Challenge · 5 Days · Intermediate

The C-Suite Prep Kit

Prepare for any deal negotiation by formalizing your artist-run business.

This 5-day challenge walks you through the essential steps of structuring your artist project as a formal business, equipping you with the plans, projections, and questions needed to negotiate as a confident CEO.

The plan, day by day

1. Day 1The One-Page Business Plan: Using the 'Artist Business Plan' template, complete the one-page summary. Define your mission, target customer (fan), and unique value proposition.
2. Day 2AI Financial Projections: Use an AI tool to model a best-case and worst-case financial scenario for the next 24 months *without* a deal. This establishes your baseline value and 'walk-away' power. Prompt it: 'Act as a financial analyst for an indie musician...'.
3. Day 3The Team Roster: List your current team, even if it's just you. Then, list the first three key hires you would make with a hypothetical $50,000 advance (e.g., music lawyer, publicist, tour manager).
4. Day 4Emotional Brand Pillar: Write one clear sentence that defines the emotional promise of your artist brand (e.g., 'My music provides a sanctuary for sensitive souls in a chaotic world'). This is your 'why'.
5. Day 5The Deal Memo Questionnaire: Create a list of 10 questions you would ask a potential label partner. Focus on partnership, transparency, team structure, and strategy—not just the advance.