Ibilion: Consulting is a music industry consulting division that offers advice, knowledge and market research. Services include consultation in brand design, marketing strategy, general business practice, business planning, legal infrastructure, contract drafting, royalty calculation, artist management, career coaching and intellectual property administration.
Why consult?
Consultancy helps you to fill the gaps in your knowledge. Where you do not have the time to undertake research or are looking to create value for your ambition, project, investment or business plan you may consider consulting in order to have quick, informed and authoritative information to support and justify your decisions. The business environment is constantly changing, and the access to professionals who are constantly in touch with the music industry can help lower your risk in a changing industry landscape. Value can be made when gaining insights into purchasing new hardware and software, navigating an internet strategy, improving value chain operations, hiring staff, embarking on a promotional campaign or simply knowing the industry better from an independent viewpoint. By consulting with a music business professional you can get a skill your company needs temporarily, that it may not need permanently.
There is no 'silver bullet' or ‘magic wand’ to instant success but consulting should help you take a different look at your problems, refresh your thinking and open doors which ultimately make being in the music industry easier.
About Jonathan Shaw
Jonathan Shaw is a professional music business consultant who has had considerable experience with business and technical operations of the independent music industry. Consulting for many artists, record labels, recording studios, internet service providers, music publishers, law firms and government, he has provided solutions and insights for many start-up and established businesses and professionals. Through having a clear understanding of your professional needs in the industry, he can provide solutions that help you make informed decisions about the future of your career or business. Being a lecturer and educator he can identify a knowledge gap easily and increase your understanding quickly. Jonathan has a vast knowledge of the music industry and can consult in these areas:
industry structure and the role of various organisations
legal aspects and access to specialised industry attorneys*
revenue streams and the operation of royalties in the music industry
the South African music industry environment and research
artist management and career development
the live music industry
music marketing
*Please bear in mind that we are not legal practitioners (discolsure stipulated under Section 83 of the Attorneys Act, 1979). While some general legal advice can be given it is best to approach an attorney when it comes to some specific legal matters (as set out in the Attorneys Act); such as drafting wills, drawing up liquadation documents, appearing in court, agreements for immovable property, articles of assocition for a company, creation or dissolution of a partnership, and court documents. We'll be happy to help you with anything else!
Jonathan G. Shaw is one of the few specialists in music business and consultation in South Africa and provides training, among others, for the University of the Witwatersrand
Jonathan has also spoken at various music conferences, notibly the South African music conference and exhibition Moshito. He is an international speaker and has conducted workshops, lectures and presented papers in Namibia and Holland.
Major clients include the Gauteng Provincial Government and the National Association of Broadcasters.
I had to laugh when both Wits Enterprise and DTM SA referred to me as "the guru"!
"You conduct yourself very professionally and we'd recommend you highly. Thank you for your efforts and contribution." Mhlanganisi Masoga, Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Gauteng Provincial Government
"You're the guru", Karen Du Toit, DTM SA
Jonathan Shaw was a speaker at TEDxJohannesburg, 2010. Watch the video on YouTube or here:
TYPES OF CONSULTANCY
Information Sessions
These are general information sessions. Appointments are booked where you can come and see us. We can do them over the phone or via e-mail, but upfront allows us to serve you better. If you let us know the nature of the issue beforehand we can do some preparation to help you. The amount of hours depends on the volume and type of information you may need which we can advise you on through initial communication and through a detailed quotation. Once accepted, an invoice is generated and delivered to you. This is paid into the bank account below for the consultation to be confirmed. Fees are revised an a semi-annual basis.
Research and Survey Administration
Having specialised knowledge of research in the music industry, we can cater to interested parties to conduct music market research. This is intensive and detailed work. A detailed quotation for the total project and methodology is drawn up beforehand. 50% of this quotation is required before commencement of work, 25% upon receiving an interim report and 25% upon completion and delivery of the final report. Fees are revised on a semi-annual basis.
What We Look At When Quoting
Strictly speaking, the amount of full hours you spend in consultation is the amount you pay. However, where written work is required such as consulting through e-mail or generating a report additional hours will be billed. Factor in additional costs (such as telephone calls and travel costs) as well. It helps if you can avoid these by coming through to the offices and spending the amount of time with the consultant directly.
