Listening to music while working helps create a more positive mood, and can help you to become more productive.

How does a person build a $600 million empire off of terrible pizza but that pizza restaurant with great pizza is only local? Just because a product is better it does not mean it will be more successful. So many artists think because they make good music it will equal success. It doesn't! MARKETING is extremely important.

In business, especially this business, you need a someone who is there 100% or you are better off being single. If someone doesn't share the same vision, it's like having an anchor strapped to you leg.

THE SECRET TO USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO BUILD A MASSIVE FANBASE (Tip #4) Understand to power of pictures and colors. What catches your eye when you are overwhelmed with choices? What catches your eye in a huge music store, bookstore or the internet? Ever go to datpiff, what catches your eye? ANSWER...great artwork with vibrant colors! If the internet is saturated with artists, shouldn't you do something that helps you stand out? There is a reason that companies invent so much in developing colorful logos to attract people's attention. Google copywriting (sales ad writing) and colors. Colors send certain messages. Why invest so much time into making a great product (your music, art or poetry) if it's not going to catch people's attention?

THE SECRET TO USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO BUILD A MASSIVE FANBASE #2 Understand the value of music blogs. Music blogs provide you with the opportunity to reach a lot of potential fans. Being featured on these blogs is easier than you think! Take some time and learn how hypem.com works. Start with new and least popular blogs first and work your way up the more popular blogs.

"There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contain it's own seed, it's own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time." -Malcolm X

The posts I see about commerical radio are so off base. A businessman wants to make MONEY. He will invest in diet pills, sneakers, computers and even music. He will buy a radio station and that station play what makes him money. You think the businessmen at Bain Capital care about introducing new music? They care about making money! So many artists are blaming djs and program directors when they don't understand how commerical radio works!!!

• "Hard times call for awesome music."-Anonymous

  People ask me for advice on how to get into the music industry. The advice I give them is that the industry moves fasts and it doesn't wait for ANYONE! If your hungry it's your job get network with the right people (the information is on the page. I listed a number of great music conferences) and promote your music. No one is going to hand it to you on a silver platter. Offers always have an expiration date and just like you there are millions other hungry artists will jump on theses opportunities. Read over every contact and have a good ENTERTAINMENT attorney on speed dial. Act quickly but do your research. Artists have lost millions because they didn't read and have a good entertainment attorney review their contract. Everyone believes they are the hottest thing out and that they are going to change the game. You maybe the hottest MC in your city or maybe even in New England but there is also "the hottest MC" in ATL, LA, TX. Go to New York and see all the talented artist that have moved there to pursue their dream. Don't let your surroundings and ego get in your way! Too many artists here think that have made it because they have been told they are the hottest in their city. You really think a record executive cares about that? You think a true hip hop fan in Poland cares? Nah they want hot music. Not hot because your boy said it was hot. Your friend is not going tell you the truth. Get an honest opinion! Confidence is great but remember you can always get better. Show some level of professionalism. 99% of unsigned rappers don't show an ounce of professionalism when they first introduce themselves. Show some and you already stand out. Unless you have a relationship with a commercial DJ, STOP chasing them with the hope that they are going to put you on. THOSE DAYS ARE OVER!!! Commercial radio has changed and they don't have the freedom to play songs the way DJ's did 20 years ago. There are things they can say or do because the station doesn't allow it. There is a lot of confusion about with topic and it's not their fault. Instead focus your action on college, community, internet radio, specialty shows and BLOGS. This should create a following or a buzz. Program Directors and A&R's look for an artist with a buzz. Final thought...focus on being a great independent artist. Handle your business as an independent artist first and your changes of succeeding in this business will increase. If you wanna be heard heard you gotta MAKE SOME NOISE! Please share and tag other New England unsigned artists. "When we all help one another, everybody win.'-Jim Stovali.

  Let's Discuss what you think about any of these, Please write your input??