Copyright 2006-2012 Unless otherwise noted, all contents copyright 2006-12 Joy Kennelly. If you are quoting this blog, please provide a cite and link back. Thanks for this courtesy!
David Kim is convinced that success comes to those who start!
And start he did. David Kim “Ignited” his life and started forward. His story is about how he went from a new American immigrant to the CEO and owner of numerous food brands, including: Baja Fresh, Sweet Factory, La Salsa and several others.
What does it take to think big? What principles can you adopt to get started, and stay on the path to success? And once success starts happening … come to grips with what life is really all about?
David Kim is the Gathering of Men speaker for our 2011 Fall breakfast events in Torrance, Anaheim, and Pasadena. He’s going to talk business, personal development principles, profit-boosting insights for building toward success, but he’s also going to talk about what really matters in life. The bottom-line principles that all of us men can use to fuel our journey toward true success and significance.
How can we survive in this day and age? By incorporating the right principles into our lives out there in the marketplace. We all want to survive and thrive – David’s personal testimony will inspire you and warm your heart to move your life forward to significance.
You won’t want to miss the unique story of David Kim’s success story, and the transformation he has experienced along the journey.
1. What made you start the Driven Music Conference?
For years, we were on the other side of music conferences. We brought talent we represented, "worked" the conference and always walked away with something for the talent; a record deal, publishing deal or a session with a top producer scheduled, for example. It was an effective tool for advancing an artist and those experiences inspired us to produce our own music conference.
2. How receptive has the music industry on the Southeast coast been?
Exceptional, but we've also seen interest from all corners of the states, from CA to NY. We've reached outside the U.S. as well. For example, at our last conference, a performer traveled from Australia to showcase for the industry. We're working on plans now to more easily open up access to our conference to those outside of the U.S.
3. What would you say is the biggest draw?
Each person's interest in our conference likely differs, however, if I had to pick, it would be both the access to our Featured Panelists; industry giants such as Van's Warped Tour Founder Kevin Lyman, major label A&R and others, as well as the chance to showcase for them. Most can easily recognize we're fostering a networking opportunity and a place to go for a chance at advancement in music.
4. Who normally attends?
Its split down the middle, with one half of the group being artists and the other half being compromised of others working within the music industry and those wanting to learn more about the business from the pros, such as college students, for example.
5. Any success stories come out of speakers and attendees participating you've heard that you can share?
See answer 11.
6. How did you manage to get such an eclectic collection of speakers? Personal friends? Done business with them before?
Hmmm... Like some artists do, we try to keep some element of mystique swirling around the conference! Let's just say there's no substitute for hard work. That can usually work as an answer to almost any "how did you do that" kind of question!
7. Looking back at both conferences what changes will you make to your next one, if any?
More showcases! Who can argue with that change, right? We'll reserve at least 20 additional showcase spots.
8. What was the highlight of the conference for you?
For me, I liked how the ballroom where the panel discussions were held was full, both to capacity of people and energy. How accessible the Featured Panelists made themselves to the artists and the others attending was also an adrenaline rush.
9. What do you wish had turned out differently?
Not much, but if I have to pick one thing, it would be that I would have liked to more so experience it from the perspective of the attendees. That's tough to do when you're organizing the event because of all the on-site work involved, however. I'm not complaining. Goes with the territory. Its a workload our team puts upon itself for the sake of striving towards making the conference the best it can be for everyone involved.
10. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
How many hours do I have? This is an answer that is tough for me to keep short, but I will do my best to sum it up into 2 abbreviated points... 1) Always work towards increasing your odds. Using one very specific example, attend a music conference. If you're the artist at a conference and in the same room as top industry executives, then aren't you in a better position than the artists that are not? Now, if you also introduce yourself to those executives, aren't you in a better position than the artists in that room with you that do not? If you approach everything with that mentality, its really simple to see the big picture clearly. Part of what your doing is a numbers game. As a general ongoing rule, "work it" to the point to where the odds of advancement swing closer to your favor. You can never go wrong, if you do. 2) Understand that if you're making the choice to advance in the music business (which is not for everyone), you can't ignore the business side of it. If you do, you're looking at more of a hobby than a career. Learn about the business side or put your faith in someone you feel has. Music without business is a hobby and business without music is, arguably, "boring work"! They both are important, they both need attention and they both need each other to advance as one cohesive entity.
11. How did all the bands work out performing? Anyone picked up? Any feedback from anyone?
I absolutely love these conferences because of the element of surprise that always comes with them. There is nothing routine about them, just as there is nothing routine about this business, in general. At our last conference, Vans Warped Tour Founder, Kevin Lyman, offered The Silver Comet a spot on Warped (which is currently under negotiation and not confirmed per The Silver Comet) and Atlantic Records A&R, Jeff Levin, offered Super Water Sympathy a deal with Atlantic, both right on the spot. The reaction of both showcasing artists after receiving the news was priceless. I'll never forget their expressions. What a rush!
12. Anything else you want to add that I've neglected to cover?
I appreciate your interest and that of your readers! Right now we're in South Florida and Atlanta annually, with plans for further expansion into additional markets. The latest on the Driven Music Conference can be found at:www.drivenentgroup.com
This morning I attended the 20th Annual High Tech Prayer Breakfast which they claim as the largest networking event in Atlanta, GA with 1600 people in attendance and also, the earliest, beginning at 6am till 9am (I've been up since 4:30am to get there on time.:)
I had no idea what to expect, but since my friend, Curt Cain of iHealth Technologies, Inc., had invited me, I wanted to attend. We grew up in the same church in Manhattan Beach, CA and recently re-acquainted when he and his wife invited other CA "ex-pats" to a dinner this past week.
I have always felt a sense of family with other Christians because no matter how much time passes, there's a spiritual bond which ties us together no matter where we are, or what has happened. I really don't know how some people get through life without a spiritual component to their lives when I find such encouragement, support, and Godly love in my Christian life experiences. I know I couldn't make it living out here in Georgia without my faith in God and Christian friends.
This morning's prayer breakfast was very inspiring to me on many levels as a result.
Back home in Los Angeles I have attended numerous tech conferences, networking mixers, seminars, and parties, and not once have I ever seen a spiritual aspect included. What a refreshing difference to meet CEO's, CFO's, Venture Capitalists, CTO's and more who are also following God and willing to be visible in this public realm by inviting men and women who have never heard the gospel to attend.
In light of Steve Jobs' passing, who I consider one of America's most brilliant innovators, it was very moving to hear Keynote Speaker, Walt Wilson, speak. He had been an early employee of Apple serving as the Managing Director of U.S. operations "as the company grew from just a start-up to a globally-recognized corporation with $5 billion in revenues."
Talk about a powerful way to start the day!
The host committee had gathered together to pray for Steve, his family and the prayer breakfast the night before when they heard the news of Steve Jobs' death. Walt said he had prepared a speech a few months back, but threw it all out at 3am. He had planned to share what it was like working in Silicon Valley, working at Apple and his career, but felt what he had originally prepared wasn't appropriate after last night.
Walt called Steve "My Boss, my Mentor, and my Friend" who had a thirst for excellence and never measured his success by market share. He said Steve always wanted to the be BMW of the tech world and then revealed BMW really only held a 3% market share which was surprising to hear.
What set Apple apart is it was always about computing, not the computers. It was about advancing technology more than anything else. Walt said Steve didn't care what anyone on Wall Street thought, or anyone else for that matter, which drew a laugh from the crowd. Walt also shared Steve always protected his family from his own celebrity which I admire.
Walt shared only one personal anecdote of his experience working with Steve because it was difficult to speak so recently of someone he obviously cared deeply about. I would quote it, but want to preserve some of privacy of the breakfast.
However, I will share with you briefly Walt's story because it was fascinating to learn he had only graduated high school and served in the United States Marine Corps for three years which must have been great preparation for working alongside Steve Jobs.:)
He is currently "the founder and chairman of Internet ministry Global Media Outreach (GMO). He was previously co-founder, chairman and CEO of Exclaim Technologies, Inc., an applications service provider in the business-to-business Internet market. Before that, he served as senior vice president and corporate officer of the consulting group Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC), a $16 billion, U.S. global corporation with 600 offices worldwide, employing over 100,000 people."
I've been meeting more CEO's and influential people here in Georgia faster than ever happened in CA. Hard to believe I've really only been here a little over two months after all.:)
Have to admit though, although these other speakers were fantastic, informative and entertaining, this morning's breakfast spoke to me on a deeper level due to the spiritual component. When you consider Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Address on living and know he died last night, it really puts life into perspective.
"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life," he said.
"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."
Here is his speech in its entirety because it's so powerful:
As Walt continued to speak, he challenged us to think about where we will spend eternity. If you died today do you know? He reminded us of the verses, Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." and John 3:17 "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
If you've wanted a fresh start, forgiveness of your sins, or simply to surrender your life to God because whatever you're doing isn't working, please consider asking Him into your life. He will answer you when you call upon Him. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7 and “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
I hope you do, but if you don't now, know God is there whenever you need him. I can tell you He has brought me through so much. I was personally touched to learn Steve Jobs was adopted since I'm a birthmother who has a 12 year old son I placed in adoption at birth. It was one of the hardest experiences to live through in my entire life.
When I see TV shows like Parenthood which recently mocked the sacredness of this experience in an episode called, "Hey, if you're not using that baby;" or see Glee's portrayal of a birthmother plotting to get her adopted baby back; or hear Grey's Anatomy recently wove an abortion subplot into their storyline, it grieves my spirit.
"As a birthmother of a twelve year-old son I placed in adoption at birth, I was shocked and devastated to see one of the main characters asking a teen-age mother if she could, “Buy your baby.”
I admire how sensitively Jason Katims has handled Asperger and am writing to request he and his staff present adoption in the same sensitive manner. Children in adoption are not bought and sold. They are not cavalierly “given” away. They are thoughtfully, painfully, delicately “placed” with a family a birthmother considers will offer a better life for their child they feel they cannot offer at the time of their pregnancy.
Please consider the ramifications of treating a human life so callously. Parenthood has the opportunity to present a side of adoption rarely seen on TV if done correctly. I would strongly urge Jason and all those involved with the success of this show to consider researching adoption through such resources as: www.birthmothers.org and www.adoption.com before writing any further episodes."
I have yet to hear a response and have avoided other episodes because that one was too painful. But to those in entertainment who write stories about adoption and/or abortion, consider this thought if you will...
What would the world be like if Steve Jobs' birthmother chose to abort him rather than choose adoption? He has impacted all our lives and he's just one of many talented, creative people who was adopted.
Here's a list of more famous adoptees and birthparents I bet you didn't know about:
Notice the list of birthparents is much shorter? There is so much stigma surrounding adoption perpuated by past and recent Television shows, and the media, which I hope will change soon. Use the resources I mentioned in my letter, adoption.com and birthmothers.org to write truthfully about us please.
It's also time we acknowledge there are three choices when faced with unplanned pregnancy, not just two - abort or be a single parent.
If Steve Jobs adoptive parents hadn't first adopted him and then supported, loved and encouraged his individuality just think how all our lives would be different today. Embrace the third choice and allow Steve Jobs passing to signify more than just his technological advancements, but also the power of love.
Because when it all boils down to it, every human needs to feel loved. Even those who are unwanted, unplanned, or inconvenient.
Give life, give love a chance.... Adoption is a choice too. It's extremely painful, but you get through it and your child then has the opportunity to be a world changer, perhaps another Steve Jobs. You never know, right?
And that's all she wrote. Have a great day. I was planning to cover the Driven Music Conference, but felt compelled to share this with you first after my experience this morning.
Don't know him, but click the link to see the sweet memorial site dedicated to this special guy. What a deep thought and just what I needed to read today.
Have been wanting to write on this subject for quite awhile, but needed to let it simmer and brew before spilling my thoughts here. This weighs heavy on my heart and I feel it needs to be addressed.
I recently saw Hangover II and left the theatre feeling violated and disgusted due to the offensive content and pornographic images displayed throughout - a monkey licking a man's hidden penis, a dismembered finger treated cavalierly, excessive drug use, F-bombs dropped every five seconds, naked "she-men" wandering about with breasts and a penis flopping in the wind, gross sexual situations, and more.
"Oh, what a headache-inducing, unapologetic money grab we have in "The Hangover Part II." By the time Bradley Cooper's Phil says, "You know the drill," and the guys start emptying their pockets in search of clues to the latest debacle, you'll be more inclined to groan than giggle."
Read the entire review here by clicking the title: Movie review: 'The Hangover Part II'The sequel seems more interested in box-office loot than laughs. (MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY!!)
Bradley Cooper, left, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms star in "The Hangover II (Warner Bros. Pictures) May 26, 2011 By Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times Film Critic
And here's a little highlight from the film you have yet to read or hear about it in the US.
"The family of an Australian stuntman seriously injured while filming The Hangover 2 is angry that the stunt footage has been included in the trailer of the final film.
Last December, Scott McLean — the stunt double for actor Ed Helms — was left in a coma from a brain injury after performing on the set of the movie sequel filmed in Thailand, the Sun Herald reports.
During the scene, Helms' character sticks his head out of the car window during a chase through the streets of Bangkok and is then hit by an oncoming truck.
The car was meant to swerve away from the truck at the last minute but did not.
'To have that scene used in the preview is a real kick in the face to all those who know Scott. It is sickening to watch, as we all know what happens next,' his sister-in-law, Michelle McLean, told the Sun Herald."
(TODD PHILIPS, WHERE'S YOUR HUMAN DECENCY? THIS IS MORE EVIDENCE OF YOU ONLY SEEKING THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR RATHER THAN BEING HUMAN. Click the title and links to read the awful story. Why is no one covering this over here? Are you all so cowed by the adage, "This is Hollywood and the show must go on" you refuse to be decent? I don't get it.)
I don't normally always agree with the critics since I liked Knight and Day (which I found funny, creative, exciting, entertaining, clean, with beautiful locales... a total escape film which is why I go to the movies in the first place), but on Hangover II?
I agree wholeheartedly with the critics. (Click every Hangover II link I've posted to read a different reviewer's perspective since I was shocked to see how many panned this and thought you might enjoy reading the variety too. If you click the one in this section you will find Movieline's review which I thought was appropriately fitting The 9 Most Scathing Critical Responses to The Hangover Part II)
I read another Hangover II review where the critic said it was nothing more than a rehash of the jokes of the first one which may be why I didn't laugh as much or find this one as charming.
At all.
I especially loved Betsy's last line that she hopes this is the end of the line for such a film unless the accountants have a vote. Exactly. She's not the only critic, myself included, to say this either.
This is not what filmmaking should be about, but in Hollywood it so often is which is why I'm excited to work on the LA Film Fest to actually see art films that have meaning, soul, creativity, originality, and thought, rather than box office goals only.
But I digress.
What the other Hangover II reviewers don't mention, perhaps because they're so jaded they don't see it any more, but what struck me on this film and also in Old School, is the mean spiritedness and cold view of women Todd Phillips takes in every film.
I bet anything he watches tons of porn and as a result is embittered against women and detached from sexual situations that are realistic and humane.
Here's what the UK Independent Film Critic had to say about Hangover II, "The only difference is that The Hangover Part II is set in Bangkok, which is represented as one of the less salubrious Circles of Hell....This time, their ordeal is so grim that the film threatens to stop being a comedy and become a dark thriller with a few genitalia jokes thrown in."
Exactly.
It was so dark in moments it ceased being funny and you wondered why you were even watching and spent money to be subjected to it. I'm sure there are people who will see this film and think nothing of it, but it grieved my spirit to sit in front of teenage boys and realize this is how they will view women as they enter adulthood.
Why does NOW allow women to continually be portrayed as nothing more than hookers, sex objects, throw aways, etc in film? Why aren't they funding films with women directors, women screenwriters, and women actors? Why aren't they speaking out against Hollywood Directors who continue to portray women like this?
Perhaps they are and I don't know of it, but I doubt it. Why do men in Hollywood always dictate how women are portrayed? Why do we as women allow this to continue?
I see the roles and shows that are coming out now and almost every casting call on LA Casting is for sexual situations, sex talk, naked women, etc. When did this become the norm? Where's the real stories of women's experiences? Why are we allowing ourselves to be reduced to only our body parts so easily?
I was so angry leaving the theatre after wasting money on Hangover II I was tempted to begin producing films myself. I thought there has to be better stories out there. There have to be films with human qualities which uplift the human experience, rather than tear it down to it's basest level as this one did.
I know some of you have been reading my blog for awhile and noticed the pictures of certain porn stars I posted which probably has you confused. Let me explain. When I meet someone at a party, I see them as human first, their job second. I may not always agree with their lifestyle choices, but I respect them as human beings and they have value to me as people.
That's why when I met the woman who had been involved with margarita wrestling back when I was campaigning vigorously against it at a party recently, we were able to laugh, hug and accept we held different viewpoints once we figured out how we knew each other, and that was ok.
We're human. We're bound to hold different viewpoints because that's what makes life fun and interesting! What I think is sad are Dems who are so tightly wrapped up in their political identity they can't laugh at themselves and accept others who may hold a different viewpoint than their own.
Very sad commentary on life if you ask me. Life is bigger than politics people. Get over it! It's only politics...
However that said about that, I do not endorse, condone or support pornography at all.
Here's why:
THE INDIVIDUAL AND PORNOGRAPHY
Pornography is addictive, and neuroscientists are beginning to map the biological substrate of this addiction.
Users tend to become desensitized to the type of pornorgraphy they use, become bored with it, and then seek more perverse forms of pornography.
Men who view pornography regularly have a higher tolerance for abnormal sexuality, including rape, sexual aggression, and sexual promiscuity.
Prolonged consumption of pornography by men produces stronger notions of women as commodities or as "sex objects."
Pornography engenders greater sexual permissiveness, which in turn leads to a greater risk of out-of-wedlock births and STDs. These, in turn, lead to still more weaknesses and debilities.
Child-sex offenders are more likely to view pornography regularly or to be involved in its distribution.
OTHER EFFECTS OF PORNOGRAPHY
Many adolescents who view pornography initially feel shame, diminished self-confidence, and sexual uncertainty, but these feelings quickly shift to unadulterated enjoyment with regular viewing.
Want more reasons? Read this analysis by clicking the title:
to fully understand what your pornography usage is doing to you and society as a whole as a result.
Did I say you? If the shoe fits...
You know who I'm talking to.
What I would love to see happen, but doubt it will ever happen in my lifetime, is to see more females involved in more aspects of filmmaking - creative development, pre-production, production and editing. We have a unique sensibility and ability to see when men have crossed the line many don't see because they're so far over it they don't even realize it exists any more.
But it does. And it has. Todd Phillips is fooling himself if he really believes he knows when he's crossed a line because that line is so far crossed in Hangover II even all the critics are discussing it.
Don't believe me? Click on all the Hangover Part II links I've added since each one reflects a different reviewer's opinion.
That's why I am speaking out in hopes others will too. That's why I spoke out against margarita wrestling in Hermosa Beach when I learned they were filming it illegally without paying the city any taxes and exposing them to huge liabilities.
It's why I speak out against NOW for being only political, not really gender based equality any more when they allow people like Ed from MSNBC to get away with calling a conservative woman vile things with no recourse from them.
Where's the gender equality in that? Total BS. I wouldn't join such a biased organization as NOW if you paid me. When you defend all women equally, not only those who support a certain political viewpoint, then maybe.
But now? NEVER!
I believe it's an outdated organization that needs to be revamped and rehauled to reflect who they really are, an arm of the Democrat party only. Rather than NOW, they should rename themselves NOD - National Organization of Democrats. It's more accurate and reflects their base and core values because they sure as hell aren't reflecting mine or all women.
I'll never forget how brave I thought the former President of NOW, Shelly Mandel, was to speak on the same platform as Sarah Palin when she first came out on the political arena. I wondered if she knew she was committing political suicide in that organization to stand with someone who reflected gender equality, yet didn't reflect their politics.
Made me smile and proud of her for being bold and standing up for what was right and ground-breaking for all women, a woman running for the highest office of the land.
Don't believe it really happened? Read this article:
Going through her feminist bona fides -- the International Women's Year, the Equal Rights Amendment, Geraldine Ferraro -- Mandell said she is 'proud to support Sarah Palin, a woman who will fight for women's rights ... a woman who will, Lord knows, shake things up.'
'Make no mistake,' Mandell said. 'I'm a life-long Democrat ... I don't agree with Gov. Palin on several issues.' And yet, she said, 'I know Sarah Palin cares about women’s rights, she cares about equality, she cares about equal pay, and as Vice President she will fight for it. She cares about our children and she cares about women's lives. She's an athlete and she knows what Title Nine did for girls like her.'"
It didn't take CA NOW long to denounce her though: NOW PAC Supports Obama/Biden Ticket, Not Palin I've always wondered if Shelly Mandel is still with the organization any more. If you know let me know. Very curious.:)
That's all I really wanted to say. It's time for women to speak up and take back our "image" on the big screen, the media and politics. It's time for more women to be willing to speak out against pornography and gender bias in all aspects of life, not just those that fit neatly in a group think situation.
Don't just complain among your friends if you don't like something.
Write letters to the editor of your local papers. Call your congressmen and senators to complain. Boycott films like Hangover II. Make your voice heard.
Normally when I attend conferences I take dictation and microblog what the speakers are saying while they are speaking. I couldn't do that while moderating which is why I'm very happy to share the Musicians Institute's comprehensive blog coverage of all the speakers on April 7th's social media panel which addressed viral marketing with videos, live concerts utilizing StageIt, YouTube, Facebook, personal vs. professional publicity and so much more.
Click the picture below to be stunned and amazed at the wisdom coming from these mere mortals with extreme talent, creativity and intelligence:
I'm in the camp of Jingle Punks where you can combine fun in business and life. Those who think those two can't work together, guess you haven't read Richard Branson's bio. You know, the Virgin Atlantic CEO, right?
And RocketHub has posted their blog coverage of our panel together too which is a nice quick overview of the most salient points which you can read by clicking the RocketHub logo or title below:
This week's panel on Thursday, April 21, which I'm moderating again, covers everything you ever wanted to learn about Facebook. Speakers on this week's Facebook Marketing panel include:
Last week's Social Media Seminar I produced with the Musicians Institute on the overview of numerous social media platforms was a blast to moderate. Everyone who attended was raving too over the quality of information presented.
We also enjoyed KabobNRoll and KnockOutTaco Food Truck's delicious food before the panel began. Who knows who will show up next week?!
It was great to finally meet all the panelists in person and see others I haven't seen since Social Media Week last year. Extremely talented, creative, smart and humble...
Their official bios are posted below to give you more information on their backgrounds and expertise. I read each as they walked out on stage to join the panel and then they each took turns sharing their perspective on social media which was excellent.
Photo Credit Michael Twigg
All the panelists were swarmed after the panel with eager audience members continuing their questions and interest in their companies and careers also. Two attendees even wrote into the Artist and Career Services Department after to share their thoughts:
Robb A. "Honestly, I thought the Social Media Seminar was great! I will happily attend the rest of them..."
Remi S. "I'm so glad I attended this most interesting seminar..."
It was personally very gratifying to have several attendees come up to me and thank me for organizing the series.
Even Musicians Institute staff and faculty commented on how much they learned and enjoyed the session. I knew they would!
L-R Jared Gutstadt, Evan Lowenstein, Todd Berhorst, Joy Kennelly, Terra Naomi, Vladimir Vukicevic
When you read their bios here below you will see why I was so confident. I add my quick highlights in italics after each:
Evan Lowenstein
Founder & CEO
Recently named to Digital Media Wire’s list of 25 Execs to Watch in Digital Entertainment for 2011, Evan Lowenstein launched StageIt with the goal of creating a web-based platform that would empower artists to deliver and monetize interactive live experiences. While overseeing all aspects of this groundbreaking company as CEO, Lowenstein relies on his nearly 20 years of experience in the music industry as a recording artist, award-winning writer and executive.
Most recently, Lowenstein founded and served as President of HookUp Feed, a premier social networking and mobile marketing company where he still remains as a senior advisor.
Previously, he hosted USA Network’s Character Road Trip, a weekly series providing viewers with a peek into the greatest "characters" the country has to offer. Lowenstein was also a recording and touring artist with pop/rock band Evan and Jaron who scored three Top 40 hits, including the Top 10 song Crazy For This Girl.
Evan shared a video of StageIt in action showcasing he and his twin brother, Jaron performing in their living room which raised over $1,000 using his program. His in-depth knowledge of the music business both as a performer and executive was very informative and well-received. His swag included a sticker stating "Show us your Tips." LOL
Jared Gutstadt
Founder - Jingle Punks to Composer, Co-Founder/CEO JinglePunks (composer: Pawn Stars, American Pickers, Real Housewives of Atlanta; JinglePunks placements: Entourage/HBO, 90210/CW, Jackass 3D/film)
Jared Gutstadt is an American music Entrepreneur and C.E.O. of Jingle Punks Music. Jingle Punks Music has been featured in Billboard, Wired, Variety, and his company was named "one of America's most promising start ups" by Business Week.
Jared started Jingle Punks Music after spending a decade balancing a dual career as an editor by day and rockstar by night. After years cutting and composing for many of the TV industry's top networks, it was apparent to Jared that the media had a ravenous appetite for dynamic music collections that would change and grow to reflect cultural trends. Jared also found that the way in which a library is made accessible to a client also would determine how often such a collection would be used. Because a source such as this did not exist he knew there was an enormous opportunity for him to take the lead.
Jared is also the lead singer in two very well known indie bands who now gets his live fix speaking on industry panels mentoring at conferences and keeping a busy schedule of school and Apple store appearances.
Jared's music background as a composer is something he applies to his business and was very happy to share a recent viral marketing success Jingle Punks experienced with an orchestral remake of a Strokes song. This video blew up the Twittersphere and helped raise their profile in numerous ways.
He generously passed out swag to all attendees who asked questions and spoke to him after. I grabbed a Jingle Punks bobble head.:)
Terra Naomi
Terra Naomi became YouTube’s first breakout music star when she launched her innovative “Virtual Summer Tour” from her Hollywood apartment in 2006 & scored an accidental viral hit with her song “Say It’s Possible.” Naomi was the only new artist to perform in Al Gore’s Live Earth at Wembley Stadium after an invitation from the man himself & has toured/performed with The Fray, Martha Wainwright, Tyler Hilton, Sara Bareilles, Corinne Bailey Rae & Natasha Bedingfield.
After releasing her album 'Under the Influence' on Island Universal Records & touring the UK, Terra performed at the newly resurrected Lilith Fair, alongside artists including Colbie Caillat, Miranda Lambert, A Fine Frenzy, Sarah McLachlan & Heart. With songs in several feature films, TV shows such as “Private Practice” & “American Idol,” & a new album in the works, produced by John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Jason Mraz) Terra Naomi is ready to break through to the mainstream in an organic, authentic way.
Terra Naomi has created her own music for years and shared her experiences finding accidental success on YouTube before YouTube was even an everyday channel for everyone. She also shared she bakes cookies for fans in order to raise money to self-fund her music.
Terra is performing at Hotel Cafe on April 19 and decided to go old school passing out postcards promoting her show.
Vladimir Vukicevic
Vladimir Vukicevic is an entrepreneur and established thought leader in the world of social media and innovation. He has taught Fortune 500 companies how to apply innovative technology, combined pop culture with management theory on his blog, and is the co-founder of RocketHub.
Vlad is the co-author of The Crowdfunding Manifesto, a popular foundational resource for musicians and other artists. Vlad and the RocketHub team share a bold vision: that crowdsourcing funds and brand engagement is the new path to creative empowerment.
Vlad's company experienced media success on ABC just before the panel and flew all the way in from New York to share his perspective on crowdfunding. RocketHub connects brands and fans with entrepreneurs and creatives seeking funding which was a popular topic.
World Renowned Photographer, Bo Bridges, has 'followed the snow' documenting the seminal moments of Olympiads Jonny Mosely and Picabo Street and has captured athletes Serena Williams, Lance Armstrong, Derek Jeter and Taylor Mays in their respective excellence, to name only a few.
His photographs have been featured in Sports Illustrated, Surfer, Maxim and Fortune Magazines and his ad credits are lengthy; notably ESPN, Gatorade, Coke and Pepsi, Ford, Nike, NBC, Discovery, Sony, Oakley and Interscope Records. Whether it's action sports, fashion, music, or an ad campaign, Bo Bridges delivers the stamp of an Artist with his use of natural light, impossible angles and unique perspectives.
Photo Credit Michael Twigg
Bo Bridges showcased images of Snoop Dogg and the Pussy Cat Dolls on-stage during the panel which you can see here if you look closely. He is an amazing photographer and personal friend I was happy to include that night.
The Musicians Institute Marketing Department has written a comprehensive blog on all the speakers and the discussion of the panel which I will share when it's available.
Look forward to having you join us April 21 to hear our next illustrious panel at the Musicians Institute at 7:30pm. You will walk away entertained, informed, and happy you came.
Social Media Expert, Joy A. Kennelly, of The Joy Writer, and the Musicians Institute are pleased to announce the panelists confirmed to speak during their Social Media Seminar Series 2011. The five-part instructional seminar series is designed to teach the how-to’s of social media and online marketing.
The seminars will be held Thursday’s April 7 and 21, May 5 and 19, and June 2, 2011, from 7:30 to 9pm in the Concert Hall of the Musicians Institute located at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, California 90028
Confirmed Panelists include:
Founder/CEO, Stageit, Evan Lowenstein, recently named to Digital Media Wire's list of 25 Execs to Watch in Digital Entertainment for 2011 (April 7)
CEO/Co-Founder, Jingle Punks, Jared Gutstadt, named one of "America's Most Promising Startups" by Business Week (April 7)
Co-Founder/CTO, Rockethub, Vladimir Vukicevic, which has been called a "renaissance style of fundraising" by American Songwriter (April 7)
SXSW performer, Audio Runner Band Member & Social Media Architect with Speak Social, Brad Bogus (April 21)
Social Media & Marketing Solutions, Manager GAGA Sports & Entertainment/VP Marketing RewardMeS, Joseph Yi (April 21)
Photographer/Author/Web Strategist, Kris Krug (May 19)
Managing Partner of TAG Strategic and former Senior VP of Digital Development and Distribution for EMI Music, Ted Cohen (June 2)
More panelists to be announced.
Each hour and a half program, moderated by Kennelly, will focus on the basics of the social networking tools currently available and feature panels with high-profile entertainment industry executives and technology experts discussing how to utilize current social media platforms, upgrade social media skills and how to brand and market your company, your label or yourself online.
You can’t escape the words "social networks" if you engage in any media format. What are these tools and why does every professional need to use them? Social Media Strategist, Joy A. Kennelly of The Joy Writer will moderate a panel of experts discussing everything from the basics of using social networking tools to creative techniques and tips for more advanced users.
Topics include the latest tools, trends and platforms available to filmmakers, agents, talent and studio executives. Learn how to brand, manage, market and develop a fan base for you or a project with experts in the field.
Born and raised in New York, Anne Thompson has been a contributor to the New York Times, Washington Post, The Observer, and Wired. She has served as film columnist at Variety, and deputy editor of Variety.com, where her daily blog, “Thompson on Hollywood,” launched in March 2007. Anne was the Deputy Film Editor at The Hollywood Reporter, the West Coast Editor of Premiere, a Senior Writer at Entertainment Weekly, and West Coast Editor for Film Comment. She wrote the film industry column “Risky Business” for L.A. Weekly and the Los Angeles Times syndicate.
Margot Gerber runs digital strategy for the American Cinematheque's brand (Aero and Egyptian Theatres), as well as release campaigns for foreign and independent films.She has worked for the past 20 years in marketing, publicity and advertising and just when she began to lose interest in traditional publicity, new opportunities arose in the digital arena that captured her imagination. She now spends a disproportionate amount of her time online, monitoring social media.
Rob Reed is the founder of MomentFeed, a provider of location-based marketing solutions. The company's Location Engagement Analytics (LEA) platform aggregates data from multiple LBS sources and provides a familiar analytics dashboard for companies with hundreds or thousands of locations to monitor. In addition, MomentFeed provides key insights and reporting on the LBS industry as a whole. Rob is also the founder of MaxGladwell.com, a blog covering social media, geolocation, and sustainability, which has been syndicated to more than 200 blogs including The Huffington Post, Mashable, and Treehugger.
A native of Montreal, Wendy Cohen began her film career as the Programmer and Outreach Coordinator for the Media That Matters Film Festival. As the Manager of Community and Alliances at Participant Media since 2007, Wendy has developed innovative online initiatives for numerous films including Charlie Wilson’s War; and currently runs the digital social action campaign for Waiting for 'Superman,’ a documentary on the American education system. Wendy was the first Community Manager for The Huffington Post in New York City. She believes the combination of storytelling with online activism can lead to great social change.
Chris Gore is a writer, filmmaker and a television personality who has built a solid reputation as a hilariously outspoken voice in the film world. As a teenager, Chris founded the legendary Film Threat, which began as a fanzine. He is the author of several books including The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide, The Complete DVD Book and The 50 Greatest Movies Never Made. In addition to being a noted speaker and author, he is the film expert on the G4TV’s Attack of the Show where his weekly movie review segment DVDuesday is among the most popular.
Joy Kennelly's award-winning social media marketing and publicity experience includes page one Google blogging, search engine optimization (SEO), and creative business strategies across multiple platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin & more) for clients in entertainment, travel, technology, fashion, and politics. Past clients include: the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chef David Linville, The Shore Restaurant & Lounge, Original Long Beach Lobster Festival, fine artist Gali Rotstein, Actor Domiziano Arcangeli, Penton Media, the American Institute of Architects, and more. She has presented classes and seminars on social media at Musicians Institute, American Cinematheque, and at conferences throughout the US.
After recently experiencing poor leadership in an organization, I began a search to discover what quantifies great leadership and what qualities are common among those who are great leaders.
I focused in on creative leaders and how they lead because of my personal entertainment and fashion background and my own perspective as a leader.
That, and watching the fun times Bret Michaels and Sharon Osbourne had working together on their Celebrity Apprentice Team projects which helped me realize they are leaders even though they don't fit the corporate world's mold of leadership. They actually have fun doing what they're doing which is my main motivation in everything I do too.
This will be a series of posts on some of the things I've learned thus far on those who are successful in branding themselves as leaders others should follow.
My first stop was Borders where I researched the top selling leadership, marketing and success gurus. What I discovered was there were a few prolific authors who rose to the top of this genre like Seth Godin, Robin Sharma, and John C. Maxwell to name a few.
Because I've been tested reading 900 words a minute and am a voracious reader whose personal library would quickly outgrow anywhere I live, I then went to the library to check out books by these men.
I don't know if its gender bias, or if female leadership books fall into a different section of the bookshelf, but I found it interesting there weren't that many, or any, in the leadership category.
I've always worked best with men so it doesn't bother me too much not to read some fluffy female's perspective, but I am still curious to hear if there are any female leadership books out there! Sorry ladies, you know some of you can be fluffy and all warm & cozy don't deny it. lol
My dad wanted boys growing up so we were raised completely different than most little girls and as a result are very independent socially, mentally and relationally. Plus, living and traveling overseas as a child apparently affects the way I look at things too according to Third Culture Kid research.
Or maybe even more telling, we didn't have a TV in the house until I was a Junior in High School and only then because I won it selling the most candy bars (with my sister's help) in a school contest. Not being bombarded by commercials and other society programming of what a girl is supposed to be in your formative years does tend to make you think differently than the average female living in the US I'm learning.
That said, if any of you reading this have any recommendations for female leadership books, please leave a comment as I would love to hear. I am a woman after all and do love learning from everyone.
Moving right along.
After collecting a stack of books to read and starting to read them, I then began searching for others who exhibited leadership qualities with something to say in the online realm in this regard as that's an area of focus for me also as a Social Media Strategist.
The guy who stood out to me immediately was Personal Branding Guru, Dan Schawbel. I'm sure there are others, but his profile and information caught my eye because of his age and his command of personal branding in the corporate world and online space.
In addition to reading and watching webinars, I also plan to start interviewing creative leaders in fashion, entertainment, food, and publishing which should be very interesting. I've also been invited to interview influential Hermosa Beach residents for Patch Hermosa which I'll announce here once they're published.
So, in the ensuing posts I'll be sharing what I've learned thus far and what I know about creative leadership having helped numerous people create their own personal brands as Actors, Fine Artists, Screenwriters, Filmmakers and others.
I'm breaking it up into separate posts because there's a lot of content and I want to give you a more in-depth analysis without overwhelming you with content.
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