This page specifically tracks the progress made by Grant Homes and the team supporting him, in setting up a record label and company to market and sell music and other related projects. If you are interested in helping and don't know how, please call Grant at 330-478-1065! March 10, 2010
| Date |
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Accomplishment |
| 09/04/06 through 09/10/06 |
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All marketing materials for IBI meeting in Sept. are now complete and being produced in-house, or at the printers. Spent the week getting Grant ready for a quick four day trip to Florida where he will perform for three different events. Started overhauling the GrantHolmes.com website to match all the marketing materials.
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| 08/28/06 through 09/03/06 |
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Finalized some marketing materials for IBI meeting in Sept. Had a great meeting with Vinny Ribbas from Nashville on more strategy for our first CD. Vinny is an accomplished artist and performer. His music experience is pretty much where Grant wants to go. Vinny feels that our CD production budget should be more like $30k, which changes our profitability numbers dramatically for the better! Another advisor, Kathy Douglas confirmed these numbers and that we could be producing the CD ourselves and recording in Nashville.
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| 08/21/06 through 08/27/06 |
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Grant did a lot of talking with team members getting set up for more investor type meetings. We're also working on various marketing peices concepts.
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| 08/14/06 through 08/20/06 |
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Landed in NJ where IBI friend (Ed Suhy) picked Grant up at the airport. Grant and Ed spent the afternoon at his home and then went to an local IBI club meeting. Grant sang several songs there, did some business teaching and talked about our music project. Tuesday, they drove to another IBI club meeting in Harlem where again Grant was the "entertainment". There were about 15 people at that meeting. Nice gang of folks. That night and next Grant stayed with other friends (Reggie & Alcee James) in NJ across the river from the NY city sky line. The next night we they an IBI meeting in the Edgewater area where again I sang and gave business lessons. Finally, IBI contacts Rob & Cheryl Adams drove Grant to the Freehold, NJ area for the final IBI meeting of the week.
During the week Grant was able to present this project to around 40 people or so and are following up with two potential investor prospects.
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| 08/07/06 through 08/13/06 |
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Was invited this week to sing and present next week in the NY, NJ area for Rob & Cheryl Adams, IBI contacts in that area. I will end up speaking & singing at least four times next week. Working hard on all travel plans, especially concerning all the fun with the new FAA restrictions this week. What Fun!!
Working on marketing materials for general use in getting speaking & singing engagements locally.
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| 08/01/06 through 08/06/06 |
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Spoke this week to a potential executive producer for our first CD. Prices to produce a commercial quality CD that will get airplay run from $50,000 to $100,00 once all budgets are managed. This would get us an 8-10 song CD. In the world of music, even when you get to "first quality", there are so many levels within that. Take for instance that it is rumored that Josh Groban spent nearly $100,000 ON JUST ONE SINGLE for his next release. Someday we'll play at that level!
Managing many offers to help and sort out who and why.
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| 07/25/06 through 07/31/06 |
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Yikes! Haven't updated this for a long time. So much is going on! I'll likely not continue to try and do daily entries as, quite frankly, I don't remember! I want to make sure you know what's going on and how we're progressing. This week is mostly about recovering both mentally and physically from the demands of the forum.
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| 07/16/06 through 07/25/06 |
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This is the IBI Forum in LA. This week centers around marketing your business to others, MBA level business classes, and networking with other CEO's and principles. Anna was able to go on this trip with me and experience the forum. Approximately 300 attended the forum. We were able to hand out quite a few Demo CD's and hope they'll get into the hands of producers, or corporate meeting planners, etc.
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| 07/12/06 through 07/15/06 |
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Traveled to LA today. Lots of fun changing planes, etc. Got into LA early afternoon in one piece. I'm helping a friend with a Motorcycle tour business called Fantasy Road Tours (http://www.FantasyRoadTours.com) SO for the next three days you won't hear a thing from me here. We'll be traveling the CA coast on Harleys. This is my much earned vacation!!
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| 07/11/06 |
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Today was mainly spent on getting ready to leave for the forum mentioned below.
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| 07/10/06 |
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The party was a success the other night. Had about 25 people attend. Played the music, told them about the project and of course, we ATE FOOD!! No real potential investors, however came forward.
Today Anna and I went and had the CD's copied so we could pass some out at the IBI Forum we attend in LA. All went well and the CD's look really nice. It was nice to spend the day with my bride also.
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| 07/08/06 |
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Thanks to advisor Don Levy, the "final" version of our executive summary is done. Also burned 30 copies of the demo CD for our BBQ party this evening. We've invited 30 or so friends and family to help us celebrate our getting the demo done and ready for production.
Special thanks to my wife Anna for working her fingers to the quick today prepping the party while my son Aaron and I burned CD's, printed, folded and trimmed CD inserts and assembled cases.
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| 07/07/06 |
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Along with other business responsibilities, we got news the Demo CD is mixed, mastered and ready to pick up! YES! Also had the photographer (my brother Bradley- THANKS!!) reshoot some poses. We got some great shots. We weeded out the good ones and have finalized the CD Cover and inside piece also! Ready for production on Monday.
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| 07/06/06 |
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Our "CD Celebration" party is scheduled! This coming Saturday night we've invited a bunch of people over for a BBQ and will "DEBUT" the CD!! Time to Celebrate!! Thus today has been about calling and inviting them to come to the BBQ, get a CD and listen to what I'm up to. I've made about 50 calls this afternoon. Also working now on more of the web development.
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| 07/05/06 |
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CD cover in its 463rd itteration is almost done. Really classy looking. Plans are finalized for getting the mixed demo CD by this Friday, latest. We've scheduled a "Celebration (Debut) Party" this Saturday night with best friends and family to discuss the project and seek investors. Monday, we'll be duplicating,and printing CD's, as well as printing the cover art.
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| 07/03/06 |
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Technology reared its ugly head today and created a huge opportunity to look for the bright side. And after hours with tech support, we ended the farce and moved on. So now we're back on task and my internet connection is now behaving.
Today, I'm really honing the Demo CD cover and finalizing that, getting quotes on printing them and organizing for making 250-350 copies. Getting ready for the IBI Forum in less than two weeks. Thanks again to all of you on my team, helping this all move forward.
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| 07/02/06 |
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I truly believe in taking a day off. And I think my brain adjusts for that. Seems like when i decide that I won't be doing anything on a given Sunday, I'm so tired that I HAVE TO take a nap. So I did! Also spent some time on the cycle. Family is in for the holiday, so spent time with them also.
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| 07/01/06 |
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Today we did a lot of work surrounding selling our web design business. Worked on cleaning up the executive summary and the Demo CD cover. Lot's of activity, not much to show for it!
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| 06/30/06 |
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I had breakfast this morning with an "old" friend. Not that Tim (or me!) is that old, but we've been friends for over 20 years. Tim is one of those friends I know I will get the "straight story" from. We had a great discussion that really brought some things to light. I've always thought that the creator gives each of us at least one "God's Gift Passion". Something you were meant to do, you were gifted to do and something you will do better than anyone on earth. I've always known my GGP was singing specifically and performing in general.
Tim, however, saw something else. He said he'd always admired my willingness to take risks. Calculated, considered sure, but risks nonetheless. He said he'd always been inspired by that. He told be to consider how my spirit to take the "leap of faith" and "GO", when other would hesitate, should worn as a badge of honor. He felt that was my "other" gift.
So today, I challenge you to look at something that you are frightened to do. Maybe it's just parking your car at a different spot at the office, introducing yourself to a person you admire, or taking your leap of faith. Then decide to do it. Don't decide to "kinda" do it. Jump. Both feet. NOW. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish!
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| 06/29/06 |
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One month ago today, I made the first entry in this log. A lot has happened, and many peole have helped. In no particular order, thanks to Maria Simone for kicking my butt (with love, of course). To Be Love Orr for her energy and love. To Susan Anderson for supporting the dream. To Don Kirchner for his unyeilding belief in me and for the great uplifting emails. To Leslie who is always there when I call her, even though I should call her more! Paige Stroman for her sweet voice and willingness to help. Melissa Monroe for her energy and great conversations. Don Levy for helping me even though he really doesn't have the time. To Kathy Douglas for helping me even when many would percieve that our businesses should be competing (I feel like I'm at the Oscar's and trying not to forget anyone!!). To Karen Stanwood for helping me dream OUR dream, right Karen? To Amie Chilson, YYOM!!! To Don Bush who writes really cool letters and is a great friend! To Barbara Kantor who helped me see what I should be. To Gus Liapis for his marketing genius and great spirit of giving. Finally (and I'm sure I've left many out...) Greg & Rochelle Grubbs. My great friends and "True believers"! Thanks to all!!
Also working today on demo CD Cover art. First mock up is done and working now on inside cover. Meeting with another potential investor at lunch time.
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| 06/28/06 |
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As mentioned below, I am using Cher Bertrand (www.CherylBertrand.com) for coaching and had an incredible session today and momentum building towards success. Thanks Cher! Had a very positive conversations with two potential investors. MORE capital, here we come!
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| 06/27/06 |
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Today I'm making investor calls and getting people engaged in the project. Working on getting a caricature for a logo. Tried using "Rentacoder.com" and have gotten 30 replies within one hour. YIKES. Plan to work on completing marketing materials soonest.
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| 06/26/06 |
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Moday was awash in 1000 details that are hard to pin down. I'm working on a place to have an "event" where those I invite to hear me sing and "experience" me on stage to have more of an idea of what they'd be investing in. One property is pending and I'm looking for more. We've done more work in the background of the web site. Working on graphic mockups for cover and inside of demo CD.
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| 06/25/06 |
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Today is Sunday and I'm trying something other people call a 'day off'. I kind of just vegged out and did nothing today. Watched a great western with Robert Duvall and took a nap. Recharged for MONDAY!!!!
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| 06/24/06 |
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Today I'm plannng a local "concert" where I intend to invite a hundred or so of my closest friends. We'll sing a few songs and tell everyone about the project. We expect to have many people there interested in investing in the project. |
| 06/23/06 |
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Diane Fadorka, a pianist I know was kind enough to reschedule her morning shedule and meet me at the recording studio at 7:30AM to help me record some "just piano" songs. Diane, THANKS for your support and willingness to "play"!! Diane helped me record four songs and went about her day. I stayed at the studio and recorded five additional songs using minus-tracks (High quality Karaoke for the unititiated) and one song a cappella.
Dan said he couldn't remember ever having an artist ever coming in to the studio unrehearsed with an accompanist and recording four songs in pretty much an hour. AND recording 10 songs total in a little over 3-1/2 hours total- A couple of those songs were 'first take'. I told him he'd never had an artist this motivated before! He agreed!
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| 06/22/06 |
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Met with Dan Fleshour, who runs a local recording studio. Made arrangements to record demo tracks possibly as early as Friday. Dan was going on vacation and had Friday open. Need to secure piano player and some music!
Met with a potential investor that is a life-long friend. Was very interested in project and wants copies of demo CD (when complete) to help market friends.
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| 06/21/06 |
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Held first planning/sequencing session with Cher. Planned for initial capital presentations. |
| 06/19/06 |
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Don Kirchner agrees to serve on Advisory Panel. Bio to come! http://www.aMatterOfTime.org/ |
| 06/18/06 |
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Recieved FIRST Investor subscription agreement AND CHECK!! - YES! |
| 06/17/06 |
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Held planning meeting with Magic Home Entertainment systems. They produce a new audio player slated to hit the market in late 2006. Their player will automatically come with some artists "loaded" in the player. Unisance artists will have a presence on their system. |
06/15/06 |
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Held planning meeting with Paul Hoyt, a strategic planning expert. Paul is scheduled to do his work after July 20th, 2006 |
| 06/15/06 |
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First "concert" held for IBI Colorado local group. Nearly 100 in attendance. Sang four songs, the last acapella. Lot's of great energy and responses from the group. Handed out 5 potential investors packets. |
| 06/14/06 |
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Received COMPLETED documents (Term Sheet, Subscription Document and Operating Agreement) from Jim Burk. Now legally compliant to raise capital using subscription documents. |
| 06/12/06 |
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Approached by a writer of a theatrical drama about working together to produce that work. |
| 06/11/06 |
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Held discussions with an orchestral arranger to write and orchestrate the music for our first live production. |
| 06/10/06 |
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Added Kathy Douglas to Advisory Panel. Kathy Douglas, Extreme Dreams, LLC 20 year Senior Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics and 7 year artist manager with Extreme Dreams, applies hands-on expertise managing singer-songwriters careers. Focuses on artist development, placement and strategies for career acceleration. www.extreme-dreams.net |
| 06/09/06 |
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Retained Jim Burke of Burk & Reedy to prepared corporate compliance documents (Term Sheet, Subscription Document and Operating Agreement). |
| 06/08/06 |
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Performed ongoing work on Executive Summary. Don Levy agrees to be on Advisory Panel. Don Levy, CEO Skywi, Inc. Successful media & entertainment entrepreneur, founded creative film/video editorial firm; edited TV commercials, prime time television, show opens, music videos, mini-series, corporate programming and theatrical releases. Built ESPN studios and launched web portal for marketing creative talent. www.skywi.com
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| 06/08/06 |
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Recognized two other vocal artists, Paige Stroman and Sandy Griffith that have expressed interest in being involved in Unisance productions in the future. |
| 06/07/06 |
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Sequencing Coach, Cher Bertand, hired as a sequencing coach to ensure movement and energy around the porject as we move forward. Cher ensures that deadlines are set and intentions are met. |
| 06/01/06 |
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Incorporated Unisance, LLC |
| 05/30/06 |
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Created initial Unisance Logo |
| 05/29/06 |
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Built landing page for web site |
| 05/29/06 |
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Began web site development |
| 05/29/06 |
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Secured URL's for our web sites |
