From Roadmap to Real World

Welcome to part 9 - the final post in the Music Creator Roadmap series. If you have not read parts 1-8 be sure to check them out here.

Here’s the flow chart again for your reference:

The Music Creator Roadmap is designed to give you a solid plan for your business model and a clear understanding of what it looks like to get there.

It’s designed to take you from confusion to execution.

But wait, can it really be that simple?

No. It’s not simple.

You also need to have clear picture of where you are currently at in the grand scheme of things. How close are you to that major level of success that you really want?

So I created another framework that is complimentary to the Music Creator Roadmap. It breaks down your progress into 3 stages of growth.

1. Planning

2. Production

3. Scale

We start at Stage 1 - Planning.

In this stage, you are assessing your strengths and weaknesses and committing to a clear plan of action. Most of the time in this stage is spent prepping, planning, and researching business models while building a prototype or ‘proof of concept’. 

Your first few releases are the proof of concept for your business and brand.

Here, it's about getting your brand’s message on point. What are you about? Who are you talking to? This isn't about fluffy, abstract concepts; it's about defining your musical identity in a way that's so clear, your audience can’t help but take notice. You're also setting up your online presence because, let's face it, if you're not online, you don't exist in today's music scene.

Then we move on to Stage 2 - Production.

In this stage you are actively rolling out new releases, products, and services. It’s all about getting feedback, and working toward ‘product-market fit’. In this context, product-market fit means that your unique sound and brand has attracted a growing audience that loves your music and wants to hear more.

In other words, you are building a well-defined and highly engaged fanbase. 

Most of the time in this stage is spent learning new skills (like content creation, marketing, and leadership), becoming more productive, and building a team. You're putting your plan into action. You've been dropping tracks and building your brand for a while. You've got feedback, you've made adjustments, and you’re seeing the fruits of your labor. Now you have to build momentum and keep it going, ensuring that your music isn’t just out there but cutting through the noise and continuously landing in the right ears.

Sad but true: most creators get stuck in stage 2, because they can’t keep up with the continuous output and high-level of organization needed to make it to the next stage.

Finally you reach Stage 3 - Scale.

In this stage, you have found sustainability in your production workflow and you have a team beginning to form around you. Most of the time in this stage is spent increasing team efficiency and demand for your core business model while identifying new revenue streams.

Notice that the core business model is fully functional before you start going after new revenue streams and opportunities. In other words, if you are finding success and making money on a particular path, Stage 3 is where you could start considering pursuing one of the other paths on the roadmap.

Keep your focus as narrow as possible until Stage 3. Ruthlessly prioritize making your core business model work for you before spreading yourself too thin by chasing other opportunities.

Now you've got a grip on your brand, your time, your team, and your finances. Your business isn’t just afloat; it’s sailing. This is the time to start thinking bigger—partnerships, collaborations, and expanding your vision.

Remember, entrepreneurship is a game of continuous development, self-discovery and self-mastery.

Here’s a playbook to help you develop your skills and keep growing in all the most important ways. Each ‘development vertical’ has corresponding questions that you should be thinking through in each stage:

Asking yourself the questions above will help you plan for consistent growth, but you still have to put in the work.

You’re not just working hard; you’re working smart, and with clear intention. Each day of the week can be seen as a focused sprint in a specific area. This allows you to ‘batch’ your tasks to make sure you don’t let anything slip.

Here’s one way you could lay it out each week:

• Monday - Brand and Marketing: What's your message this week? Make sure it's out there in the world for people to find online.

• Tuesday - Sales and Communication: Who needs to hear from you today? Don’t just check in; make it count with a clear call to action.

• Wednesday - Product and Production: What's currently in the pipeline? Time to put the finishing touches on it.

• Thursday - Business and Planning: What's next on the horizon? Get your ducks in a row for the upcoming week.

• Friday - Personal Growth: What new skill or knowledge can you add to your arsenal to be better than you were last week?

This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about strategic growth. It's about ensuring that every week you're not just busy, but you're actually building—your brand, your business, your future.

So how do you know when you have leveled up?

Check out this graphic for benchmarks that you can use to determine when you reach the next level:

Combine the Music Creator Roadmap with the development stages, verticals, and 5-day playbook to master your career growth.

Now you’ve got a clear path to follow. It’s about leveraging every tool at your disposal, from your music to your marketing, to your team, so that you can carve out your space in the industry. This isn’t about following the crowd; it’s about focusing on what counts and leading the charge in your own career.

We're not just talking about making music; we're talking about making strategic business moves. The Music Creator Roadmap isn’t just a guide; it's a commitment to turning your musical aspirations into your reality. It’s about being the artist who doesn’t just dream but actually achieves.

It’s about going from the Roadmap to the Real World!

With these comprehensive frameworks and a focused daily schedule, your goals are not only achievable—they're inevitable.

One last thing to consider…

You may have noticed, at the bottom of the ‘5 Development Verticals’ graphic above, it says:

This means that you are positioned to take advantage of new trends and technology that have the potential to expand your business. The music industry is evolving rapidly, and I am bringing guests on my podcast who can help you keep up with new developments.

Want to make sure you don’t get left behind as the industry evolves?

Be sure to watch my latest podcast episode ‘How You Can Leverage Future Music Industry Trends & Technology’ with Rob Abelow, founder of Where Music’s Going. 

Prefer to listen on Spotify? Click here, and be sure to subscribe!

I hope that you have gotten a tremendous amount of value from this 9-part breakdown on the Music Creator Roadmap. You are now fully equipped to navigate your career with next-level strategies and tactics.

If you have questions about any of the topics I have covered in my newsletter, just send me a reply and I’ll cover it in future posts.

I’ll be rooting for you!