Vision, Mission, Values

Core Focus

To put the music industry professional in a better position than when arrived at Growth Group.

To create financially savvy and strong music professionals.

Growth

Never be stagnant, always look for opportunities to grow and change. For example, operating procedures and processes at Growth Group will change often (maybe even daily). Be prepared for growth and the pains that come along with that.

Relax & Relate

Be human! Yes, we're professional but it's okay to greet people with a "hey" or "ya'll" if that's how you speak. Be friendly. At Growth Group we are relatable to ourselves internally as well as our clients and network. A few examples:

• You find out through conversation that a client's father has cancer. Keep that in mind and how you would feel in that situation. The next time you speak with or communicate with that client, ask how their father is doing. That's human, that's relatable.
• In 2012, I started a new job. 2 days later my uncle passed away who was like an older brother. I didn't have any "vacation" time or "sick" days to use and uncles didn't fit into the bereavement policy. My manager gave me all the time off I needed to drive 24 hours to be with my family and grieve. She worked out a way for me to get paid and make up the hours so that I can be okay. RELATE.

Outcomes Count

It's not just today that matters, look at the end results. How will this decision affect the overall goals? Examples include:

• Our client was paying 18-20% digital distribution fees. We advised changing to a new distributor which was much smaller but still able to handle their volume and at only $49 annually when they were paying over $50,000 before. This change also added to the valuation of their business for future sales to a 3rd party.
• A different client made an $800,000 royalty advance after several years of little to no income. The taxes would have been around $300k. But, we did a tax plan and in doing so this client paid $0 in tax. This allowed them to catch up on back child support, and spend time each month with their kids who lived in 2 different states.

It's about the outcome, end results, not just what works for today.

Unapologetically Honest

Don't lie, ever. Tell the truth, even when there are consequences to be realized. For example:

• We dropped the ball: A client signed their tax return and we forgot to e-file! The client had penalties and interest of over $3,000 due to our error. This was affecting the client's application for citizenship to the United States. We acknowledged our fault and error. We cleared it up with no cost to the client (and even paid a hefty price to resolve it)! But, we own up to our stuff, good or bad. Be honest.
• Our price for a service was $650 the client only wanted to pay $600 (even though they could afford the full price). Sorry, we can't do that every year because it devalues our expertise. (A one-time exception is okay, remember to be "R"elatable, be honest, but don't be taken advantage of).

Push Yourself Forward

You should always be improving yourself. If you're not improving, you're boring. Never stop learning and go beyond your own perceived limits. Read a book, take a class, be better.

For example:

• Our CEO has the following:
  • BBA- Accounting
  • MS- Tax
  • CPA
  • CTC
  • Life insurance agent
• Growth Group has invested up to tens of thousands of dollars for employee coaching and improvement, in the areas of sales, marketing, accounting, and tax to push the business forward.