Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Richard Clegg, CEO of Community Music, located in London, United Kingdom.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Community Music also known as CMsounds.com is a music and digital training organization. We provide free and low-cost training. We do this through funding from the Arts Council and any profits are reinvested back into our accessible training.
Our customers and users have differing segments relating to the courses and training we provide. For instance, our free training in music and digital media is for 13-26-year-olds. Our degree course is more targeted on people who want to pursue music and business as a career and our core customers are 18-30-year-olds from London and surrounding areas with a secondary customer base from 30-45 years old. We have further courses and customers, and for each course, we target our specific customer demographic.
Tell us about yourself
I previously was a DJ and producer and ran various businesses and projects in music, sport and entertainment. I have a real passion for helping and supporting people to find their way in the creative industries and make positive transformations in society.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That is a tough question. I think there are various aspects I consider, such as building growth and revenue for the organization. However, there are other success factors, watching customers and staff grow and become successful in projects and careers. Nia Archives is a recent alumnus and recently won NME producer of the year, a MOBO award and has been nominated for a Brit award. I would also consider getting the company, team and users through COVID and lockdowns as an accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
In reality, the responsibility is on you and at times, you have to make decisions that are best for the organization but can be tough to decide and act.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Understand your customer base and have the humility to receive feedback and ensure your product or services really do fit their needs and have value.
- Ensure your product or service pricing is competitive and can provide stability to your business in the medium to long term.
- Focus on sales and marketing to build an audience and customer base.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cmsounds.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMsounds/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmsounds/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cmsounds/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/community-music/
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.
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