Blogging with the Best

Brand Expansion: Deciding to expand the Brand (part 1)

2013-08-03T13:36:00.001-07:00

Often in business brands look to expand. Wether it be a new flavor for Spirits or other beverages, or adding a new territory for distribution. The decision to expand is followed up by research to determine if this brand expansion is good for the overall brand. Sometimes things workout for every one and then sometimes brands have to back track and cut their loses. For a few brands I work with they have come to this very crossroad. This can often be a gift or a curse. On one hand your brand has made enough revenue or generated enough buzz as to where others want to be involved with your brand. But then you stand to lose or turn off some of your core brand supporters, if they feel you aren't sticking to the core values they've come to love from your brand. For example, on April 12, 1992 PepsiCo launched Crystal Pepsi with the slogan' "You've never seen a taste like this." They actually managed to generate enough of a positive response in the test market to launch nationally in the U.S. However the success was short lived, initial sales were good but sales quickly fell and so did Crystal Pepsi's chance to see the light of day again. What did Pepsi do? Go back to what was working. And later in 1999 PepsiCo introduce a stand alone brand in Sierra Mist. Then it took four years before the brand was available in all markets. This was showing that Pepsi learned from it's mistake and chose to slow play the growth for the new Sierra Mist brand. If the number two soft drink company can make a mistake so can the smaller brands. It's the discovery and reaction to the finding of the mistake that determines a brands success.

When it comes to Spirits the leaders come and go but the flavors definitely continue to vary. Some brands like Pinnacle and Three Olives boasting well over 15-20 flavored a piece. While other brands like Ciroc make its progress similarly to playing a quality poker game. Meaning tight play but continue to win big whenever they take chances. Since Sean "Diddy" Combs partnership with the brand it has skyrocketed in sales. The brands ability to expand to now five flavors was a feat in itsself. But to also have each flavor have a bigger buzz than the last with a seeming cult-like following is nothing short of marketing genius. Diddy is a man of many talents when it comes to marketing. It is these very talents that have propelled him into the forefront of various brands that he is attached to. From suits to Ciroc, from Pop Chips to Aquahydrate a new water venture Diddy delivers with pizazz. Now with his new growth into the Television channel ownership realm, I'm sure we will see a lot more of his brands promotions and partnerships. (Part II next post)

Building Brands

2013-03-06T11:14:00.002-08:00

There has been a lot of things going on in my life since graduating Valedictorian last year from Full Sail University's Entertainment Business Master Degree program. It is time to start documenting it all via this blog. I have started two companies and also became the Owner of the Orlando LadyCats a women's basketball team. I still manage to coordinate deals for some distilled spirits brands with my import/export company, such as Americana Luxury Vodka. Americana is the only premium vodka made in the USA. I also host a radio show on Sunday's from 11AM-12PM (est) on 740AM The Game Orlando and iHeart Radio which live streams simultaneously. I have managed to start MJCMP with my partner to help promote and market the various brands I come in contact with through my other businesses. It has made a great partnership with brands that have managed to take a risk with the smaller unknown company and received great value for their brand.

I plan for Americana Luxury Vodka to be a central piece to the overall launchpad events coming this spring and summer. They have great potential since the made in America wave is going stronger than ever. It has created jobs in the US recovering economy. Expect to see this brand coming to bars, nightclubs and invading social media.

Check out some of the teams and players at bikinibasketball.com the season starts 6/1/2013. Also follow them on twitter, instagram and Facebook at OrlandoLadyCats you won't be disappointed.

This is a show about Mixed Martial Arts MMA All Around. This show airs on 740AM The Game Orlando every Sunday 11AM-12PM (EST) also airs live on iHeart Radio simultaneously. We have live on-air interviewers and callers from all over the world. It covers everything MMA from the training mats to the tap out.

This is my company logo if you need anything we've got you covered like make-up. @MJCMPEnt

This is a video from the first Orlando LadyCats tryout let us know what you think on their YouTube channel www.youtube.com/orlandoladycats Also let me know what you think of the promotion up top. Leave comments and get ready for the stream of information and behind the scenes from a man behind the scenes.

NBA All-Star Weekend Orlando

2012-02-22T13:00:00.004-08:00

When it was announced over a year ago that NBA All-Star Weekend was coming to Orlando, I knew it would be a great opportunity to throw some of the best events in the city. With the NBA lockout, All-Star Weekend was up in limbo, however when it was confirmed over the holidays that Orlando would still host the 2012 All-Star Weekend, I knew it was go time.

I began shopping around the city for different venues to host events at from February 24 – February 26. The venue that I decided to go with is Boss Ultra Lounge, located downtown, only 0.3 miles from Amway Arena. Boss is a perfect place to hold the events I am throwing due to its prime VIP table options and intimate size. The club holds 600 people and is decorated with fish tanks, TVs, projector screens and even a few dancer poles. There are 4 full-service bars in the club, which is great since we will be catering to large groups of people who won’t have to wait a long time for their drinks.

After booking the venue I began looking for talent to host the events. I found a number of special guest DJs, athletes and entertainers that are going to come in each night. Friday night we are having special guest, NBA Hall of Famer, Dennis Rodman, hosted by MTV’s Real World Hollywood’s, Nick Brown. Chris Brown’s Official DJ, DJ BabeyDrew, will be on the tables along with New York City DJ, DJ Ric Roc. Saturday and Sunday night I am having recording artist, Mann, as the special guest, with his dj, DJ Jam Master J’son, son of the late Jam Master Jay.

I believe that with the number of people and celebrities expected to come to Orlando for All-Star Weekend (100,000 +), there is also a great opportunity to host a number of networking events. Saturday and Sunday I will be having the Executive Corner’s event, hosted by Senior Vice President of Def Jam Records, Shawn “Pecas” Costner. The Executive Corner’s event will be open to industry professionals looking to make some great connections while in town for the All-Star festivities. The picture below is of me and my sister promoting with the Boss T-Shirts.

Diddy Does it Again

2012-02-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Source: Diddy Pic

Diddy is about to take his business empire to a new level. Combs has his eye on launching a music and lifestyle cable network later this year by December 12, 2012. Already making his staple in the liquor industry with Ciroc Vodka, on Broadway, in films, clothing and fragrance industries as well as his first love music, and Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Company which made it all possible have kept Combs quite busy. However, the forever-hungry entrepreneur is again on a quest to expand his empire. Diddy's channel will be called "Revolt" and is part of a package of new networks that Comcast Cable is launching as part of its recent merger with NBC Universal and ongoing efforts to cater to minority audiences. The agreement between the media giants requires that Comcast launch two African-American owned networks by January 2013. Comcast will provide distribution as part of its commitment to the FCC to help launch minority owned networks.

The "Revolt" channel is expected to focus on the music and entertainment with an urban twist, according to Broadcasting and Cable magazine, which broke the news. I'm sure both Diddy fans and the haters will tune in to catch a glimpse of the new network. It will have a feel like an old-style MTV for African-American viewers, according to Broadcasting and Cable magazine. The venture is well funded, sources say. Former MTV programming chief Andy Schuon is part of the project according to reports. Diddy has always been known for his business savvy so him aligning with strong talent isn't anything unusual. It will be interesting to see if Diddy can balance the reach of his entertainment brand with delivering relevant quality content. This news comes as the founder of BET, Bob Johnson, had his proposal for a new channel called Urban Television rejected by the FCC after several years in relative limbo. This new channel will either help catapult Diddy to new heights or it will be like some past artist a distant memory. One thing is for sure people will watch to see what Diddy has in store, as well as what this new venture will bring to the empire that is Sean Diddy Combs.

Building a Business Plan

2012-01-27T09:19:00.000-08:00

Everyone needs a business plan. No matter how much you think you can manage without one, it's better to write things down to help give you a visual. The business plan is an essential component if you plan on attaining lenders of any type to help finance your business. Ideas are great, but most would-be entrepreneurs find out that it takes time to go from thinking to doing, more time than you may have. Writing a business plan can be intimidating but it is important and the first step to starting your own business. A business plan on paper acts as a blueprint for your business that you can refer to and possibly reassess your current track. Since starting my business plan there is so much more information that I've come across doing research that enhances my overall business plans and tactics. Frank Fiore has written several books including, "Write a Business Plan In No Time." This book covers all the basics of writing an effective business plan. The book touches on everything from presenting your business plan to understanding the elements of a business plan in the books 15 chapters.

A study mentioned in "Business Plans For Dummies" by Paul Tiffany states that companies with just the strategic section of a business plan have 50% more profits and revenue than non-planning businesses. Another survey found business-planning companies have 63% higher revenue growth and 100% more profit. So as the saying goes, "if you fail to plan then you plan to fail." There has to be planning with anything you set out to do, and a business plan is no different. Business plans can be as short as a one-page document to a standard 20-30 pages. The difference is in the details. According to SBA.gov, "writing your business plan also forces you to think about you business objectively." When you write down the facts it helps you to see if you will actually make money, how and when. Often this leads to new business strategies you may not have considered prior to your start. Writing the business plan helps you to visualize your dream and can tell you if you need any revisions. I have revised sections of my business plan just slimming down my target market. This will help make marketing more strategic and less wasteful with spending. So no matter if it's a one-page business plan of a 25-page business plan you should write it down. In the words John Greenleaf Whittier, "as a businessperson, you have no greater leverage than the truth." A business plan helps provide that truth.

Source: Amazon.com

Diddy's Brand Expansion

2012-01-07T20:38:00.001-08:00

Sean Combs | Photo by Charley Gallay

Sean John Combs, a.k.a Diddy, has a flair for marketing. This has helped him build a vast variety of brands in different sectors. Some of Combs brands include his Bad Boy Entertainment Company, the Sean Jean clothing line & Sean by Sean Combs, which includes Unforgivable & I am King fragrances, claimed $525 million in annual sales (2007) in the U.S. Diddy also has Blue Flame a marketing firm, two restaurants, and was the recording executive, performer, and producer on former Making the Band TV series which aired on MTV. Combs also has added to all his other interests and accomplishments a writer, arranger, clothing designer Broadway actor, TV actor, & film expansion "Get Him to the Greek." The unsuspecting partnership with Diageo to help promote the then unheard of Ciroc Vodka brand, which at the time sold approximately 100,000 cases globally, is helping accelerate Combs on his quest to become Hip-Hop’s first billionaire. Combs current Net worth: $550 million according to Forbes.com (2012), where Combs made the "Ones to Watch" list of soon to be billionaires. Ciroc Vodka also has introduced a peach flavor, which has been received well in the market. Now, four flavors strong, Ciroc looks to make the leap to the number one vodka imported to the U.S. market.

Through his vodka deal with beverage giant Diageo, Diddy receives an annual cut of profits and a big chunk of cash if the Ciroc brand is ever sold. Ciroc's value is soaring toward $1 billion, according to Forbes.com. Diddy likes to compare himself to Sinatra. His new ad for Ciroc vodka (see below-it was filmed in Las Vegas to the tune of "Luck Be a Lady"), he uses the video form. "You know, Frank had the Rat Pack; I have the 'Black Pack," Combs stated.

Because of his clout in many areas of entertainment, Diddy says he was able to get Vegas to open its doors to him in an exclusive way for the Ciroc commercial. "You know where the big fountain show is in front of the Bellagio? They let us take a boat out there to shoot. They let us shoot on the rooftop of The Palms - things that have never done been done before, not even in most movies," Combs stated of the commercial. Combs loves to have the ability to say he was first or at the forefront of a trend, as can be heard in the interview with DJ Whoo Kid

In a recent interview with Adweek, Combs described his brand as, "One that stands for aspiration. That hard work pays off. People from all walks of life and all over the world look at me and know my humble beginnings and know that everything I've done has been through hard work. People respect me as a marketer and brand builder" Combs stated. In his college days at Howard University in Washington, D.C he was known for marketing and gained a reputation as a party promoter. He was born in Harlem, New York, the son of Janice, a model and teacher, and Melvin Earl, the family lived in a public housing project, and grew up in Mount Vernon, New York.

In a recent interview with E!, Combs revealed this year he plans to take on the world of tequila next. Diddy does everything entertainment. After his first book, Culo, which focused on the beauty of the female booty was released on November 22, 2011, which includes Lady Gaga's bottomless pics. Combs now sets his sights on tequila. This will be another venture outside of the Diageo brand possibly but details have been quite hush hush. Combs says, "there isn't one particular tequila that I love and I've been spending a lot of time in Mexico." This year Combs says you can expect to see him going toe to toe with John Paul (Jones DeJoria), who owns Patron, "I'll be challenging him to who makes the best, smoothest and most authentic tequila in the world." Combs is keeping a lid on details, but says he'll partner with a "true tequila artiste" according to E!.

When the tequila launches it will be a big splash I'm sure. With Diddy behind it and following the Ciroc blueprint, I'm sure it will be well marketed and become a recognized brand in the market. The question is, how will it taste? With Diddy behind the brand we can expect quality and high visibility. Check the interview with DJ Whoo Kid below.

Business Plan Basics

2012-01-06T12:48:00.000-08:00

Everyone needs a business plan. No matter how much you think you can manage without one, it’s better to write things down to help give you a visual. The business plan is an essential component if you plan on attaining lenders of any type to help finance your business. A business plan on paper acts as a blueprint for your business that you can refer to and possibly reassess your current track. Frank Fiore has written several books including, “Write a Business Plan In No Time.” This book covers all the basics of writing an effective business plan. The book has 15 chapters and touches on everything from presenting your plan to understanding the elements of a business plan.

Source: Amazon.com Frank Fiore

When it comes to a business plan all elements are vital to making a successful impression on the potential investors. Fiore also founded, edited and wrote the New Times newspaper, which is now a multi-state operation. A study mentioned in "Business Plans For Dummies" by Paul Tiffany states that companies with just the strategic section of a business plan have 50% more profits and revenue than non-planning businesses. Another survey found business-planning companies have 63% higher revenue growth and 100% more profit. So as the old saying goes, “if you fail to plan then you plan to fail.” Business plans can be as short as a one-page document to a standard 20-30 pages. The difference is in the details. According to SBA.gov, “writing your business plan also forces you to think about your business objectively.” When you write down the facts it helps you to see if you will actually make money, how and when. Often this leads to new business strategies you may not have considered prior to your start. Writing the business plan helps you to visualize your dream and can tell you if you need any revisions. So no matter if it’s a one-page business plan or a 25-page business plan you should write it down. In the words of John Greenleaf Whittier, “as a small businessperson, you have no greater leverage than the truth.” A business plan helps provide that truth.

Nightlife Going Digital

2011-12-08T20:21:00.001-08:00

Most would say nightclubs and nightlife are a personable business, most things being done with a handshake maybe a greased palm and a smile. However with the world going digital even that personal touch that usually accompanies nightlife is getting lost or changing altogether. The digital age is has moved into the nightlife in more ways than one, from new VIP tables and services to services being offered through a digital format. This video explains how the table service works and is how it is being used commercially.

In Orlando the touch tables are being used at Club Touch (no pun intended), in the VIP table sections only. This service helps keep patrons entertained when they are not dancing or pouring up another drink. They actually have interactive flirt options for other VIP tables, you can chat with a group of ladies or guys in other VIP sections of the club. This is a new way for patrons to mingle and interact with while in the club. The VIP tables allow you to upload photos to the table to share via Facebook and Twitter. This VIP table technology has helped in a bevy of ways, one enabling suppliers and advertisers to introduce their brands to consumers and advertising can help propel extra sales for the club. Touch Taste Technology, Inc also states that their touch table technology has, "enabled bars and restaurants to increase average check amounts, and increase service with ease and precision."

Nightclubs were slow to jump on the digital bandwagon, a majority of them never had to utilize those services for them to be successful. However, with everything else going digital it would only be a matter of time before they too would migrate into the digital age. There has been a recent influx of nightlife deal/booking websites. Sites like NiteTables.com, ClubHost.com, VIP-Bottles.com, and more are popping up in all markets including top and second-tier. These VIP table services allow any patron the ability to buy a discounted VIP admission, bottle service and more. Some services allow you to check out the venue ahead of time and see any dress code or pre entry requirements and book everything on the spot from your Smartphone, laptop or home CPU. Not all of the sites are discounted or deal based, Adam Alson, founder of NiteTables.com, which allows participating venues to select if they're going to offer special rates. "Eventually these places will start using some sort of technology, whatever that may be, but something that makes their reservation process more efficient will ultimately make them more money" (Evans 2011). Some of the upscale and trendy clubs will join in on the digital craze or may get left behind depending on gorilla marketing and word of mouth to pack the house. Reef Mowers, president of Clubhost.com, which runs discounts often, summed up the digital nightlife swing optimistically, "We don't need every venue in existence. Our customers are happy to go to any place that is fun" (Evans 2011).

I believe this is a new revenue stream for an old source of income alcohol. Nothing has changed other than the way the consumer decides to order the services. The VIP touch tables allow for patrons to order more mixers or bottles if the night is going well which is always great for the bars bottom line. The next time you are thinking of going out for VIP services you may want to try online to get a better deal.

Touch taste

The End of an Era: Death of 35mm film

2011-11-27T15:05:00.001-08:00

When you think of the Digital Age and it's impact on our way of doing things the impact has been sudden and phenomenal to say the least. Social media empires like Facebook, Google and YouTube just to name a few have changed the way we do things. The digital impact has expanded even further defeating the 123 year old 35mm film in global cinemas. Some are calling it the death of 35mm film. The numbers are shown in the chart below.


http://www.isuppli.com/Media-Research/News/Pages/The-End-of-an-Era-Arrives-as-Digital-Technology-Displaces-35-mm-Film-in-Cinema-Projection.aspx

All of UK cinemas will be digital by 2013. In early 2012, digital cinema will overtake celluloid globally, with the last celluloid cinemas expected to shut up shop in 2015. The demand for celluloid peaked in 2008 when the world used 13 billion feet of film, says IHS. IHS believes we will use as little as four billion in 2012. By 2015, the film will no longer be used commercially, however they will still have libraries that store the old celluloid releases. Directors may still use the format to shoot films, then they will be converted to digital to show on the digital projectors at cinemas. The motion picture industry is abandoning the photography and projection of its stories on 35mm celluloid in order to save money. Major camera companies aren't even making film cameras anymore, since filmmakers can shoot, edit, transport, and exhibit films entirely on digital equipment at a fraction of the cost of striking and shipping film prints. The cost of producing celluloid film is soaring due to rising prices for due to the silver, which is a key raw material used in creation.

The decline of 35mm is happening at astounding velocity, some trigger the transition to digital technology to one film, Avatar. "Since 1889, 35mm has been the principal film projection technology, taking movie audiences from the slapstick of the silent age, through the great musicals of the sound era, to the epoch of the summer blockbuster," said David Hancock, head of film and cinema research at IHS. The widely accepted and in depth 3-D technology that was used in this film that was released in December of 2009 helped to speed up the death of the 35mm. "Avatar's release was a pivotal moment for digital cinema, with digital technology forming the bedrock of modern cinema environment," Hancock said. Avatar alone has driven up demand for digital 3-D technology at the expense of traditional 35mm celluloid.

We are in the digital age that is forever changing to create new ways to give us content in various interesting methods. While the era of 35mm will end at this time, there will still be some older films circulating for some classic theaters. Even though the last prints will be quite pricey a small number of theaters will continue to show the 35mm to keep the legacy of traditional film alive.

Google opens music store to US, challange to Apple

2011-11-16T22:47:00.001-08:00

Google unveiled its long anticipated digital music store November 15, 2011. This is Google's new front in its battle with Apple to provide services over mobile devices. This will be the first time; Google Inc. will sell songs on the Android Market, which is its online store for apps, movies and books. The service is available over the next few days solely to U.S. customers, but it aims to be available to some 200 million Android users globally in the near future. Some songs on this platform are free, unlike its iTunes competitor. However there were other songs prices at 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29 the same prices as on Apple's iTunes. Some artists works will be available right away such as Adele, Jay-Z and Pearl Jam. The store will feature dozens of free tracks from artists like Coldplay, Rolling Stones and Busta Rhymes. Google is initially offering 13 million tracks for sale, from three of the four major recording companies, Vivendi SA's Universal Music, EMI Group Ltd. and Sony Music Entertainment and a host of independent labels. Warner Music Group was the major recording company left out. There are some perks that will help make Google's attempt to get a share of the "Apple Pie" more feasible than some may think. Google is allowing sharing of purchased songs over its social network, Google Plus. Friends will be able to listen to each others songs once for free. It will be something that hasn't been done yet. Along with the ability to purchase a song, download and automatically upload it for free into an online locker. The song can then be streamed over computer and mobile phone browsers, including the Safari browser, which comes on Apple Inc. devices such as the iPad. Those who download the Google music app on devices running Android 2.2 or higher can stream stored songs or download them for offline playback within the app. Google's director of digital content for Android, Jamie Rosenberg, took a dig at Apple's online song storage service, iTunes Match, which costs $25 a year. Google's cloud storage service is free for up to 20,000 songs. "Other cloud music services think you have to pay to listen to music you already own. We don't," Rosenberg said. Recording company executives said that, although some of Google's features go beyond what is offered at iTunes specifically the one free listen for friends, the concessions were worth the benefit of reaching new customers. Mark Piibe, EMI's executive vice president of global business development, said Google's plan to bring legitimately sold music to people in new ways "can only be good for the market as a whole." The initial launch of the store, Google is opening its music service widely. It released the service as an unfinished beta in May to about a million people in the U.S. who requested an invitation and got one. The service proved to be a hit, testers were streaming music on an average of 2.5 hours every day. This will be interesting to see how this new music services plays out.

http://news.yahoo.com/google-opens-music-store-us-challenge-apple-223407833.html;_ylt=Asy7as4nI94zIDns4A.G.uWr9HQA;_ylu=X3oDMTQybWxoa29hBG1pdANTbGlkZXNob3cgTWV0YWRhdGEgUmVsYXRlZARwa2cDODg3MWNjMzctMjkzOS0zZjNkLTg4NjMtOTNjYjA2ZWU0NDllBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNpbWdpbmZvBHZlcgNjMWRhZDczMC0xMGMyLTExZTEtYmVmOC01NzE3NWMxNmIxMGM-;_ylg=X3oDMTJrbXY2cjc2BGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDZmNkM2YxOTAtYzk1Mi0zMmZhLWJjZjQtMTExZTRkYThlNWRmBHBzdGNhdAMEcHQDc3MtZ2FsbGVyeQ--;_ylv=3

Chuck D Sues Universal Music for Hundreds of Millions in Unpaid Royalties

2011-11-16T22:38:00.000-08:00

This could lead to a figure around $2 billion that the labels may need to pay out to artists, and the artists are noticing. The initial eye opening event was when Eminem's publisher won the lawsuit it had against Universal Music. The lawsuit was all over how to account for iTunes royalties and the disbursements of those funds. This may cause an overwhelming similar litigation, which may be possibly enough to seriously cripple the world's largest record company. Universal Music would insist that Eminem's deal was unique and the case was a one of one. However, more and more musicians are understanding the implications of the ruling, and filing similar lawsuits. The simple question that would later be addressed is whether or not an iTunes sale was a "sale" or if it was a license. Universal claimed that when you "buy" a song at iTunes it's just a license. That would actual prove to be UMG's undoing here, due to the drastically different terms for royalties on "sales" and "licenses" in many of its old contracts with artists. Previously "pre-iTunes" sales were of things like CDs, which Universal had relatively higher production, storage and distribution costs. So the royalty to the artist was lower for the sale of CDs. Licenses referred to things like licensing a song for a movie or television commercial. With this option the labels were willing to share higher royalties with the artist, and for good reason. The costs to the label for such licenses were minimal, and licensing was always a relatively miniscule part of the business. But, of course, iTunes makes for a unique situation. The label wanted to act as if it's the same thing as selling a CD, and is the reason they have been paying the lower rate. The basic legal claim from musicians is that for iTunes sales, they deserve the much higher royalty rate, which is closer to 50%, rather than the 10% for sales currently being paid out. The court in the Eminem/FBT case said that iTunes songs were licenses and that the higher rates actually applied. In the Chuck D lawsuit, he notes that the sold equation includes a ton of additional deductions compared to the licensed equation. This includes a container charge and a audiophile deduction. Because of those significant other deductions that only are used on "sales," the claim is the amount owed is even larger than just the discrepancy in royalty rates. Chuck D also points out that the "container charge" is officially for the physical packaging of a CD, it seems ridiculous that UMF has been applying the container charge to digital licenses like iTunes. There are various deductions in the old way of accounting for sales that are ridiculous. There is a net sales deduction, which simply deletes 15% of sales from the equation. Then the "container charge" takes out another 25%. This means on 1,000 units which would bring UMG $700 they would only have to pay Chuck D $80.33 per 1,000 units. Despite a royalty rate of 24%, the real royalty rate for Chuck D would actually be more like 11%, rather than the 24% agreed upon in the contract. The lawsuit notes, the proper way to account for digital royalties would show a significantly higher number of $315.85 for every 1,000 units sold. This new total would disregard all of the irrelevant deductions previously taken out by UMG. The company is still using a 100-year-old business model despite it venturing into the digital age where ringtone sales are included as well. Ringtone royalties paid out by UMG for 1,000 ringtones sold is currently $49.89 per thousand. The actual number for the same amount should be more like $660 paid out to the artist. This is just the first is what would seem to be a wave of upcoming lawsuits against the big music labels. Chuck D has actually been one of the artists on the forefront of embracing the Internet and what it allows all the way back to 2000. This should prove as a warning to artist read the fine print and pay attention to the new forms of media being used.

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20111104/04202416631/fight-power-chuck-d-sues-universal-music-hundreds-millions-unpaid-royalties.shtml

Liquor Liabilities

2011-09-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

There are many liabilities that come into place when dealing with liquor. Dram Shop or liquor liability cases may arise from negligent acts involving alcohol. The phrase “dram shop” comes from England, where gin was sold by the spoonful, or “dram.” Dram shop falls into two categories: Selling to an under-aged person, or selling to an intoxicated person. This may apply to bars, restaurants, or concert venues, and can lead to drunk-driving accidents and other serious risks. Drinking and driving have taken numerous lives and strict punishments are in place for those that are convicted.

One recent alcohol related death was Actor Ryan Dunn who was drinking with his friend and passenger Zachary Hartwell. According to reports the two were drinking at a bar before they were involved in a high-speed car accident after leaving the establishment. Reports would later reveal that Dunn had a blood alcohol level, which was more than twice the legal limit in Pennsylvania when he crashed his Porsche. Once intoxicated, the bar should not have continued to serve Dunn, the driver of the vehicle, nor allowed him to leave and drive home. Sgt. Torre of Liquor Enforcement from Pennsylvania State Police Bureau stated no charges would be filed against the Barnaby’s of America bar. The bar has a sign that hangs above it which reads, “If you appear to be intoxicated, we cannot serve you any alcohol.” Employees of the bar told press that Dunn “spoke clearly” and “walked clearly” when he was at Barnaby’s. Hours before Dunn’s death, he would send out a photo via twitter from the bar drinking with friends. It would later be deleted. “No charges would ever be filed against the Barnaby’s of America bar in Pennsylvania because Dunn did not “appear” intoxicated,” according to reports.

A jury in Norcross, GA. awarded a $40 million verdict to the parents of two teenagers that were killed in a drunk driving accident. Claudine Wilkins the attorney in the case said, “This verdict, we hope, sends an important message to those who drink and drive and those who provide or sell alcohol. People who throw parties in their home are liable under the Liquor Liability laws too.” She hoped the award being sizable enough to make bar owners think twice before they let their patrons terrorize the roadways after they’ve been drinking. “The courts can come after them for everything they’ve got,” said Kenny Shackleford, father of Christopher Shackleford one of the victims. Wilkins represented other catastrophic injury and liquor liability cases, which made the former prosecuting attorney aims to raise the roof on bars, convenience stores and party hosts who allow patrons and or friends become a lethal weapon when drinking and then getting behind the wheel. Sergio Montelongo Sanchez, who was an illegal alien, would be convicted in July 2001 of vehicular homicide for killing three teenagers and crippling the fourth victim in a car crash after drinking. The case centered not only on the drunk driver, but also the bar where the defendant had been drinking. Sanchez, who was a minor at the time, allegedly had been served 10 to 15 beers that night at Marietta bar. He staggered out of the bar at 1 a.m. and was in the accident less than a mile away from Dos Naciones and killed three passengers. Wilkins, known in area as an expert in Dram Shop (Liquor Liability Case) law, has written articles about specialized laws for providers of alcohol, punitive damages that can be enforced for alcohol related claims, and other controversial issues. Wilkins said “I want to ensure that more cases like this one reach a verdict that holds the offender and the establishments accountable.” Sanchez was 20 years old, did not have a record, or a previous DUI incident. Sanchez hadn’t ever been in trouble with the law before. Now he will not continue on with a normal life until he is in his sixties.

Rapper Snoop Dogg and his May 2011 endorsement of Blast by Colt 45, which is a fruity malt- liquor made by Pabst Brewing Company, drew a blast of free publicity. Blast, is coming under fire by promoting to minors. Blast contains 12% alcohol by volume and comes in flavors like grape, raspberry, watermelon, blueberry pomegranate, and strawberry lemonade, which smacked the attorneys as “youth-friendly.” Attorney generals from 16 states and Guam signed a letter demanding Pabst’s CEO cut back the drink’s alcohol content. Blast is being compared to Four Loko, which is a similar drink that came under fire after several college students were hospitalized after drinking it. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) successfully got Four Loko’s parent company to remove the caffeine from the product.

When it comes to dram shop laws and liquor liability all parties have to remain diligent in its efforts to not sell to minors, and not sell to any intoxicated person. If so they will have a hefty bill and heavy conscious. Bartenders and cashiers are the first line of defense when it comes to consumption and must keep a keen eye, check IDs and know when someone has had too many.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ryan-dunn-investigation-bar-will-205033

http://www.driveandstayalive.com/info%20section/news/individual%20news%20articles/x_031107_landmark-drunkdriving-case.htm

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/states-target-snoops-brew-131245

A Behind the Scenes View

2011-09-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

This week from Wednesday to Sunday was pretty hectic. First the usual class routine then out for a business trip to Miami that turned into a whirlwind of activities. I had the opportunity to sit in on a session of some friends of mine Day26. This was a good look at the work that had taken place to get them back into positioning on the charts and hearts of awaiting fans. I had the opportunity to speak with their manager Joseph Charles a.k.a "Screwface" while there to pick his brain a little. This was a good look into the daily activity of an active manager that has worked with A-list clients in different facets like Lady Gaga, Teddy Riley and others like Blu Cantrel and Monifah. The session ended around 6:30 a.m. because there was a day 2 video shoot. As we all were leaving Will Smith came in early for his private session with two police car escorts in tow. After a brief rest at the Marriott I arranged to attend an event with Mann who is a friend of mine that is active and a charting artist on Billboard. I attended that event in Boca Raton and there I had the opportunity to speak with Steve Lobel his manager. After watching the event I prepared for another busy day on Friday. After a trip to South Beach and a short meeting with a local producer I prepared to attend another event. This video shoot was for Trina and her new "Red Bottoms" single. This was a good behind the scenes look into how different scenes are set up and arranged before being presented to the public. I was able to speak with the brand rep from Rhythm a new liquor on the market. This helped to get an understanding of their decision to utilize that video to market their product. I also had the pleasure to meet Gil Green the director of the video and speak with him momentarily during down time on set. I also had the pleasure to meet with Trina her security and her manager. It was overall a great behind the scenes experience as I continue my expansion in the industry.

Very Interesting VMA's

2011-09-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

From the Lady Gaga alter gender personality Joe Calderon introduction and performance the 2011 VMAs were above average. There were sometimes were I felt like Adam Levine when some awards were passed out but that's how the cookie crumbles. MTV decided to go without a formal host for the show but had Kevin Hart conduct the formal opening. Hart also had funny video skits scattered throughout the program. Jay-Z and Kanye West performance was simple and still seemed to steal the show up to that point. Jay and Kanye had an unexpected performance crasher that mostly went unnoticed by most. The stage crasher took a few steps on stage before he was hurried off by a lone suited security. Nicki Minaj beat out label head Lil Wayne for best Hip-Hop video, which was somewhat of a shocker. Britney Spears was also a surprise winner with also the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award for time and success thus far in the industry. Katy Perry and Kanye West won an award for their collaboration. Katy Perry was the only award winning artist that night that thanked her management team. Kanye let her know he has more than that first moon man. However their were other show stopping performances like the lovely Adele. When she sang you could hear a pin drop in the venue and she has moved up in my list of true vocalists. I love the fact that she breaks the norm of the prototype singer and it was just her and a piano. A few acts didn't receive the moon man they deserved like the beautiful Adele, the group Foster The People. Chris Brown had a high flying performance but the down side is that he was clearly lip singing extremely bad. However, Brown was dancing a well choreographed set with a mix of Nirvana, Wu-Tang Clan, Electronic and his own music as well. Then Brown took to the sky and flew to the other stage and continued to perform and not miss a step in the tightly choreographed set. Then there was the mommy to be Beyonce, she had a stellar vocal performance with her song "Love On Top." Beyonce wrapped her performance by opening her vest and then showing the crowd and the viewing audience at home her baby bump. A usually reserved and guarded Jay-Z let loose showing a big small cheering, saluting his wife and received congrats from partner Kanye West and others nearby. Another standout act was unheard of Young the Giant from Irvine California. This group brought 250 of their own fans to the show in a live performance and it was awesome. I applaud MTV for giving this group the chance the song "I Won't Fall" is a great song, and seeing it performed on the guitar shaped stage and the lead singer crowd surfing at the VMAs was no doubt in my mind an epic day for the group. Bruno Mars was another standout performer with his tribute to the late Amy Winehouse with his cover of "Valerie" with live band. A lackluster effort was shown by Lil Wayne in his finale performance and his outfit was spandex zebra print pants, what's up with that? I know that sometimes fame can get to people but I hope someone helps Wayne snap back like throwback baseball caps.

The ever-growing "Apple"

2011-07-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

In this month of Finance covering business costs, income statements, balance sheets and the analysis of financial statements has caused me to pay closer attention to all the numbers of a company prior to the bottom line. Businesses were required to report their quarterly earnings for this quarter by July 20th 2011. The one business that has caught everyone's eye recently due to destroying all previous estimates is Apple. Some insiders say if Hewlett Packard or Dell dreamed of reporting a quarter as astounding as Apple posted last night they would have to apologize to Steve Jobs shortly after awaking. Apple's cash on hand grew by 16% to $76.2 billion. That works out to approximately $81 per share. If Apple wanted they could write a check to buy Netflix and EBay combined and still remain liquid. Apple's revenue growth is actually accelerating. The company beat EPS estimates by over 30% and revenue forecasts by 15%. These numbers are jaw-dropping but what does it say about the people analyzing the company? Sometimes the people predicting don't always count on the unexpected. The tight-lipped policy Apple has helped keep a mystery and mystic surrounding the company and all of their products. The red elephant in the room of the ever-growing Apple is obviously China. Apple has announced plans to pair with China Mobile and their over 600 million customers to extend the reach of the iPhone. Asia Pacific is already 22% of Apple's revenues (up 12% in 2010 Q2), so they aren't starting from scratch but obviously success in China is going to be critical. Said another way, Apple can only steal so much American business from PC makers and Research in Motion, they need to blast off in China to keep posting the numbers to which Apple bulls have become accustomed, according to Macke. Apple has grown without question but let us not forget that the company relies on Steve Jobs to keep investors happy. When he was sick a few times in the growth process of Apple the stocks took a dip and rose upon his return. Also his return is usually accompanied by the release of either new hardware or software. But either way right now Apple is winning. What happened to Charlie Sheen anyway?

http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/breakout/apple-destroys-estimates-stock-still-cheap-152732580.html

Vodka Appreciation

2011-07-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

Vodka has become the dominant white spirit in the United States, helped along by its versatility as a mixer. This has helped Vodka become dubbed "America's most popular spirit." Vodka is the behemoth of distilled spirits, accounting for almost 850 million dollars in volume, or roughly a third of all domestic spirits sales, according to Ganim 2011. Vodka sales in the U.S. over the past 12 months showed solid growth at roughly 5.5%. Vodka's versatility allows it to be a great mixer, or refreshment served on the rocks. The first popular vodka based cocktail in the U.S. was called the "Moscow Mule" and was a combination of vodka and ginger ale. Jerald O'Kennard Director at The Beverage Testing Institute said, "Vodka has gone mainstream and therein lies its challenge: to be relevant, to be interesting." This is a lane that Status Vodka frequents. Status Vodka is one of the only Vodka's in the world with ginseng in it. The ginseng helps attribute to the velvet smooth taste. Vodka is supposed to be a colorless, tasteless, neutral spirit, which is not exactly a passion inspiring definition or identity. The notable trends in the vodka world are localism, globalism, exoticim, and value. Localism is part of a craft distilling revolution going on in the U.S. with small distilleries popping up in every state. The local craft distillers tend to sell predominantly in their local markets and vodka, being an unaged quick-to-market product, is an important part of their business plan and cash flow. Globalism has helped the success of vodka in America and has inspired vodka producers from around the world to try to break into the huge U.S. market. Exoticism has taken vodka in a different direction adding a bevy of flavors no matter how odd like bacon flavored vodka. I think I'd stick with a berry or citrus flavored vodka before I would try bacon flavored or any meat tasting vodka. Vodka has been a favorite of sippers around the globe for centuries, whether straight up or mixed into a classic cocktail like a Moscow Mule or some other concoction someone has thought up. Vodka quickly rose to prominence as the most widely sold spirit in the U.S. and that trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

www.linkedin.com/groups/Vodka-Appreciation-hits-streets-today-1025507.S.60128192?view=&gid=1025507&type=member&item=60128192&trk=EML_anet_di_pst_ttle

Medicine's future? There's an app for that

2011-06-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

In Daniel Kraft's TED speech he explains how technology is helping expedite diagnosis and treatment. The technology is advancing at such a rapid pace it helps Doctors in a bevy of ways. First with the speed at which technology can help to get results. Apple's iPhone and iPad's have helped to generate an explosion of application or "app" creations. With more targeted apps you can receive niche specific trends and information. In the technological world the low cost gene analysis computation Bio-Informatics and Internet Connectivity accompanied with social networking people tend to go to Google for information rather than to actually go to the Doctor. With the new application process a patient can get direct information regarding a symptom or test results without the trouble of leaving home. Diabetic patients can get test results and send them to the Doctors office without ever leaving home. If this trend continues patients may actually be able to receive a full check up without ever leaving the comforts of their own home. This is the future of Medicine and with technology merging our world together with ease. Dr. Kraft is a Stanford and Harvard trained physician scientist with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, biomedical research an innovation. Dr. Kraft chairs the Medicine track Singularity University and is Executive Director and curator for the FutureMed, a program which explores convergent, exponentially developing technologies and their potential in biomedicine and healthcare. Dr. Kraft recently founded IntelliMedicine, focused on connected, data driven, and integrated personalized medicine. He is the inventor of the MarrowMiner, an FDA approved device for the minimally invasive harvest of bone marrow, and founded RegenMed Systems, a company developing technologies to enable adult stem cell based regenerative therapies. He has multiple scientific publications, medical device, immunology and stem cell-related patents through faculty positions with Stanford University School of Medicine and as clinical faculty for the pediatric bone marrow transplantation service at University of California San Francisco.

No matter how we look at it technology is helping us advance at a fast pace. Technology in the medical field has helped to combat and prevent certain illnesses before they start. Technology will continue to help the health care field and help make human life easier.

www.ted.com

Nightclubs Trade Groups & Status

2011-06-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

The nightclub trade groups can help with the Status Vodka brand in a variety of ways. The website www.nightclubs.com has a website dedicated to keeping club owners, managers as well as others interested in the latest trends up-to-date. This can vary from profitable promotions so you know what's going on as far as important days and holidays for bars and clubs. Tips for managers and information about new products, featured recipes and also includes a blog titled Bottle Service. The last Bottle Service entry was titled Vodka's VIP Treatment. This article supports why now is a great time for my brand, Status Vodka, and our push for the number one spot within the vodka ranks. As with any ROI (Return On Investment) you go with what can maximize your profit margins. The facts given in the blog from Sebastien Lefavre, the general manager of GoldBar in New York City was all in favor of Vodka. Lefavre attributes 75-80% of all of GoldBar's table-service sales to vodka. Vodka is what Lefarve calls an effective bottle to buy. The math works out so that the clients are getting about 16 drinks per bottle, given a 2-ounce pour per drink. On the other hand with Champagne, you're not getting the same bang for your bucks. You'll only get five glasses with a bottle of bubbly; everyone has fewer drinks. Of course, the upside of that situation is that clients will sometimes end up buying more pricey bottles of bubbly. Lefarve explained how the profit margins are lower with Champagne than vodka, or even any other liquor. Bars will buy high-end Champagne at up to $100 per bottle before they sell it to the client. The vodka costs the bar significantly less. Status Vodka can take advantage of these tips as well as the featured recipes section to help promote the brand within the nightclub owner community. These facts along with the blog can be referenced to help usher new sales in other markets. With a continued push through marketing, product placement and Internet marketing Status Vodka will become one of the top brands in a crowded field.

Beyond the Game: Sacrifice for Motivation

2011-05-13T16:45:00.001-07:00

What would you be willing to give up in order to make sure someone you loved could continue doing something they needed? If you were a parent would you trade everything you have and gamble on human kindness and some pretty tough guys in the hopes that they would answer your child's prayer? At 11 years old Zach "Bug" Bennett suffers from neurofibromatosis 1, a genetic disorder that affects his nervous system. The disease that Zach also shares with his mother creates tumors that can grow in size and actually break his bones, which has led to the amputation of both his legs. He's had 20 surgeries in his eleven years. But through his illness he has developed an exceptionally close relationship with the local Albany River Rats hockey team. He had been to every game and even was invited to meet the team and they formed a bond throughout the seasons. The team even came to the hospital to visit Zach on various occasions. Unfortunately the Albany River Rats team had to pack up their pucks and sticks and move to Charlotte, North Carolina, dedicated fan Zach Bennett told his parents he wanted to make the move, too. This placed the weight of his continued progress in physical therapy on his parents.

After the team left Zach's motivation went down and his effort in physical therapy diminished as well. Zach's father unsure if he would find work placed his home up for sale, and wanted to pack up a U-haul and head to Charlotte. But couldn't due to the slow market and housing the house not selling as soon as they would have hoped. However, after hearing of the various set backs like the house on the market that didn't sell and Zach's recent physical therapy sessions the hockey team --now called the Charlotte Checkers -- decided it couldn't leave its beloved fan behind. The team bought a new house in Charlotte and gave the Bennetts the keys. Zach's father said, "They kept him going after his amputation. Hockey players are a different caliber of athlete. These are guys who'd come over, kick off their shoes and sit on the couch to play games with our son." To me that is the definition of going above and beyond expectations. For a minor league hockey team that has just relocated to a new area to even consider helping a family in need shows that its more than money to some people. Kindness does still exist. The Checkers also painted Zach's room and autographed a wall above his bed filled with motivational messages and gave a child new hope to keep going on.

Do a random act of kindness today. You never know some little thing that you do can have a big impact on someone else. To help the Bennetts, the team raised money with several fundraisers, including a Facebook campaign. Once the house was bought, sponsors and contractors donated laabor and materials to tailor the house to the Bennetts' needs. That is the meaning of paying it forward.

Resources

www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/14/zach-bennett-albany-river-rats_n_848949.html?ref=email_share

www.abcnews.go.com/US/hockey-team-raises-money-purchase-home-biggest-fan/story?id=13588690

www.espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6521100

The Voice

2011-05-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Voice is a new program on NBC that is giving American Idol a run for its money. Who would have thought it was even remotely possible to come up with a new singing show after ten years of Idol, America's Got Talent and others. However in my opinion The Voice was a stunning reboot for the genre. According to Guthrie with a 5.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 11.8 million viewers overall, it is the top-rated series premiere on a major network since CBS' Undercover Boss debut following the 2010 Super Bowl. The Voice is a new singing competition that has taken the nation by storm along with the judges from the various music genres. The judges are Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green. These famous musicians search for the best voices in America and will mentor these singers to become artists. During this selection phase of the show the judges are unable to actually see the contestants unless they like their voice and select the artist. At this time the judges chair swivels around and they can view the rest of the performance, as well as have the option to have the contestant on their team. However this is were the show separates itself from others, the contestant then can choose which judge they would like to work with for the remainder of the program. This has never been done before and is an excellent twist on this show. The judges then changes hats if you will, and coach their selected team of eight contestants to help them improve on their singing and techniques including stage performance. The Voice emphasizes that the judges are coaches here to help the contestants rather than simply judge them.

I think this show goes against the grain, meaning it puts vocal ability first disregarding appearance. Today in society we place looks at the top of the critique charts. This can be a major set back for someone who doesn't fit in the normal box. So if you have a strong voice but lack in other areas this is a great platform opportunity for you to showcase your talent. Also the fact that during the selection process the talent gets to select from the coaches that turned around and actually wanted them on their team. So I believe this show places the power in the talents hands at least for the moment. I'm eager to see how the remainder of this show turns out, and will be watching and waiting for the voting process to begin.

The second phase of the show starts this week and it will put two contestants who are on the same team on stage singing the same song, and the judge who selected them will choose who they think won. That person will move on to the next round and in this third round America will select the contestant who they think will be worth of the grand prize. All in all the first two shows lived up to the hype. Hopefully the remainder of the season will not leave viewers disappointed.

References

Guthrie, M. (April 2011). The voice opens big. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/voice-opens-
big-182630

Halperin, S. (April 2011). The voice vs. American idol. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-
worship/voice-american-idol-compared-182704

www.nbc.com/the-voice/