Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Benjamin.
Hi Courtney, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started back in 2009 when my wife wanted to sing. I kept getting a lot of no’s but I didn’t give up. I went to the books, seminars, workshops and conferences to learn all I could about the music industry. I saw immediately why I was getting the no’s as I started learning, no product, no experience (outside of worship service singing at church and touring in stageplays singing), no business etiquette and so much more. I didn’t know anything but I knew how much I believed in my wife.
A friend of mine Swifty Mcvay of D12; I reached out to him to see how do I get my wife distribution, how do I get her on Itunes etc and most importantly where do I go to find someone to produce her music. He introduced me to one of the producer from “Silent Riot” Maestro and the rest was history. I began to see my wife grow as an artist and i became more empowered by sitting with Maestro learning the business as we recorded and even paid studio time just to learn what he knew. Feeling empowered, I started our label in 2010 so no one could ever tell us no again.
The whole point I want to express in my story is to find your purpose; no matter how you started, the finish is all about how you trust God in the process and how you know to always remain a student no matter how far you get. I’m becoming the person I needed back when I knew nothing about the industry.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not a smooth road at all you learn all the information but it’s so overwhelming when it’s your first time running a business, working a 9-5 and maintaining a household with three children. Your family is your first business; if home isn’t right, both businesses will suffer. It is ok to step out on faith but wisdom comes from seeking help in EACH area of need in your life. I was getting the music industry knowledge down but had no business experience nor a person willing to teach me business. I am glad of those no’s when I sought out businessmen I thought were on the up and up. God has a way of protecting you from distractions; so pay attention instead of getting mad saying no one wants to help or support you.
Mismanagement of time, money and multiple evictions. Tax audit hit me the 3rd year in business and it almost took me out. I learned a lot during this time of the audit. The importance and knowing the roles of what an accountant and tax attorney are. The IRS agent taught me that stepping out on faith is not a excuse for not knowing business, she asked where was my business plan, operating agreement, who are and where are your customer lists etc. She also said so you started a business not knowing how to run it or have a mentor to guide you; I said no one would help so I stepped out on Faith. She smiled and said Faith is going to cost you this amount. You have to be a expert at hiring experts it’s more than just file your taxes, I went straight to the accountant explained what happened and the amount was reduced and numbers proven. Learned so much from you can’t take your work check and just deposit it in your business account or pay your negative business account with your personal money to cover the negative etc. Some things you have to learn the hard way and experience them for yourself to prepare you. That was an expensive class I paid for but the value I got from it was priceless.
Working a 9-5 during all of this madness still wasn’t enough I was a janitor and taking care of assisted living patients i had to figure out a way to make it. So many people when I was on break reading industry books would interrupt me; saying what are you reading that for, I tell them I’m studying to learn more about the music industry. Only thing they would always say is you better keep this job; it’s secure, you have a 1 in a million chance of making it in the music industry I have a buddy who’s been trying to break in for 20 years still have not had any luck. Fighting the urge to not snap gave me discipline and focus. I start seeing some success quit my job but I quit for the wrong reason to prove them WRONG. Mistake made lessons learned that’s not why we become successful and quit our 9-5.
Not until the 3rd time of me quitting a 9-5 was it permanent. Know this you should not let your family suffer for your dreams. It’s not money issues we have it’s strategy issues. The 3rd time I had an exit strategy, plan, money saved up, credit back on point and goals met. Break times and after five was my business time, I still travelled with my artists and would come right in to work fresh off the plane; tired but i knew the job was temporary. You will need all this experience to build your empire from time management, money management, credit management, dealing with people against you, decision making, learning systems and so much more. Your work was not done in vain. Your job will be paying you from their marketing budget instead of the small payroll budget if you make a business move when you quit your job.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an artist manager and music publisher. I specialize in teaching the business of being an artist and show them the legacy in their music. Building up Music Legacy Builders™. I have success in sync placements and helping legends in the game get back and unclaimed royalties for the past few years such as Rakim, KRS ONE, Michael Jackson Estate and so many more. I have a passion to serve the music community and be that person I needed.
The thing that sets me apart is I wasn’t scared and stepped up to be the voice and researched for the artists then came to them and their teams. I work hard to be the best me for my artists as well getting them to be business minded. Too many legends struggled, were homeless or died broke not knowing about their music publishing and business.
The unclaimed royalties are up way too high for artists, featured artists, songwriters and producers to be leaving money on the table.
What makes you happy?
My family and serving a community of artists that get it and execute. Why? I know how it feels to be lost, stuck and then find your purpose in life. Doing the work produces Results; not waiting for someone to save you. Being able to do what I love to do full time and see the fruits of the labor that seemed so far away 12 years ago. That’s what makes me happy.
Pricing:
- “Business of Being an Artist” (EBOOK) w/ Bonus Materials, Resources & Tools $47
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courtneybenjamin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneybenjaminmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyBenjaminMusic/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cbenjamin1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BenjaminentGroup
- Other: https://benjaminentacademy.com/
