Investigate the company you wish to work for

The organization I long to work for is the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. In order to make this dream a reality, I need to do more than just conduct a simple background search of the organization. So, I researched the company in a more in-depth way to gain insight into my future career (hopefully!)

First, I looked at the organizations financial statements, more specifically, the Foundation’s contributed revenues and expenses. What I really wanted to know was how the non profit organization was handling in the deepening global economic crisis. As expected, revenue totals were much higher in 2007 than they were in 2008. I’m talking over a two million dollar difference! To make up for the lack of contributed revenue in 2008, VH1 Save The Music greatly reduced its expenses by an astonishing one million dollars. This means that salaries were reduced, less money was spent on restoring music programs in schools, creation of public service announcements and advocacy tools were lessened, and fewer special events were planned. Having to make all of these cuts really demonstrates the Foundation’s commitment. I hope that through all of the reductions, there is still a place for me within the company.

Since VH1 Save The Music has ongoing support from dedicated individuals, organizations, corporate partners, non profit partners, artists, and foundations, I chose to research who has graciously donated to the cause. This information will be useful because it will provide me with details about what kind of individuals and businesses have supported the work of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. It was amazing to find such an array of businesses that have donated to the Foundation. For example, LG Mobile Phones donated over $200,000, Paramount Pictures donated over $50,000, and Bacardi USA, Cheeseburger In Paradise, Tommy Hilfiger USA Inc, and Listerine, donated over $25,000. This brought light to many businesses that I had no clue were so involved in supporting music education in public schools. There were quite obviously a lot of musicians that have donated because of their love of music and the arts, such as 3 Doors Down, Jason Mraz, and Ben Folds.

As I continue on the road to employment at VH1 Save The Music, I will keep persistent on researching exciting areas of the Foundation. Doing so will help me clarify my career goal, expand my professional network, and gain access to the most up to date information regarding the organization I plan to work for some day.

Data retrieved from vh1savethemusic.com, VH1 Save The Music's Facebook page, and VH1 Save The Music's Twitter page. 

Looking to other organizations can greatly benefit your own

VH1 Save The Music is a professional, non profit organization that directly relates to my specific industry of non profit management focused on the arts. If I were to start a business, it would be a non profit organization called Madison Music Company. VH1 Save The Music heavily influences my company and has many programs that I would apply to my own company.

The first item that influences my company is VH1 Save The Music’s implementation of advocacy materials and guides that serve as the next steps to building a sequential program. In addition to the actual program, I will have printed resources that can be easily distributed to all principals and music teachers. I will provide the best practices in building and sustaining a successful music program. I would have a company sponsor the program guides in order to align their brand with a pro social cause while also putting their product in the hands of parents, educators, and decision makers.

Second, VH1 Save The Music provides informational brochures containing up-to-date information about the company. I like this idea because a brochure will drive traffic to the Madison Music Company website. I will distribute the brochures at all MMC events, music education conferences, and the brochure will be included in MMC mailings.

Third, VH1 Save The Music provides advocacy toolkits on their website. This kit serves as a resource to gain support for music education within the community. I will provide an online resource that outlines the different methods for success in running a sequential music program. It will include articles written by field experts and leaders discussing topics like school budgets, class scheduling, and student recruitment.

Fourth, the VH1 Save The Music website produced a timeline of music education from the 1970’s to today. This offers a great visual representation of what the national standards for music education are and the increasing value of the arts as a core subject. I would really like to make something similar because a visual speaks louder than words. A timeline will bring forth more awareness, change misperceptions, and educate community, school administrators, and classroom teachers that The No Child Left Behind Act includes Music and The Arts as core subjects. It would also show the local community what their schools are like now, which may empower more people to speak out on the importance of music education for their children.

Lastly, VH1 Save The Music does a great job posting all of their activities on their website, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. I want to promote my company as much as possible, so I will use these social media resources as well. I will invite friends and family to join in on being proactive on behalf of music education. Promoting Madison Music Company through social media outlets allows people to follow the program closely. I will be sure to detail the company’s progress and effects on the Madison community. 

www.vh1savethemusic.com

Get your head straight with this inspirational video

             Searching through TED.com, I found an inspiring and uplifting video from Gary Vaynerchuk. Gary is a bestselling author and owner of Wine Library TV, a daily video blog about wine with a $60 million dollar revenue. He did not always do what he loved, but he overcame adversity and now admits to being happier than ever before. Immediately after reading the title of the video, “Do what you love - no excuses,” I was engrossed and had to see it. Gary’s hyperkinetic style made it even more enjoyable to watch, not only because it was a topic I was fascinated with, but because I could sense his desire to really help people. I thought his energy level was compelling and I loved his emotion and follow through. You cannot watch the video without asking yourself, do I really do what I love? I cannot help but listen to his motivational speech again because it gets me fired up and excited for my future.

            Gary really stressed the words patience and passion. There are just too many people out there doing stuff they hate doing. So I asked myself this question, what do you want to do every day for the rest of your life? That question made me realize that we only have one life and one chance to live the life we dreamed of, so you have to ignite your passions to truly be happy. He made me believe that I can face my self-doubt, which I know everyone has at least a little bit of. Gary also made me believe that there is no excuse not to do what I love and really get at what makes me tick. If only more people were driven by passion in order to truly come alive.

Along with passion, you must also be patient. If you are patient enough and the right moment strikes, you position yourself for success. Too many people give up too quickly when they should keep hustling. People need to get out there and network with people any way they can. But, it takes more than just your words. It is the non-verbal portion like eye contact, physical gestures, facial expressions, body language, passion, and patience that sets you apart from others. So then you ask, well what tools should I use? The answer is all of them! If you continue to approach life with energy, people will feed off of your energy and will be more giving and receptive to your ideas. And when you do find or see your dream opportunity, jump on it.

             I do not know about the rest of you, but I want my children and my grandchildren to be proud of me. As Gary says, “Legacy is greater than currency. You can lose just as much money being happy as hell.” I try to forget the issue of not having enough money to fulfill my goals and really believe in what I am doing. It is not easy, but not doing what you love is a slow death. I hope this video has inspired others to get creative and get out of their comfort zones. I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes from author of “The Brand Gap," by Marty Neumeir. “How do you know when an idea is innovative? When it scares the hell out of everybody.”

Please visit this link to watch the video: http://www.ted.com/talks/gary_vaynerchuk_do_what_you_love_no_excuses.html

Gary Vaynerchuk – Do what you love (no excuses!) Retrieved from

http://www.ted.com/talks/gary_vaynerchuk_do_what_you_love_no_excuses.html

Gary Vaynerchuk - Bio

http://www.ted.com/speakers/gary_vaynerchuk.html