Running a successful independent record label takes lots of hard work.  A good business plan, good talent and proper management are essential to making this possible. Here are 7 things to you should avoid when running your independent hip hop label.

1. Choosing a name for your record label before you check to see if it’s already been trademarked: Can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this happen. Someone chooses a label name, puts out CDs under it, and then carpets the office with the logo and name dead in the center, only to find out that someone else legally owns the name. I’ve even seen loyal artists get the label name tattooed on their bodies and cut in their hair. Damn! Oh well, at least the hair grows back.

2.  No paperwork on your artists: This is a big-time FAIL. I don’t care how cool you think that artist is, things usually get crazy once the potential for making money  comes into play. Paperwork not only protects the label, but it protects the rights of the artist as well.  Nothing is worse then spending a shit-load of money and time on an artist, only to have them bounce out on on you when they get upset or see a better opportunity available. “I thought we was homies“, doesn’t fly too well in a courtroom. Read the rest of this entry »

George Howard breaks down, to a student, how to start a company and the strategies of building your brand.