Music Business Coaching for Thriving Indie Artists - 2Indie
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with John Clinebell, co-founder of 2Indie, located in Nashville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Most indie artists don't have a roadmap to success in the music industry. The problem is that there's no one-size-fits-all path to career fulfillment. And it can be a lonely journey to navigate. That's why we founded 2Indie, a coaching company that empowers music makers with the innovative programs and inspiring community they need to supercharge their careers. We're on a mission to make career fulfillment possible for all music makers!
Tell us about yourself
About a year ago, we were wrapping up a contract gig teaching indie artists about music licensing. Since we loved the job so much, we didn't want it to end! So we started our own company. It's so easy for us to stay motivated to serve other indie artists, songwriters, and producers because they constantly inspire us. As we grow as coaches, there always seems to be some new and exciting way for our 2Indie community to keep evolving. We're signed up for that challenge for the long term. It's fun!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
So far, having a wildly profitable first year of business. According to Forbes, most new businesses need 18 to 24 months to actually start earning. Ours was profitable in the very first month of operation. We were focused on building one great offering at a time, though we obviously didn't know for sure whether our ideas would be well received. We just always try to keep the focus on what other indie artists need in their music careers and create from there. That has been one of the keys to our success!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It's a nonstop lifestyle. We think in part because you are the direct benefactor of all the hard work you put in. The student successes, the money, you get more of it when you own the business. It's a great thing and a bit of a challenge at the same time. You're driven to keep at it, yet life never stops being a thing. One of the lessons we've learned is that you don't have to be on 100% of the time, tempting as it can be. Recharging your batteries can be the best thing for those you are serving. You can't give from dead cells.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First, know your WHY. Why do you need to build a business? How can that be an extension of who you are at your core? If the business you create doesn't come from this place of purpose, it will be excruciatingly hard to show up for it every day.
Second, who are you serving? No business can succeed without paying customers. Get specific about them, name them, and keep these "avatars" you've created in mind so you can always build your business to specifically serve them.
The last piece of advice, try new things and don't be afraid to fail. If you're scared it won't work, people will sense that. Throw 100% of your confidence into what you are creating and putting out there. If you're truly driven to build a business, there's a damned good reason why. Don't doubt that. You'll learn along the way what works and doesn't get a response. And you'll also get to know your community so well they will be screaming from the rooftops what they need from you moving forward. Before that happens, and even after that happens, keep playing around with new ideas and take action on the ones that enthuse you the most.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.2indie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2indieofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2indieofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2indie/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.