The Producer's Blueprint w/ Murda Beatz' Manager, Cory Litwin
“When we had an opportunity, [I made sure] I delivered on anything I said I was going to do.”
Producers are becoming just as popular as the rappers that they make beats for. To ensure producers can capitalize on their stardom, and protect themselves as they do it, they need to install a set of principles into their day-to-day business operations.
There’s no better example of someone who understands what it takes to build a prominent producer business than Cory Litwin, manager of Murda Beatz and EVP of Hallwood Media. In our last UnitedMasters webinar, we spoke with him about the approach he and Murda took to establishing a lucrative and well-rounded business model, and how up-and-coming producers can reverse engineer their success.
ESTABLISHING ORDER
When Cory signed on to manage Murda, he first:
Made a management email to handle all communications
Created an official business for tax purposes
Drew up a management agreement
These simple implementations gave Cory and Murda a set of best practices to operate by as they saw more popularity and financial success. Producers should audit their current operations. Take note of what you might be missing and create a plan to fix each issue. Your business should always be structured as if your beats will blow up tomorrow.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
Your career will only go as far as you’re willing to plan for it to go. Whether you’re making $100 or $10,000 off of your product, creating a written budget each month that dictates where your money allows you to track the financial health of your business.
“When money comes in, money needs to go out for taxes,” Cory noted. “That’s the time to get a business manager or at least a good accountant. Talk with them and whoever on your team [who] has the credentials to advise on things like that, and budget so you can continue living and continue working.”
Reinvesting into your business is the best strategy for growth. Consider using the money you earn to purchase new equipment or establish a travel budget so you can fly to another city to collaborate with another artist or producer.
GROWING A BRAND
One of the strategies Cory employed was ensuring Murda was in photos with the most popular figures in music. While you may be tempted to snag a selfie with someone famous, it’s always better to have someone with you, whether it’s your manager or a friend, who will take that photo instead.
Cory also developed a simple but often overlooked strategy that helped propel his and his client’s profile within the industry:
“When we had an opportunity, [I made sure] I delivered on anything I said I was going to do.”
Cory’s dedication to honoring his word built a trustworthy reputation in the industry for himself and Murda – something fame can’t fix and money can’t buy. Showing up on time, making sure the proper paperwork is in place, communicating when issues arise, and delivering beats promptly are just a few ways you can begin to build a reliable name for yourself.
“When I would tell [people] his beats are amazing or when I’d have a chance to get in the room and press play, his beats were amazing,” Cory said. “If he’d have to cook up on the spot, he’d impress everybody. [Make] sure that your product is at a point where it’s top-notch.”
The best branding you can do for yourself comes in the quality of your product. Positive word of mouth will do more for you than any ad campaign or strategic marketing plan. Keep team members around you who will encourage you to work on your craft every day, even when there isn’t much momentum and you don’t feel inspired. Setting aside time daily to sharpen your skills will be the factor that helps you stand out when the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself.
