Video or Photo Documentary

We provide time lapse video, documentary and photography for Creative and Construction Projects.

There are many benefits to having a dedicated camera operator/photographer for your project:

1. You don’t lose time while stopping to document your work or project

2. You can move on to the next paid project (we can go back to get those all important “after” images)

3. Your photos and video look much more professional and steady

4. You will have documented evidence of your work for marketing, training, sales and use on your website

5. Few things are as dramatic for presenting job progress as a “time lapse” video

As executive producer and producer we have worked with many trades and business owners to document their work, edit it, and present it in ways that help them draw more attention to their talents (and the work they have ALREADY done).

Our services are affordable.  We can handle heights, lighting and getting the right professional shot (under any circumstances).

We are even equipped to deliver broadcast quality production in the event you would like to have your own web-cast or broadcast television show (self-help, docu-drama or just for fun).  We have narrators, hosts and animation capabilities as well (for that professional touch in communicating with a viewer, whether it is images, a great script or a smiling face).

MY OPINION: The best and easiest way to gain credibility as an authority in your field is to be depicted as one…in a video.

Mark Mahar

Give us a call and we can discuss your next project.

Accepting Deferred Compensation

Question:

Is it possible to hire Mahar Enterprises, Inc. Consultants on an “Equity Participation” or “Deferred Compensation” basis?

ANSWER:

Yes (but we are very selective)

QUESTION:  I am a consultant, contractor or artist who is considering a deferred compensation / partnership / equity deal.  Can you help me?
ANSWER: Yes  (read on, these are our benchmarks for consideration - if you are negotiating an equity deal or deferred compensation package, feel free to give me a call – “documentation” is the key to getting paid and I can certainly help).

I and my team have the ability to multiply your effort, business potential and budget in ways that nobody else can.  That’s a fact.  If you’d like to qualify for startup or  launch support under more a negotiated “we’re in this together” manner, we will entertain it.  There are some things you should think about before contacting us:

1. Equity Participation is not FREE help, it is a schedule of discounted and deferred expenses (or a portion of ownership) because we believe in your project or business.

2. Our deferred fee means “extremely low direct expenses” for a defined window of time (while your business is positioning itself or an idea;  and it is only intended for the startup or growth phase).  Limiting your overhead can be critical to the success of a launch/startup.  That does not mean “no budget”.  We don’t typically invest anything other than our time (all other expenses must be covered).   There are always extremely rare exceptions to any rule.   On qualified projects our deferrals have been anywhere from $20k-2M in equity participation.

3. Our fees can be deferred as much as 90% for the right project.  Regardless, our labor rate is never less than “minimum wage, plus expenses” .  Your business needs to demonstrate that it can sustain a bare bones structure (and comply with employment laws).   A token wage also serves as interest on a loan (a loan that we only collect on if we are successful).  To be clear, in order for a project to qualify for support at “minimum wage” it has to be pretty damn cool, profitable and ready for the push that we are equipped to provide.

4. If you don’t know what the “other expenses” are, you can contact me for a free initial consultation.  If you aren’t prepared to pay at least minimum wage for the support of an extremely talented and experienced consultant/team OR release some management control OR release profits (or some combination of all of those things), please note that our consulting rates are $130/hour for all personnel.

5. The benefit of deferring expenses and engaging with a talented team is that your startup costs are lowered significantly (immediately reducing your need for fundraising on challenging projects).

6. Do what you are good at and be prepared to put down the rest.  You have a “big idea” but you you can’t do everything yourself.  At some point you will need a support team and employees.  Sales, Accounting, Strategy, Technology, Production, Purchasing, Negotiations, Licensing, Legal, etc…please give some thought to where you are most valuable in your business and be prepared to explain what you need in order to keep doing THAT (remain valuable).  You don’t have to “trust” people (you don’t even have to trust us)…but you can’t do it all by yourself.  

7. Be prepared to communicate strengths, weaknesses and concerns (we need to know all of them if we are going to work together on YOUR project).

8.  If you seek my review and/or endorsement of your concept/business, I don’t charge to review and submit my formal opinion (if I think you’ve got a great idea you can quote me all you want).  On the other hand, if you need help or want to attach my resume formally, it requires a written agreement (including compensation).

In all cases: Risk = Reward

If you ask us to share your risk, please be prepared to entice our interest with the appropriate rewards.

You are considering a financial arrangement for support (with rewards later) because you need help or talent or money or all three…and you need those things right now.  Please be prepared to explain why you need it and why it deserves our attention.

We’ve helped countless businesses achieve their goals.  We want to help you.  I want to help you.  I won’t waste your time and I will assume that you don’t want to waste mine until it is proved otherwise.

(some projects or launches are so exciting and “neat” that we want to be involved just for that reason –  we may lower our rates to demonstrate our support for “neat things” just because we can and want to, but any rate modification is done after we fully understand the project)

With us or anyone else: Being prepared for the conversation is important.

We inspire and enforce confidence.   Creativity and a little common sense goes a long way and we’ve built a business around it.

What’s your business?

Very best & thanks,
Mark Mahar

Land Search ($20k finder fee)

SEEKING 4.2Acres in Bristol County, within half mile of main highways (140 or 195).

We are developing a 32,000SF Production Facility and we require the last puzzle piece – the land.

Our development project is geared towards a 50yr lease with profit participation.

If you know of anyone who might be interested, please contact me.

FINDER FEE: I’m offering a finder fee of $20,000 to whoever introduces me to a landowner for an unlisted parcel (paid when we close on the land).  Call me if you want details.

Thank you,

Mark Mahar

Rate Modifications – 2012

We are growing quickly!  It seems all of our clients are seeking elaborate hosted solutions and asset tracking tools (while we are actively engaged in establishing a state of the art production facility in service to all of our clients).

We are happy to comply and we’re expanding our team.

Due to an increase in demand for our services and the costs of adding additional resources to our clients (and opportunities), we are increasing our standard consulting rate.

We will formally announce our new team members in the coming weeks…and keep you posted on the status of our exclusive production facility.

Any clients with which we have a previously negotiated contractual relationship will remain at their negotiated rates until the scheduled expiration of their agreement.

All new clients will be subject to the new $130/hour consulting rate (with negotiated retainer/discount schedule on a case-by-case basis).

NEW RATES INCLUDE FREE USE of any production space utilized for client events, media and/or production services (working with us, you could effectively never pay for a “room rental” again – we’ve got you covered).

We would like to thank our clients for relying on our services with such enthusiasm.  We look forward to continued service in helping you achieve your strategic goals.

Thank you,

Mark Mahar,
President

Marketing Results, Guaranteed

I am SO VERY PLEASED to announce that I am now making a few of my unique proprietary marketing tools available to the public.  This service represents an incredible value…and I have to confess that I’m totally excited about turning the marketing & advertising world on it’s head.

FOR A LIMITED TIME – ACT NOW!

AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION costs $1200/year (80% off)!
REGISTER BY August 31, 2011 and receive my “Phone A Friend” package for FREE ($1,200 value).

Here is how it works:

• Contact us with interest in marketing a website product or service.
• We analyze your products and services for the best application of our proprietary tools
• You pay us $1,200 to be included in our marketing and referral system (for one year)
• We coordinate with you and your webmaster to place the most useful/relevant hosted solutions on your server (sometimes it is just a tracking code).
• We track and monitor the progress of your internet traffic and sales.
• After 12months you decide if you received $1200 worth of services and results.

As long as you ride it out for the entire 12 months, I will personally honor any refund request…for ANY REASON (I only ask that you tell me personally why you felt it wasn’t a value).  It couldn’t be easier.

I defy you to find anyone in the SEO, Web or Marketing world who is willing to GUARANTEE RESULTS.  I not only guarantee results, but I guarantee you will experience growth in your business as a result of our relationship.  This will be an exciting relationship and you will enjoy your business more as a result of hiring my company.

• A substantial boost in web traffic (within 45 days)
• A substantial boost in online sales and incoming phone calls (within 90 days)
• Tips and Tricks to help you in other areas of your business (at no fee)

Our internet traffic and sales generation tools rely on a human referral system (not some automated search engine work-around). Visitors to your website are REAL…and they will read every line of your page.

Not only is it legal, ethical and amazing…it is extremely affordable.   Our techniques are a trade secret (don’t even think about asking “how we do it”).  Follow instructions and you’ll be pleased.  Our integrity is our most important asset.  That is why we screen companies (instead of just adding a “buy it now” button to our page).

Where else can you get a marketing campaign that promises to give you measured results AND offers a money-back guarantee (let alone at $1,200)?

1. If you don’t see the value in our program and strategies we don’t want you as a client.

2. If you aren’t willing to commit $1,200 to promote your business we don’t want you as a client.

(that’s why I’m willing to refund the entire amount to anyone who sticks with us for a year…and why I have set the budget so low that there is no excuse for even the smallest of companies).

Web Developers, Search Engine Optimization “experts” and Marketing Executives HATE ME…  Not only do I tell them to their face when they waste my client’s money,  I consistently prove that I can do more with a dollar than they can do with $1,000.   I can’t tell you how many times I’ve solved complex problems in 30seconds or less, right in the presence of high-paid pretenders.   IT DRIVES THEM NUTS!!!  Ideas are free but you can’t put a value on real talent and common sense.
It only motivates me more to know that my creativity is capable of frustrating people who work in the “creative” industry.

This is, without a doubt, the smallest single budget scope of work I have offered in my entire consulting career.

More Traffic, More Sales, An Expert Business Strategist, and Marketing tools at your disposal for a whole year.  My competition can’t even touch it.  I defy them to even try.

I’m either completely out of my mind or I have actually figured out a way of making marketing so affordable and profitable that nobody else can even come close to creating this level of value. After over a decade of consulting for small businesses, artists and inventors, which do you think it is?

I look forward to working with you and having a truly measurable POSITIVE IMPACT on your sales! (I guarantee it or your money back).

- Mark Mahar

Motion Matters (get moving)

What gets you off your chair and compels you to act?

Everybody has certain things which feed their enthusiasm and enforces a sense of relevance or passionate action.

I’ve found that when I’m in that state of mind (fire in my belly – a sense of purpose), I really don’t care about things which bother or distract most people…because I’m on a path to greatness – a journey towards an echelon of life rather than a validation of financial worth.  One could also argue that financial greatness is an inevitable reward for such a journey (to say nothing of the ra more important fruits resulting from a simple willingness to travel that distance). 

Maybe I’m insulated (false sense of peace on account of existing in a creative bubble of “ideas”) – in any case the result is “motion”.

Mapping a mission or idea (and proving it is within reach) makes me high. 

Putting tools, maps, message, amplification and resources within the reach of creative and motivated people is probably the greatest thrill I get out of my work.

People who have this trait become Motivational Speakers, Priests, CEO’s, Inventors, Advocates, Politicians, Consultants, Campaign Managers, etc…the only difference is the “Map” they use and how they use it as a foundation for communication (bible, industry, law, science, history, marketing strategy, etc…), but at their core these people are simply dedicated students of a “map”…with their specific knowledge compelling them (almost involuntarily) in a direction of action.

It is uniquely human to MAP THINGS and to FOLLOW MAPS.

I don’t ever need to have the public “prestige” that comes with any of the job titles I mentioned above (which drives some people but not me) because I am content being a reliable resource for those people.  Whether people know I’m involved or not, when my work becomes capable of “compelling people” and “eliminating obstacles”, I know I have achieved my purpose in life/business.  If I continue to do it anonymously I still get to enjoy the result privately.  That is contentment that I’ve known, in great abundance, and will continue to enjoy (privately).

Confidentiality is important in the world of art & innovation.

I know that even some of my closest friends have wondered “Seriously, what the hell does Mark really do for a living – he’s all over the ‘MAP’?”

Blueprints, Designs, Schematics, Architecture, Music, Marketing, Strategy, Contracts, Curriculum, Policies, Procedures, Video, Film, Poetry, Advertising, etc - all just part of a “legend” that makes ideas, emotions and resources more “contagious or possible”…from a specific point of reference (the starting point of my clients…and their intended destination).

I’m a MAP MAKER.  I am “almost involuntarily” compelled to map ideas, communicate them, and see someone arrive at a conclusion or destination.  My life is best spent as the “person behind a leader” (despite how many times I’m forced to lead, how willing I am to lead, or how talented I am at doing other things). 

So, from your “all over the map” perpetual servant, here’s the legend/key:

• Motivation IS Motion.  Motion is EVERYTHING.  Motion is the beginning of a journey.
• Journies are best executed with a MAP.

MAPS GET PEOPLE MOVING.  I like to be moving:

• If you don’t have a map, make one (you know where you are and where you want to be - chart it). 
• If you don’t have a destination, define one (unless you can afford to journey aimlessly, in which case, enjoy your ride). 
• If you don’t know where you are right now, there’s a name for that (it is called “lost”).  If you are lost you need to talk to someone (anyone you can trust) and get your bearings.  EVERYONE (no matter how highly regarded) has been LOST at one time or another.  DO NOT pick a destination if you don’t know where you are (that’s like saying you want to go to the Bahamas before realizing that you’re closer to Hawaii).

I cycle through all three things constantly.  Where am I?  Where do I want to be?  How do I want to get there?  When I am working, following or delivering a “MAP”, that’s when the world gets out of my way. 

We never stop being students, but there is no greater thrill than applying the knowledge you have acquired:

What gets the world out of your way?

“It’s Map time.” (for me anyway)

Art & Innovation – Learn, Teach, Love (honestly)

What Advertising Buys

There is a difference between Fame & Fortune – I don’t know how many ways I can communicate this to my clients, so I’m just gonna say it:

“Fame is easy. Fortune (on the other hand)…well, that’s kind of a b#tch.” – Mark Mahar

Fame doesn’t require a real plan…it just requires volume, a spotlight or a spectacle.
Fortune requires a plan (and sometimes it even demands silence).

The question isn’t whether you can get in the spotlight, or even if you can convert an audience into customers, the REAL question is:

 ”What do you have if your audience doesn’t act?”

Typically you’ll just have an invoice as proof you paid for your 15minutes of fame.
We CREATE ASSETS that you can sell or license to get your money back.

Marketing Firms, Advertising Agencies, Publicists and Promoters will all quote you a price to REACH an audience.  Anyone who promises you that an advertising campaign or promotion will be successful for your sales is over-extending themselves (nobody is savvy enough to predict whether your outreach will result in a transaction…they can only guarantee that your message will reach the audience).

At Mahar Enterprises, Inc. we make bold promises but “consumer action” isn’t one of them (it is always the goal, but nobody can make that promise).  We will, however, promise you a safety net – a backup plan.  EVEN IF your advertising campaign or promotion isn’t as successful as it needs to be for your sales, we can promise that any promotion we help you with WILL result in creating an alternative value somewhere else in your business or career…so you’re at least guaranteed to recoup the money you spent on advertising & marketing.

What?  (You might want to read that again.)

Who could possibly secure a marketing campaign with real assets?  WE DO…and you CAN.  Why put your dollars to use once with conventional advertising? You don’t buy anything else in your business to use once and throw away unless it is a direct expense.  Why should advertising be any different?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this statement:

“The [PICK ONE] market has 3million customers and if I can just capture [MINUTE PERCENTAGE] of it, I can make a fortune”
(There are a 20million people who love Frisbees…and if I can reach 1% of them I’ll sell 20thousand of my new toys, right?  Wrong.)
Go ahead – roll the dice on a ”reach only” campaign and see if it pays for the 10,000 units you had to manufacture (or the phone bank you hired for the influx of sales orders to your new 800#).

If I had half the budget that some of my competitors charge for a regional tv ad campaign, I’d be able to put a company on the map (nationally) and inject enough asset creation into a business (just with the savings) that even if the ad campaign fell on it’s face they could still show a net profit by liquidating the new assets (and start all over again). 

I’m not saying “buy the cow and get the milk for free”, I’m saying:

“buy the entire farm (for the price of a cow), get the milk for free (and sell the farm if your milk business isn’t what you thought it was gonna be)”.

Who else can promise you that you’ll have a net profit from advertising?  I can.

I would never make the claim that I’ve always succeeded in getting an audience to take action.  BUT, I’ve ALWAYS succeeded in walking away from my investment in marketing with something I could sell for more than I spent on the marketing…and in some cases I’ve had to sell those things (no worries – that’s why I bought them in the first place).

Doesn’t that sound like something that is worth discussing?
Are you paying for advertising right now?
Isn’t the prospect of saving money, creating more assets and reaching a larger (more emotionally connected) audience worth a few minutes of your time.

Call me.  Email me.  Tell me what you’re buying for your money. If I can’t double the effectiveness of your effort and spending (while creating NEW assets) for the same budget or less, I’ll write a feature story about your company AND the campaign you’re running.  I’ll post the story right here on my site - I’ll tell the world you are a savvy business owner who is TRULY getting the full bang for their marketing buck…and that you stumped me (you’ll be the first).

Advertising doesn’t buy a plan…it buys an audience’s attention (like funding a megaphone).  With the decreasing attention span of audiences it becomes increasingly challenging to motivate them towards action.

Advertising isn’t an asset…it is a liability.
Wouldn’t you like your marketing to create assets (and reduce your liabilities)?

Introduce yourself and say, “I would like to see if your Passive Marketing Strategy is the right fit for me”.

Solutions!  It is what we create here (win/win/win).  For example: Either way, one of us will end up impressed, you’re guaranteed to reach a larger audience, and my visitors have a new product or service to look forward to (bonus: we all learn a little something we didn’t know yesterday).

 ;-)

Let’s discuss your plan, product, service or campaign.  What have you got to lose? 

Mark
(508) 985-0001

Early Retirement Pitfalls

So you won your independence (kind of) – now what?

Independence day is approaching.  As I do every year, I try to examine the concept of independence on a personal level.  If this isn’t your first visit to my BLOG, you already know that I place an extremely high personal value on my own independence and those who earned it for our entire nation.  My own independence isn’t on my mind this year, however.  Presently, I’m watching my parents machinate over the strategy of collecting on a retirement promise without being penalized for their remaining work ambitions…all while jockeying between being an emotional support system for their four adult children (with grandchildren)…and dealing with the their own aging parents (90 & 92).  Someone you care about is in the same boat (maybe it’s even you).

Being 62 years old doesn’t mean what it did in the late 1940′s or 1960′s.  People in their early 60′s are much more active, spry and alert – contributors to society, the economy, the political world, their community and their families - far more than the ”dependent” tone of past 20th Century Retirees.  For those Baby Boomers considering early retirement, there is an almost tragic environment which (through a handful of circumstances and regulations) makes it challenging to have a “survivable income”.  Achieving personal or financial independence continues to be a hard-fought battle (despite, and sometimes in spite of, social programs). 

Baby Boomers still have plenty of gas in the tank (along with higher car payments and more drive) than the retirees of old…but electing to access Social Security Benefits basically requires them to hand over the keys in exchange for a “benefit” (park their car in exchange for a bus pass…and subscribe to “public” transportation…while still making their car payment).

Nothing in this world is entirely absent of humor, and I personally think SS is fodder for great jokes…but let’s be serious for a second:  Claiming Social Security benefits at age 62 means you can’t earn more than $14,000/year without having to give 30% of it back to social security (in addition to being taxed on every dollar in the first place).  If you have positioned yourself at 62 to sustain your still active lifestyle with about $1,200/month in benefits and about $1,200/month (cap) in part-time earnings you’re way ahead of the game.  That’s $28,800 before taxes and all I can say is “congratulations!”. 

For those who don’t feel congratulations are in order, read on.  For those who have disposable income, read on.  I’ve had countless conversations in recent months with every retiree I know.  This is a generational issue and it isn’t going away.

There is no “one size fits all” solution to conquer the puzzle of “financial ambition after 62″, but below are some creative solutions to discuss with your accountant and associates (I’ll divide them into three categories – “self-employed”, ”business owners” and “general”):

NOTE: I’m making the assumption here that you can’t just afford to “cash out and walk into retirement” (or I would have titled this, “Retirement Success”).

Self-Employed:
(you own or operate a business as a Sole Proprietor or entirely as a 1099 contractor)

• Partner with a younger spouse and compensate them for any net earnings in excess of $14,000/year. 
  • Rationale: They don’t have a cap on how much they can earn because they aren’t claiming their SS benefits yet (sure they still have to pay taxes on earnings, but at least they don’t also have to pay $1/3 to social security). 
  • Result: 30% net income improvement…and the earnings stay in your household.
• Surrender to the keys to your own car and take a part-time job or engage in a different partnership. 
  • Rationale: Less effort spent contributing to someone else’s business than perpetuating your own at half-speed (W2; preferrably someone whose success you really care about, like a family member or close associate).  
  • Result: Wages plus some negotiated incentives on the growth impact your maturity, notoriety, experience, credentials, licenses and fundraising efforts will have on their business (deferred compensation – in an IRA or profit-share), means you can cap out your $14k while still building something you can collect on after you turn 65).

Business Owners:
(you own or operate a business but your income is W2 or Stock)

• Step 1 – Change your W2 to the $14k cap (and/or pay someone in your household on W2)
• Assets – Use any available business capital to buy things that enhance your business today but can be SOLD when you turn 65.  Your balance sheet drives your stated income.*  (this could include real estate, vehicles, purchasing a competitor, mergers, etc…)
• Tax Credits – Our tax code is complicated and you really need a professional to do things right, but if your business qualifies for tax credits, now is the time to use them (Solar, Film, Vehicles and Organic Farms are creative ways that businesses and individuals reduce their liability.  These are most exploitable when “growth” or “marketing” is of genuine interest…but they are still useful as an excuse to acquire something, without tax liability, which you can profit from later [when you liquidate it as an asset]).

* A note about “Balance Sheets” as a rolling strategy.  Banks and Public Companies utilize this strategy and our economy essentially revolves around it.  In fact, it is partially the reason why some banks are taking their time foreclosing on so many properties which are currently in default - it isn’t that they lack the device to execute foreclose – they haven’t quite figured out how to get those bad assets off their balance sheets once they take them back from the borrower.  Simply put (from a mortgage company perspective), “missing money” is less ugly on a balance sheet than a “bad asset”.  If you are creative enough to present a balance sheet solution to mortgage companies, you’re the next overnight millionair (my apologies if you’re on SS…you’ll be taxed twice on the earnings).

GENERAL:
(more generic ideas)

• IRA – Utilize your Individual Retirement Account fund to invest in something that has a 3year maturation (there are plenty of non-stock, unconventional places you can utilize those funds and still have it remain outside tax liability until you have to rely on it for income).
• Start a Business – find a dozen like-minded associates and start a busines (30% x 10 people = 300%).  Surely there is an investment (like say, real estate, backing an inventor or young entrepreneur) that can have a 3 year delay on a capital return.  In three years you’ll be 65 and there won’t be such a penalty to enjoying the fruits of your risk as “income”.
• Concede for Health reasons – Changing your income (regardless of your business/employee status), while not being eligible for MediCare yet can create opportunities for “low income” eligibility of other health care coverage (Massachusett’s comes to mind).  Accept the caps on income in exchange for savings on your healthcare expenses.  You’re not dying, but maybe COBRA or your former employer’s/business healthcare plan is the thing preventing you from surviving on your anticipated income.  Go back to work part-time or reinstate your self-employment activities after you turn 65.
• Become a Consultant – 1099 income allows certain expenses to off-set your income as a “self-employed” person.  Hell, we could use you at Mahar Enterprises, Inc.   We are a creative solutions company with creative compensation plans – we could use a talented person that still has gas in their tank (and believes in the independent entrepreneurial spirit of America).

NOTE – I’ll fall on my sword, if I’m wrong, but:  Major economists, strategists, authors and commentators say that one of two things will happen in this economy.

1.) Hyper Inflation or 2.) Depression

I am predicting that it isn’t one or the other, but rather half of BOTH.  Inflation will be first. History tells us everything we need to know about how nations find themselves in these situations (and how they respond to it).  It will happen within 18 months.   Strangely, a flailing economy can be a good thing if you have your house in order (and more reliance on “non-cash” support systems).  Get a plan and stick to it.  If I’m wrong, early retirees still have a problem to cure for their own life (the three year gap between health coverage and earning caps).

Okay – that’s enough for now.  Call or write or comment if you like.  Send me a note if you’d like to become a consultant or partner in one of the many projects our team consults on.  I worked all evening on a contract last night so I’m gonna go watch an afternoon On-Demand movie with my dad (he makes awesome popcorn!).

Happy Independence (it isn’t just about a single day of the year).

Mark

Sad State – Advertising Industry

This is one example of how music and broadcast production is deteriorated by a slow take-over by technology savvy (but otherwise inept) “advertising and media” talent.

The Advertising industry is going to crap…for what I think are obvious reasons.

Maybe you’ll agree, maybe you won’t, but I happen to think the actual production solicitation I just received is absolutely priceless (blow off your holiday weekend to present an idiot who knows nothing about music your speculative rendition of their crappy lyrics…for scrutiny by a “huge” ny agency):

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[GREETING OMITTED]

Below is a special opportunity that we wanted to give you a heads up about. Just got the word about this project today, and need the music by 6:00 PM PDT on Saturday July 2nd, 2011. You can find this listing [COMPANY INFO OMITTED].

HUGE NY Ad Agency needs a SINGER/SONGWRITER SONG for a national NUTRITION/HEALTH BRAND’s TV COMMERCIAL. It’s estimated that this gig will pay $15-$25,000 up front, but the back will bring in more dollars–LOTS of national airplay coming down the pike. This is going to be a little complicated so read VERY carefully!

The TV spot features a male/female duet singing about taking your nutrition to the next level. It’s starts with a guy, playing guitar and he begins singing at 3 seconds into the spot. Ten seconds into the spot, he’s joined by a young woman who sings background vocals and plays tambourine. She becomes a one-woman band as she begins to ALSO play a kick drum and a keyboard–added in that order, and introduced one at a time.

All this needs to take place in 30 SECONDS, while they sing the lyrics below! The good news is that this is a DEMO, and the agency folks know the lyrics they’ve been handed by their client are on the fat side. Your job is to keep the CRITICAL parts of the lyric in tact, while cutting SOME fat to bring this song in at exactly 30 seconds. You can trim a “yeah, yeah, yeah” down to just one “yeah,” etc., but you MUST keep “Anthem” and “Go Nutrients” and as much of the original concept as possible and MOST of the lyric in tact. Quoting the Head Creative guy at the agency: “Write a great SONG with as much of the client’s lyrics as possible.” Easy, breezy, nothing to it, and bring it all home in 30 seconds!

Musically, this SONG needs to be UPTEMPO, HIP and FUN, and in a Jason Mraz or Bruno Mars-like style of putting (vocal) doubles or triplets on top of half notes. That could give it a cool, fun, funky feel while helping you get most of the lyrics nailed in 30 seconds. Melodically, your song needs to sound like a HIT with a KILLER HOOK–it needs to be infectious, memorable and singable.

This product will likely generate a series of TV spots, so nailing THIS one COULD get you to the front of the line for others. If your DEMO is chosen to be presented to the agency and client, you’ll need to be able to make minor changes (if needed) on Monday, July 4^th so the final version can be presented on Tuesday morning. If you’re not fully available Sunday (dinner time) through Monday (dinner time), please DO NOT submit for this listing! Welcome to the intensely fast-paced, whacky world of music for advertising!

Lyrics: 

You take a multivitamin every day

But you want to add a little something (hey hey hey)

So you reach for new [OMITTED] from [OMITTED]

Can I get a funky beat on the bass drum

Take Omega 3 to help your heart

Helps your eyes and brain too…so state of the art

Probiotic for when your system feels out of whack.

Immunity? No problemo! And support that digestive tract. (Uh-huh.)

Fruit & Veggie has antioxidants galore!

Will make you glow for the one you adore. (Grrrrr)

Get on up, throw your hands in the air.

Take your nutrition next level, Start a love affair!! (Yeah yeah yeah.)

Broadcast Quality is needed, even though they may ultimately use NY session singers for the vocals. You must own or control 100% of the Master and Composition rights. If you are chosen, the AD AGENCY will contact you DIRECTLY. The agency is not sure at this time if this will be a Work for Hire deal or exactly what form the deal structure will ultimately take. Bottom line, it will certainly be in line with whatever the Industry Standard would be in a situation like this. This is a HUGE agency, and they’re not in the habit of risking their reputation by cheating musicians–it’s not like they’re a record label – LOL!! Please submit one to three songs online or per CD, include lyrics.  All submissions will be screened on a YES/NO BASIS. NO CRITIQUES FROM [OMITTED]. Submissions must be received no later than SATURDAY, JULY 2nd, 2011 at 6:00 pm (PDT). [COMPANY OMITTED]

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NOTE: I’m still laughing…and somebody is gonna get $25k to produce this piece of crap.  A “HUGE” NY agency is actually charging money for this (and I could probably do a self-perpetuating national campaign for your business for what this one spot is costing to have customers laugh at a product and an artist).  Sad state of affairs indeed.

Just thought it was worth sharing.

Career Clock (wage earners)

Understanding where you are in the arc of your career or project is important to determining your aptitude for risk or earnings (two different things):

1. Your value as an employee

2. Your preparedness for risk as a business owner

I developed this illustration as an answer to frequent clients that are starting their first business. 

I work with many career employees who are making their first risk in business (inventors, artists, startups, technology, etc…).  After years of working for someone else they are ready to strike out on their own.  Many, however, don’t truly appreciate how insulated their life has been as an employee.  Employee positions do not involve any personal risk (one is simply trading time, talent and responsibility for a given wage).   It may be worth discussion, but if you are considering self-employment or business ownership it is a good place to start. 

If you are already an owner (or self-employed…and there is a difference), this illustration may turn your wheels a little about where your value is in a business (and what other talent you may need to surround yourself with, in order to be most profitable).  This is titled “Wage Earner’s Career Clock” for a reason (owners don’t typically derive their income from a wage; earnings and wages being two distinct things).

In this illustration, MONEY exists outside the circle.  Getting to the money requires four things:

• Time
• Talent
• Responsibility
• Risk

MEINC_CareerClock1 (printable PDF)