How can you manage stakeholder expectations when collaborating with artists?

Collaborating with artists and producers can be a rewarding and creative experience, but it can also pose some challenges when it comes to managing stakeholder expectations. Whether you are a songwriter, a performer, a manager, or a label executive, you need to communicate clearly and effectively with your collaborators to ensure a smooth and successful process. In this article, we will share some tips on how to manage stakeholder expectations when collaborating with artists.

1 Define the scope and goals

Before you start working on a project, you need to define the scope and goals of the collaboration. What is the purpose of the project? What are the deliverables and deadlines? What are the roles and responsibilities of each collaborator? How will you measure the success of the project? By answering these questions, you can establish a clear and realistic vision for the collaboration and avoid confusion and conflict later on.

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Nikolaos Valatsos PMP® RIBA RAIA LEED®Green Associate™

Project Management Professional Expert
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When collaborating with artists requires a proactive and strategic approach. Points to consider: -Define Project Scope by clearly setting the artistic project's scope, including deliverables, timelines, and budgetary limitations. Ensure there is a common understanding of what is achievable and realistic. Document these details in a clear and concise project plan to avoid any confusion. -Set Realistic stakeholder’s Expectations by ensuring they have a clear understanding of the artistic process, potential limitations, and challenges. Discuss any potential risks or constraints early on to mitigate unrealistic expectations. Keep stakeholders informed about any adjustments to plans, timelines, or resources as the collaboration progresses.

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Ghali Bouzoubaa

Admin Manager at Sony Music Publishing MENA | GRAMMY U Member at The Recording Academy || Ex Believe
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An expert approach to collaboration with artists involves fostering effective communication and a positive working relationship. Establishing open channels of communication is crucial for sharing ideas, addressing concerns, and ensuring everyone involved feels heard. Encourage a collaborative environment where creative input is valued, and feedback is constructive. Emphasize the importance of flexibility and adaptability, as artistic projects may evolve during the process. Regular check-ins and updates, both formal and informal, help maintain alignment and prevent misunderstandings. Prioritize a sense of trust among collaborators, as this trust is essential for navigating challenges and achieving a successful artistic outcome.

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2 Communicate frequently and honestly

Communication is key to any successful collaboration. You need to communicate frequently and honestly with your collaborators to keep them updated on the progress, challenges, and feedback of the project. You also need to listen to their input, concerns, and suggestions and address them respectfully and constructively. By communicating frequently and honestly, you can build trust and rapport with your collaborators and foster a positive and productive working environment.

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Ghali Bouzoubaa

Admin Manager at Sony Music Publishing MENA | GRAMMY U Member at The Recording Academy || Ex Believe
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Communication is not about articulating your message well or making it beautiful or pretty, but ensuring that the message you intend to convey has been understood.

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Daniel Scott

Founder at Super Specific | Helping Artists Turn Creativity Into a Business | Ex-Head of Artist Development
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Clear and honest communication is key. And often that begins with finding ways to effectively keep track of communications to refer back to later. Shared to-do list tools like Todoist are a simple way to start. But, ultimately, it's about ensuring the message has been understood and not hesitating to clarify.

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3 Manage changes and risks

Collaboration is a dynamic and unpredictable process that may involve changes and risks along the way. You need to manage these changes and risks proactively and transparently with your collaborators. You need to inform them of any changes in the scope, goals, budget, timeline, or quality of the project and explain the reasons and implications of these changes. You also need to identify and mitigate any potential risks that may affect the project and share your contingency plans with your collaborators. By managing changes and risks effectively, you can minimize the impact and disruption of the project and maintain stakeholder satisfaction.

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4 Respect creative differences

Collaboration is a creative and collaborative process that may involve different opinions, styles, and preferences among the collaborators. You need to respect these creative differences and appreciate the diversity and richness they bring to the project. You need to avoid imposing your own ideas or judgments on your collaborators and instead seek to understand and embrace their perspectives and contributions. You also need to compromise and negotiate when necessary to find a common ground and a shared vision for the project. By respecting creative differences, you can enhance the quality and originality of the project and strengthen your professional relationships.

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Hirokazu Tanaka

MBA ｜ Consultant for YouTube Music, Freelance Consultant Create collaboration between various industry and any entertainment! Let me know if you want to expand your business!
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Creative people like artists should be the artists. They must have their pride as artists and must not be close to business side. The stakeholders like sponsors have other roles. They need to trust so that the artists can do their best. To make the business succeed, the manager or other people who help artists exist. They should be their best translater. We need to understant that there is a big gap between businessman and artist.

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5 Solicit and provide feedback

Feedback is an essential part of any collaboration. You need to solicit and provide feedback regularly and constructively with your collaborators. You need to ask for feedback on your work and performance and use it to improve and grow. You also need to provide feedback on your collaborators' work and performance and use it to support and motivate them. You need to be specific, objective, and respectful when giving and receiving feedback and avoid being defensive or offensive. By soliciting and providing feedback, you can improve the outcomes and outputs of the project and foster a culture of learning and improvement.

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6 Celebrate and acknowledge success

Collaboration is a rewarding and fulfilling process that deserves to be celebrated and acknowledged. You need to celebrate and acknowledge the success of the project and the achievements of your collaborators. You need to express your gratitude and appreciation for their efforts and contributions and highlight their strengths and skills. You also need to share the results and feedback of the project with your collaborators and celebrate the impact and value of the project. By celebrating and acknowledging success, you can boost the morale and confidence of your collaborators and inspire them to collaborate with you again in the future.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you manage stakeholder expectations when collaborating with artists?

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1 Define the scope and goals

2 Communicate frequently and honestly

3 Manage changes and risks

4 Respect creative differences

5 Solicit and provide feedback

6 Celebrate and acknowledge success

7 Here’s what else to consider

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