s the truth: If you want to take your creative project to the next level, it’s time to give the focus on individual productivity a break and shift toward harnessing the amazing power of effective collaboration.
Remember this rule as you go forward: A team is more than just a group of individuals. Creating a cohesive team unit depends on a variety of factors that, if properly understood, can help you optimize your team selection and work habits. Here are a few facts to get you started:
1. The mere presence of others can boost your performance.
Ever wonder why so many creatives seem to enjoy working in a crowded café, surrounded by strangers? Evidence suggests that the energy of other people can act as a surrogate team, even if we’re working solo. In a 1920 experiment by social psychologist Floyd Allport, a group of people working individually at the same table performed better on a whole range of tasks even though they weren’t cooperating or competing, This is now known as the “social facilitation” effect – the way the mere presence of other people engaged in the same task as us can boost our motivation.
2. Team effectiveness depends on social sensitivity.
The ability of teams to perform well across a range of challenges is referred to as “collective intelligence,” and interestingly it is not based on the average IQ of individual team members. Rather, the collective intelligence of a team is derived from the way team members take turns during conversations – and this often correlates positively with the proportion of women in the group. Which brings us to number 3…
3. Teams perform better when they include both men and women.
A 2012 analysis of nearly 2,400 international companies found that those with at least one woman on their boards tended to be the strongest performers, and the benefits were especially apparent in tougher operating conditions. According to a 2011 experiment by European researchers, the optimum gender balance is 50-50.
4. A good team needs a balance of extroverts and introverts.
Our culture tends to idolize the extrovert, but evidence suggests that the perceived value of introverts in a team setting increases as time goes on, whereas the perceived value of extroverts actually falls – as demonstrated in a recent study by UCLA. While extroverts tend to grab our attention and introverts tend to take longer to showcase their abilities, often it is a balance of complementary personalities that makes for the most effective mix.
The Grand Takeaway? The best teams are built from diverse perspectives and abilities. When creating your dream team, seek out people with different specialties, personalities, and problem-solving styles. If there is friction, don’t give up; instead, train them in better communication.
If you’re building a team to move your best projects forward, remember that the music to making it all work is your mentor. A powerful mentor should be an ally who sees your vision, a leader who brings the very best people and advisors, and a clear picture of how to get from starting point to end game. If you’re looking for that, I’d love to have a conversation with you.
Until next time,
Kelli Richards
CEO of The All Access Group, LLC
PS: The right mentor will also have the right CONNECTIONS to move any effort forward. Be sure to ask who they think they can bring to the table around advisorship, possible collaboration and even funding.
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.
Too many startups are unable to move from the ‘pitch’ phase into the ‘construction’ phase and are lost as a result. Having a reliable sounding board to provide practical advice is one way to be smart about the startup process. In fact, many statistics show that startups with mentors are 90% more likely to succeed. The secret sauce, of course, is to find a mentor with the right expertise in your vertical, the bench strength in management and the powerful connections and relationships to accelerate the success. Expertise from a seasoned veteran can make all the difference.
Successful startup mentors start at the bottom with the companies and are strongly integrated into the vision and process. It’s natural to want to create your own spin on the product or add outside value from the get-go, but everyone on the team has to fully understand the project in its most basic form before moving forward. If they see the vision and the possibilities, the right mentor could come in at any time.
Every product is designed to address a problem, so you’ll need a deep understanding of both the cause, or problem, and effect, or product. With broad understanding and a level head, a mentor may have to deliver some harsh news, but it’s always for the good of the cause. As a mentor, it’s not your pride and joy on the line, it’s someone else’s success – their baby. So while any criticism must be delivered tactfully, it’s also important to remember that the project needs your guiding voice, no matter which direction it leads
Entrepreneurs and mentors have to create a solid bond and trusting connection if their relationship is going to thrive for the success of the endeavor. The mentor has to be knowledgeable, rational, and tactful – and the entrepreneur has to be willing to be mentored – to NOT have all the answers. Passion and drive only go so far when starting a business, and in order to learn from a trusted coach and successfully implement the ideas and changes discussed, the startup needs to be flexible and accept the information that’s given. Getting a business of the ground is difficult, but with hard work, positive thinking, and reliable advice from the right mentor, it is definitely possible – and far more probable than going it alone.
Until next time,
Kelli Richards
CEO of The All Access Group, LLC
PS, The right mentor will also have the right CONNECTIONS to move any effort forward. Be sure to ask who they think they can bring to the table around advisorship, possible collaboration and even funding.
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.
When Corning’s “A Day Made of Glass” video series went viral in 2011, the company leaped in the spotlight. In the process, consumers and businesses alike found themselves considering the company’s role as an innovator in specialty-glass technology for a wide range of uses.
For consumers, the roles of early adopter and a thought leader often become intertwined. Customers tend to gravitate toward companies that can speak credibly about new technologies and apply them to product development and business processes.
Related: Why Every Employee Needs to Be Part of Your Tech Team
Being at the forefront of emerging trends will make your business more sought after by the media as an authority within your industry sector and your staff will be viewed as capable of speaking with intelligence about the latest developments’ impact on your niche or sector.
But being an early adopter doesn’t come naturally to every business — nor can it be achieved overnight. Creating a culture of early adoption and keeping your business ahead of the curve requires a change in mindset at the leadership level. To grow a thriving business on the bleeding edge, savvy leaders would be wise to take some of the following steps:
1. Make the latest tools available to employees. Having the latest gadgets available for staffers to play with encourages a culture of innovation, experimentation and evangelism. It gets employees thinking about how new technology can be used and it encourages a cross-pollination of ideas. For example, when Google Glass was released, forward-thinking businesses made the product available for their employees to try and discuss.
Related: How to Motivate Creative Employees
2. Encourage team members to engage with new technologies. For its own part, Google requires its employees to take days off to simply experiment with the latest technologies and test ideas. Ensure that your employees engage with the latest from Silicon Valley by asking them to take an hour from their workday to acclimate themselves with a gadget or tool. Or have an employee do a presentation summarizing the applications of a new device so your team can focus on its possible impact on your industry.
3. Create incentives and reward innovators. Give your employees a reason to keep up with tech news and drive innovation by rewarding those who do so. Grant the employee who discovered and implemented a new task-management platform a paid day off. Reward the staffer who forwarded the latest news to the rest of your team with a free lunch.
4. Lead with an early-adopter spirit. Cultivate a company mindset of curiosity by being a leader who embraces change and risk in the name of progress and cutting-edge disruption. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz revealed his hunger for innovation when he invested $25 million in Square — a startup few knew about at the time. What seemed like a risky and questionable move to some ultimately paid off. Through collaboration with Square, Starbucks now accepts mobile payments globally, paving the way for other companies hopting to implement mobile-payment systems in their operations.
The pace of technological change is faster than ever before and businesses that wait too long to embrace innovation can easily be deemed irrelevant by consumers. Instead, infuse the early-adopter mindset throughout your company’s culture — and you may well end up being celebrated as a forward-thinking visionary within your industry.
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
Chris Dotson
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.
Here are the tech trends that are coming to an end in 2015.
1. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
With cable-cutters everywhere, cable and satellite providers across the country are scrambling to lock consumers into their tiered contracts. Millennials, however, aren’t as attached to their TV sets as older generations. Netflix, Hulu, Apple, and Amazon already provide great streaming options, while cable favorites like HBO and ESPN are moving to mobile devices.
By 2015, content providers will have much more control than cable companies. Cable companies won’t go down without a fight, though — the majority of them also provide digital cable, DVR, and Internet services. However, with lightning-fast Google Fiber expanding into more major cities, it’s only a matter of time before these services will need an upgrade, too.
2. Home Entertainment Is Entering a New Dimension
Your television set won’t end up a nostalgic antique like your grandfather’s eight-track cassette player, but the TV industry is upping the ante in the age of high definition.
- While Nintendo focuses on integrating its content into mobile platforms, Sony and Microsoft are pushing forward with ways of integrating their gaming consoles into your entire home, allowing for interactive entertainment options we’ve never seen before.
- Glasses-free 3D and curved screens are changing the way studios create and release both theatrical and home content.
- Set-top boxes and streaming options by Apple, Google, and Roku even further blur the line between our TVs and computers. By 2015, there will be little (if any) difference between your television set, mobile phone, and computer as cloud computing creates a seamless web experience.
3. Call Somebody Who Cares
Millennials have come of age with cell phones. Gone are the days when you couldn’t get reception unless you were directly underneath a cell tower. These days, landlines are used strictly for emergencies such as Hurricane Sandy, and most are Internet-based VoIP services.
The days of Ma Bell and her Baby Bells are a distant memory, as those former communications giants struggle to maintain the outdated infrastructure of their phone lines. Cell phones are as likely to drop a call as a landline, and less than 10 percent of households in the country have only a landline phone. As current generations age, landline telephones will disappear altogether.
4. Goodbye, Gutenberg
When Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, the machine made it possible to put magazines on every shelf, books on every desk, newspapers on every porch, and Bibles in every hotel nightstand.
We all know the newspaper and magazine industries are struggling, but 2014 looks to be the year when we drive the final nail in the coffin and bury these struggling industries for good. After J.K. Rowling authorized the release of the Harry Potter series on Amazon’s Kindle, the publishing industry essentially crumbled. Major magazines and newspapers started shutting down, and the only holdouts seemed to be textbook publishers.
Apple took this market by convincing McGraw-Hill, Pearson Education, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to create iBook textbooks to integrate the iPad into schools, while Dynamic Books allows instructors to create customized textbook content for their SMART Boards.
It’s not just books, either. The whole world has gone paperless. Your tablet and smartphone allow you to travel without a boarding pass, publish your own e-books, attend concerts without a ticket, and even pay without cash, a credit card, or coupons. Gutenberg must be rolling over in his grave.
Much like video killed the radio star, the Internet is demolishing them both. Every innovation we come up with disrupts another. Nobody knows where we’ll be in 2015, but I’m sure we’ll have our smartphones in hand, ready to check in on Foursquare to prove it.
A highly sought-after consultant, mentor, speaker, producer, coach, and author, Kelli Richards is the CEO of The All Access Group. She and her team facilitate strategic business opportunities in digital distribution between technology companies, established artists and celebrities, film studios, record labels, and consumer brand companies in order to foster new revenue streams and deliver compelling consumer experiences. Kelli is also the author of the bestselling e-book, “The Magic & Moxie of Apple — An Insider’s View.”
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
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
Few people look at a thermostat and think, “Now there’s an exciting business opportunity!”
As a device, it’s a boring commodity — a relic of a stagnant, saturated market. So why did the co-founders of Nest decide to build a multimillion-dollar company around the reinvention of the thermostat?
Where others saw an industry that offered no room for new ideas, Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers saw potential. 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.
Within just three years of unveiling the Nest Learning Thermostat, the company has reduced energy usage across the U.S. and Canada by at least 225 million kilowatt-hours. They’ve saved consumers more than $29 million in heating and cooling bills. And earlier this year, Google bought Nest for $3.2 billion in cash.
What gave Fadell and Rogers the confidence to dive into an overcrowded market? They saw room for innovation. Here’s how you can see through the crowd to the opportunity.
How to Vet a Crowded Industry
When a market has a reputation of being fully saturated or crowded, many potential entrants will steer clear without a second thought. But popular perception isn’t always reality. Though it may not be immediately obvious, there’s often room for innovation and more than one player in the most stagnant of industries.
If you’ve got an idea that you think could disrupt a crowded market, it’s critical that you vet the industry before launching.
Do your homework. Who are the key players in the industry? What are their strengths and weaknesses? A comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape is vital for determining your strategy.
Clarify your value-add. What makes your idea different? Are you cheaper, faster, better, or more innovative than everyone else? You can’t survive in a saturated industry without clearly being different and better.
Know your customer.Are consumers satisfied with the current market? If your product or idea can effectively address unmet needs and pain points, you’ll be able to capture significant market share.
Position yourself as a trailblazer. People aren’t expecting innovation in a stagnant market. Find the gap by researching industry trends, then stake a bold claim as the “next big thing.”
Prepare for scale.When you unveil a great idea on a commodity market, you have to be ready to handle a sudden wave of demand. Had Nest not been able to keep up with the brisk pace of adoption, the company would have tanked. They were prepared, though, and rode the wave all the way to a multibillion-dollar acquisition in a relatively short period of time based on mass adoption by consumers.
Surviving the Changes in Your Industry
Once you’ve made the leap into the market, you need to be proactive to survive your industry’s lifecycle changes. Achieve the following, and you’ll not only keep your head above water — you’ll thrive.
- Stay up to speed on the latest trends and technologies. That way, you can remain nimble and capable of edging out competitors.
- Get the word out. Make sure customers know about you — and know that your solution is superior.
- Make sure you offer the best possible customer experience. You’ll garner loyalty and brand equity, and you’ll reduce the churn factor.
- Optimize key elements: pricing, service, process, and customer satisfaction. Piece these components together in a way that tells a compelling brand story to attract your target audience.
- Always strive to stand out from the crowd through your marketing, products, and customer experience. When you delight your customers, they’ll become brand advocates and stay with you in the long run.
A Matter of Perception
When an industry undergoes a fundamental transformation, many people wrongly assume it’s vanishing forever.
Consider the entertainment industry, for example. Just 15 years ago, film studios, record labels, and media distributors believed that file-sharing technology would ruin their entire livelihood. Those who were stuck in their ways wanted to put an end to the technology.
Savvy, forward-thinking tech entrepreneurs, on the other hand, saw an opportunity to pioneer change. While everyone else was lamenting the death of entertainment, they harnessed the disruptive power of technology to meet market needs.
Now, decision makers in the industry are embracing next-generation distribution technology because it enables them to reach global audiences and create new revenue streams.
It takes a keen eye and a great idea to capitalize on lifecycle changes in a crowded market. The risks, however, are often a matter of perception. By seeing potential where others don’t, you can access a world of opportunity and profits.
A highly sought-after consultant, mentor, speaker, producer, coach, and author, Kelli Richards is the CEO of The All Access Group. She and her team facilitate strategic business opportunities in digital distribution between technology companies, established artists and celebrities, film studios, record labels, and consumer brand companies in order to foster new revenue streams and deliver compelling consumer experiences. Kelli is also the author of the bestselling e-book, “The Magic & Moxie of Apple — An Insider’s View.”
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
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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
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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.
How to Make Money By Talking to Cool People
September 5, 2014, Inc. Hosting a podcast series helps increase brand recognition and provides a credibility boost.
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.
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. He was incredibly gracious and encouraging to my 16-year-old self with aspirations of working in the entertainment business and making my dent in the universe.
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.
Kick-Finishing: The Next Big Thing in Promotion
June 29, 2014, LinkedIn Articles It’s no surprise that artists and entrepreneurs alike frequently turn to crowdfunding — it works.
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.
Why Apple’s Beats Acquisition May Be Its Smartest Move Yet
The most talked-about “secret” of 2014 was Apple’s $3 billion acquisition of Beats. Although it wasn’t officially announced until May 28, rumors swirled around the Internet for weeks.
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).
Why Apple’s Beats Acquisition May Be Its Smartest Move Yet
June 9, 2014, LinkedIn Articles The most talked-about “secret” of 2014 was Apple’s $3 billion acquisition of Beats. Although it wasn’t officially announced until May 28, rumors swirled around the Internet for weeks.
Eventual Millionaire Interview: How to Network With Celebrities and Thought Leaders like Steve Jobs, with Kelli Richards
Eventual Millionaire Interview: How to Network With Celebrities and Thought Leaders like Steve Jobs, with Kelli Richards
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.
How Your Brand Can Rock the Socks Off A Music Festival
May 21, 2014, LinkedIn Articles The most talked-about “secret” of 2014 was Apple’s $3 billion acquisition of Beats. Although it wasn’t officially announced until May 28, rumors swirled around the Internet for weeks.
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.
3 SEEMINGLY OBVIOUS TECH MERGERS WE’RE STILL WAITING FOR
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.
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
What are the 5 Best Steps to Deepening Your Relationship with a Mentor?
Once you’ve chosen a mentor, or accepted a mentee, and established the ground rules of working together, the pressure is on to keep the conversation productive and relevant.
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
4 Must-Have Gifts for the Music Fanatic in Your Life
You’ve eventually got to get creative when it comes to buying gifts for your music lover. Here are 4 awesome ideas to get you started that are sure to please any music fan.
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
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