1

SING IS KING – MUSIC IN DIVERSITY

BMM 7034 – Marketing Management (Weekend MBA) March 2009

MARKETING PLAN:

THE SING IS KING, A NEWLY FORMED

MUSIC BAND

-8000

-6000

-4000

-2000

0

2000

4000

6000

RM0RM2512RM5025RM7, 537RM10, 050$12, 562

Table of Contents

1.0 Executive Summary …………………………………………………. 2

1.1 Objectives

………………………………………………… 3

2.0 Situation Analysis …………………………………………………………3

2.1 Market Summary …………………………………………………..4

2.1.1 Market Demographics ..………………………………….5

2.1.2 Market Needs ………..……………………………………6

2.1.3 Market Trends .....……………………….………………..7

2.1.4 Market Growth ……..……………………………………..8

2.2 SWOT Analysis ……………………………………………………9

2.2.1 Strengths ………………………………………………….9

2.2.2 Weaknesses ……………………………………………….9

2.2.3 Opportunities ……………………………………………..9

2.2.4 Threats ……………………………………………………10

2.3 Competition ………………………………………………………...10

2.4 Product Offering and Services ………………………………………11

2.5 Keys to Success ……………………………………………………..13

2.6 Critical Issues ………………………………………………………..13

3.0 Marketing Strategy ………………………………………………………..14

3.1 Mission ……………………………………………………………..14

3.2 Marketing Objectives ………………………………………………..14

3.3 Financial Objectives …………………………………………………15

3.4 Target Markets ………………………………………………………15

3.5 Positioning ………………………………………………………….16

3.6 Strategies ……………………………………………………………17

3.7 Marketing Mix ……………………………………………………..19

3.8 Marketing Research ………………………………………………..20

4.0 Financial Plan ……………………………………………………………..21

4.1 Break Even Analysis ………………………………………………21

4.2 Sales Forecast ……………………………………………………..22

4.3 Expense Forecast …………………………………………………..23

5.0 Controls ……………………………………………………………………23

5.1 Implementation …………………………………………………….24

5.2 Marketing Organization ……………………………………………24

5.3 Contingency Planning …………………………………………….24

1.0 Executive Summary

B.R.S.S Communication Sdn.Bhd, a public relations agency was established in 2004 in the heart of Kuala Lumpur with the concept of SOHO (Small office / Home office). Their USP is - Mini Office Delivering Maxi Results. B.R.S.S Communication is the PR consultant for Sing is King (SIK) a musical group newly formed to market the untapped North Indian music to the Malaysian music listeners. Their start up band requires a good public relations firm that knows the market well, specializes in image creation, good rapport, network and PR skills. While there are many PR firms in Selangor, but none are able to meet the market-specific needs of the band and people at large compared to B.R.S.S Communication Sdn Bhd. Since the band is a new customer to BRSS Communication, service was free of charge for marketing plan and other services at the first stage of project. Costs borne by the band were to external parties.

Sing is King’s office is in Kuala Lumpur. The band is a group of students from Multimedia University who are looking for a platform to launch their music. The team consists of five talented teenagers who can sing, play various instruments and compose music and lyrics. Roger Hassan – the lead singer, Mike Mahalinggam – Dholak player, Ram Singh – sitar player, Jerry Lim - flute and Kalsom Aslam – drum with a touch of digital technology to enhance Indian music further. SIK came together to market their professionally synthesized North Indian music to Malaysian listeners and one day to promote their songs internationally.

At present there are no North Indian songs composed locally. The songs that are available are from India. SIK has a huge task ahead which is to convince the public and record companies that their music is suitable and will be well received once launched. SIK hopes that as they promote their music, it will also boost the image of Malaysia as a multifaceted country bursting with talent and rich in culture.

Findings show that the Malaysian music rank third in the Asian market in terms of music industry profits. Recently YAB Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Malaysia’s current prime minister lauded Sing is King during Melaka Cultural Road Show, a Malaysian cultural event held last month and encouraged more local singers to come forth and showcase their talent. The government has reserved 900 billion to encourage the Malaysian Music industry. This will serve also Malaysian tag line of ‘Belilah Barangan Buatan Malaysia’ and indirectly be an added feature to ‘Visit Malaysia’ campaign.

SIK will start with various marketing efforts and these efforts will allow SIK to achieve higher margins, and maintain a close relationship with the fans and customers, which is essential for producing musicals that have a true market demand. By the end of the year, SIK will have developed relationships with different range of listeners and become one of the top bands in Malaysia.

1.1 Objectives of Sing Is King

SIK is entering its first year of operation and the team wishes to achieve following goals by 2009.

i. To have North Indian music spread throughout the globe by 2009.

ii. To boost the image of Malaysians as world class musicians in the global music industry.

iii. To foster an understanding and appreciation for the power of Indian music and the rich cultural message that comes along with the music.

iv. To indirectly unite people and transform the barriers of different cultures and believes.

2.0 Situation Analysis

Sing is King (SIK) is in its first year of operation. Malaysia is a multiracial country where different cultures and religion are easily accepted and live in harmony with one another. There is a craze for North Indian songs like Hindi and Punjabi. Even before Malaysia obtained independence, North Indian music was a craze among locals who did not understand the language. Malays and Chinese too listen to the music and enjoy dance. Plus music is part of Asian culture. Music compliments our ceremony and religious functions. There is a need for music when there is birth, death, marriage, engagement, graduation party, birthday party, restaurants and even during praise and worship in a temple or a church.

Also findings show that music can bring people together in peace and harmony. Although our country has developed with time, modernization cannot replace the age-old rich heritage and spiritual values that Malaysians are famously known for. However with the present emphasis to globalization, Malaysians have lost touch slightly with our identity. Cultural music can bring back the roots, communicate the identity and build a mutual national pride.

2.1 Market Summary

SIK is in an exciting endeavour to step into a first-of-its-kind genre songs within the local music industry. The encouraging popularity and interest received for North Indian music will be the success factor. Whilst that, the information will be used to understand music trend, type of music demand and the best method of communication secure a market.

Target Markets

Target Market will be people from all races and ages, especially the age group of 15-65, below 15 and 65 and above.

Table 2.1 : Target Market Forecast

Potential Customers

Growth

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

CAGR

13 – 65 years of age

15%

19, 142,500

21,056,750

23,162,425

25, 478,668

28,026,535

15%

Above 65 years of age

10%

387,500

426,250

468,875

515,763

567,339

10%

Below 13 years of age

12%

6,820,000

7,843,000

9,019,450

10,372,368

11,928,223

12%

Total

10.48%

31,000,000

34,211,600

37,784,350

41,761,474

46,191,633

35 %

2.1.1 Market Demographics

The profile of Sing is King’s customer consists of the following geographic, demographic, and behavior factors:

Geographics

The target is the state of Malaysia with a population of 27.73 million and a radius of 329,847 km2

Demographics

· Both male and female.

· Ages 13-65. This age range draws off a combination of professionals, family members and young locals within the country. Sixty three percent of Malaysian population falls within this age bracket

· Both urban and rural areas.

· There are 99 record distributors making 20 million profit yearly all over Malaysia.

· Individuals with a yearly annual income of more than RM 12, 000.

· There are 100 Record companies in Malaysia and all are worth billions of dollars of contract.

Behavior Factors and Psychographic data

· Malaysians follow cultural and religious practices closely. Outskirts of Klang Valley observe them more.

· Mobile listener who love music and listen while they travel

· Work or home listener

· Loyal music listeners. These are people who are avid music listeners and purchase new music once hit the market.

2.1.2 Market Needs

Sing is King is providing a wide range of high quality music and services. Most music artists are unapproachable because they have the star aura. The band will be approachable while music quality will be retained.

· Selection: wide range of North Indian music suitable for different situation, rhythm and age.

· Professionalism: SIK will be very customer oriented and very professional in their service to others. They will also be approachable to fans, customers and business partners making working with them a pleasant experience.

· Quality: CDs, records, cassettes etc will be of genuine and listeners will be guaranteed a good listening experience. The songs composed will be worth every cent that they are paying

· Convenience: Music will be available at most music stores in every state. Songs are available on the net. Since the singers are not able to be at every location, they can be easily contacted via snail mail, email correspondences, telephone and fax etc.

· Competitive Pricing: CDs and cassettes will be reasonable and slightly lower. There will one goody giveaway with purchase made on a single receipt for example free wall posters, button badges etc with the purchase of cassettes, CDs and VCDs which gives a good deal to the listeners.

2.1.3 Market Trends

The market trend for the music industry in Malaysia has always been on the surge. Opportunities are made available via platforms like “Malaysian Idol”, “One in a Million”, “Akademi Fantasia”, “So You Think You Can Dance”, etc for young people to come up in the entertainment world.

The entertainment industry in Malaysia is competitive for several reasons such as:

-The current economy that is not doing well, people have turned to various other options to survive.

-The entertainment world brings an annual profit of RM 300 billion a year

-There is a good reception for music and singers in Malaysia. The good demand has increased competitors.

-Majority of music lovers are from 15 years to 65 years. This age bracket makes up 80% of Malaysian population. Entertainment Company finds Malaysia a lucrative testing market location.

Music today has a commercial value both in the local and international market. As music becomes more and more commercial than ever before and with the market going global, where Asian artists are touring and performing abroad, people are becoming interested and aware of the value of music in the community. Both non-traditional and traditional music shows are selling out to audiences like hot cakes in Malaysia.

2.1.4 Market Growth

In 2008, the music industry had revenues exceeding 300 billion Ringgit Malaysia. The industry is forecasted to grow at 10% for the next several years. One major reason for this growth is the increasing lifestyle of people. Music is considered as an attitude and a fashion statement today. Everyone catches up with the latest on music. Its evident with the marketing strategies associated with music like ringtones, streaming music, downloadable MP3s, live shows etc. Then there are other consumers who like to return to their heritage and culture and like to be associated with their identity or prefer ethnic music. Also, since March 2008 Malaysians are becoming increasingly aware of their culture and identity.

Sing is King will take advantage of the present market in Malaysia and try to create fan growth in their listeners by at least 20% by aggressive marketing campaigns and tours beyond home country and then outside of the state, and so on.

Target Market Growth

0.00%

2.00%

4.00%

6.00%

8.00%

10.00%

< 15 yrs15 - 65 yrs> 65 yrs

2.2 SWOT Analysis

The following SWOT analysis captures the key strength and weaknesses within the company, and describes the opportunities and threats facing Sing is King.

2.2.1 Strengths

• Excellent band members who are customer attentive. They also have an in-depth experience and insight of the industry to position themselves.

• Strong professional and personal relationships within the music industry and a wide group of supporters.

• Music members have good music composing expertise, style, creative skills and an eye for art.

• The desire to develop a customer friendly business.

2.2.2 Weaknesses

• The lack of brand equity as a result of the newness of the band.

• The initial difficulties to create brand awareness for a new product.

• A limited marketing budget unlike some music giants in terms of money.

• Limited employees

2.2.3 Opportunities

• No direct competitors as there aren’t any one else releasing North Indian songs.

• The opportunity to decrease customer acquisition costs over time as more customers are acquired through referrals or word of mouth

• The possibility to spread overhead and direct costs as music fan base grows.

2.2.4 Threats

• Competition from already established music bands especially Indian music bands.

• With the present economy not doing too well, it is hard to predict sales.

• Quality control may be a problem, as there are many pirated CDs and illegal music uploads which could hamper sales.

2.3 Competition

• International and Local Commercial Music Singers and Band – English songs have a national appeal in Malaysia. The highest albums purchased are those that top the international charts from UK and US. EMI, Sony BMG labels, Warner Music distributors are more concerned about making profits out of their CD sales. They promote more commercialized artists whose names alone can sell music. Malaysian record companies prefer mass appeal rather than niche music. Next in line are Malay songs as it caters to locals. The New bands do not get much individual exposure due to this. The commercial music markers will be more prominent during sales.

• Independent Music Singers and Band - Though they have less commercial appeal but have followers of their own. They also tend to reach a broader spectrum of listeners like Sing is King. They are basically a smaller, better behaved version of the established singers. They are only concerned ultimately with CD sales, and achieve these goals with less commercial means.

• Regional Music Singers and Band - This are local music bands and singers who release songs in various languages. They are into profit making as well, but the general public look upon them from a holistic approach. Singers are commonly expected to keep a “healthy” image as they portray local ethnic songs like us. Once they have that holistic image, the singers are then accepted by listeners.

• Foreign North Indian Songs – These are songs already available in the market and imported from India. Indian is considered to be one of the busiest entertainment industry compared to the rest of the world. The entertainment field of India has advanced so much today. To be at par with them is a big feet. If SIK cannot deliver their best each time, the band will lose out on fans and listeners will look for other options in the market.

2.4 Product Offering and Services

Sing is King is a new band in Kuala Lumpur and is taking a new, unusual approach to promote North Indian songs and create an audience as an alternative to the dominant ones. Indian classical music and dance are known to be among the most advanced and sophisticated art forms in the world. By mixing it with technology Sing is King is able create mesmerizing “Sangeet” effects in a range of styles suitable for any age groups, like Hindi pop, hip shaking Bollywood like songs, Bangras, Raas-Garba*/ Disco and Gujarati dandia, Bhajans, Folk songs, modern Carnatic (technology with Sitar, Shehnai, Nadaswaram, Flute, Dholak etc) and Ghazal. This will be the competitive edge.

Operations will begin with the compilation CD and cassettes. The logo and CDs need to be attractively packaged. The CD / cassette covers will be presented well to capture the eye of music listeners while they browse for songs. First impression counts.

While the compilations are released, B.R.S.S. will be working with a variety of parties to promote and create a network for SIK’s music and services. Distribution will be for free for the first year to various outlets. Distribution of music will be the first visibility for Sing is King. To do that, SIK needs to forge relationships and get the right people to listen to them. B.R.S.S will work with local radio and TV stations. Being able to get on air for the first few songs is highly important to establish a familiarity. Songs need to be listened to a few times for listeners to begin familiar and to start liking the songs. B.R.S.S will also liaise with various record stores, and mobile network companies to develop relationships with them as well so that as the band become well known and when there is consumer interest, SIK can then begin to sell their songs. B.R.S.S. will be working with different clubs and stage producers to get the bands to perform live gigs and performances. Playing live to a crowd of listeners can develop fans as well as there is a personal feel when one is face to face with another.

As Sing is King gains popularity and familiarity, the band will become attractive for local record companies to hire them for record label. B.R.S.S will play its role to offer specialized and intimate PR services and promotional assistance.

Soon when the band begins to sign on with record companies, S.I.K will require a studio CD of their own or work with studios to record further songs in volumes. At the moment they record via CPUs and Radio. After having CDs cut, SIK will aim at record sales and live show production. These will be SIK’s main source of revenue.

Also apart from commercially selling music, SIK will extend their services in the field of entertainment. They will perform for a fee at Lagnageet, private parties and anniversaries, concerts and events both cultural / non cultural and corporate or community events. These functions will promote SIK’s original songs and at the same time, by request they will also sing already established film songs, bhajans and artists songs.

Merchandise will also be part of our offering. This is not our main source of income but as part of promotion.

SIK’s business model shows that there will be little revenue within the first year of production. First year revenue is being sacrificed for the building of viable music sales for the coming years. SIK will not focus on a specific genre of North Indian sangeet as it will be difficult to promote and capture the hearts of people from different background and age group.

2.5 Keys to Success

The band will pay attention to every detail of music composition. Lyrics will be meaningful and be able to create the mood and atmosphere for listeners. Music will be beautifully composed using the right blend of instruments and based on the message of the song. Every effort will be taken to please listeners rather than aiming for profits alone. SIK will keep their options open and flexible to accept suggestions to improve their songs and services.

Today many singers are out vying for a position in the entertainment world. SIK will passionately think out of the box to promote and reach the people of Malaysia while raking revenues. In time to come services will flourish and extend to D.J.ing, event management services, wedding planners, dancers, music training school etc.

Sing is King will maintain a professional and ethical work relationship with all partners. At the same time without airy and tantrum throwing nature, SIK will market its music to all and sundry. This will make SIK likable and approachable. Sing is King is also hardworking and dedicated to achieve their goals within a year.

Their songs and services are sold at a reasonable price. Plus every RM 5 proceeds will be given to charity. SIK will also sing for free for non profit organization events. This is in a way of promotion for the band as a sensitive and down to earth entertainers. This is also a way of gaining supporters while projecting a holistic approach to music.

2.6 Critical Issues

An artist’s greatest concern is to be accepted by fans and people. Hard work and dedication will be the solid foundation to win the hearts of the listeners, but at the end of the day, the audience who are the music lovers must accept and connect with the songs. There is a need and interest among Malaysians towards North Indian music but the business depends largely on acceptance of a good sized listeners. We have to ensure that the fans and followers increase or remain at a good number all the time. If fans become disinterested or SIK’s songs become boring or monotonous this will result in a drop in sales. It will be difficult for SIK to expand their services or help charitable organisations. But SIK is confident with the combined experience skills, ideas, talents and goals, the band will continuously grow and develop as good entertainers and soon emerge with a star status. Once an entertainer consolidates the position of a celebrity, then there is no stopping. The celebrity’s presence and name alone can sell a “product”. Until SIK reaches that stage, its hard work all the way to reach the top ladder.

3.0 Marketing Strategy

BRSS Communication will use a combination of distribution, advertising and networking approach to generate visibility and to communicate SIK’s message that they are a soon to become hit in the entertainment industry simply because they have something different to offer. BRSS Communication will target various ways to reach a mass market of Malaysia. We have varied group of listeners ranging from music listeners who tune in to music station from both TV, computer and radio often; mobile music listeners who stream or listen from their iPods or handphones and lastly avid listeners who maintain a collection of music. Our marketing strategies will aim at every avenue available to reach the music listeners.

3.1 Mission

Sing is King’s mission is to be well received as one of the most sort-after blue-eyed Malaysian music band providing innovative ‘never heard before’ North Indian music for global listeners and to be one of Malaysians top award winning entertainers.

3.2 Marketing Objectives

Sing is King hopes to maintain positive, strong growth of album sales for each quarter. The band also hopes to achieve a wide fan base and become highly sought after and popular in both local and later will foray into the foreign music industry

3.3 Financial Objectives

•A double-digit growth rate for the next three years

•Increase the profit margin by 1.5 % per quarter

•Reach profitability by year one.

3.4 Target Markets

The target market for Sing-Is-King (SIK) is within the age group of 15 to 65 and will target all races. Although the band’s songs will be purely North Indian language and music, it will appeal listeners from different races in Malaysia. The band’s ability to produce beautiful Indian songs with technological effects will make listeners to stand up and take notice of the sensational new teenage group. Plus the band is made up Malay, Chinese and Indians. Malaysians will be able to relate to the band and is sure to arouse curiosity to watch non-Indians playing Indian instruments with ease.

Music listeners range from avid listeners who tune in to media music station often but may not collect songs. Mobile music listeners are another group and they are similar to radio listeners and lastly avid listeners who maintain a collection of music by purchasing at stores.

From the above mentioned avenues, Sing is King’s customers profile comes from two major segments;

Local population –The local population have a huge liking towards all things Bollywood regardless of the ethnic group they belong. Anything that comes close to a “Shah Rukh Khan” is saleable in Malaysia. Almost 60 % of Malaysians are Malays, 30 % Chinese and the remaining percentages are Indians and other races. Although Indians will surely flood the stores to try out a new music, Malays and Chinese too will be our target. If SIK is able to capture the hearts of Bumiputeras, they are sure to bring in good moolahs. Also within this group of population comes our customers who need entertainment for domestic and commercial events and functions. Sing is King’s portfolio also covers entertaining guests for functions.

Colleges and Universities – Consumers from this group are the ones who flood live concerts and enjoy flamboyant lifestyle. They are open and susceptible to new ideas. They seek an identity and freedom. This makes them a convenient target market. In addition, the teenagers are within the same age group as SIK. SIK is able sell their ideas and music to attract and create a loyal fan following. The youths are a more frequent customer to invite artists for institutional functions. Stage shows and tours are largely attended by the younger lot.

3.5 Positioning

BRSS Communication will position SIK as a premier local entertainment band that is well received by all races in Malaysia in a short span of time. The focus BRSS Communication is to put forward the uniqueness in the music of the group.

The idea is to introduce to the Malaysian community a totally “Malaysian made” band that has the ability to produce music distinct and make them stand apart from the rest of the 200 local musical singers.

This positioning will be achieved by leveraging SIK’s competitive edge, industry experience and passion. Sing is King is able to deliver a variety of North Indian music and is a musical band formed by music lovers for music lovers. BRSS is able to use its vast experience and personal passion for the genre to develop innovate, enjoyable music for a broad range of customers.

The specially composed tunes and heart warming lyrics will in time, make the songs stand out among the rest in the market. Currently, there are over 200 artists in Malaysia. Out of which only SIK creates North Indian music.

BRSS Communication is able to take full advantage and create brand awareness as SIK has something different to offer. If SIK is marketed properly, it is only a matter of time to not only break even sales but the band will be one of the most profitable bands in Malaysia and someday go into their own production company..

3.6 Strategies

The single objective BRSS is to introduce SIK as the premier entertainers within two years. The marketing strategy will seek to create visibility and awareness of SIK and their music, develop a fan following and work towards building customer loyalty and referrals.

The initial marketing strategy that BRSS Communications employs for Sing is King band is to distribute and advertise songs to get as many people as possible to listen to SIKs first composed songs. MP3s are a favorite among youngsters because it enables the flexibility to save more files compared to the other technologies found in the market today. This will be done through iTunes (downloadable audio files via the internet), official web site, youtube, blog and facebook; Listeners can stream the songs for free and download for a small fee using credit cards; Complimentary distribution to broadcast songs from a list of commercial radio to public and private college / university radio stations and any important Internet radio broadcasters; distribute compact discs and cassettes and ring tones complimentarily. BRSS Communication will work closely with various radio stations to have Sing is King’s north Indian music on air.

Along with having web sites, BRSS Communication will also submit SIK’s links to all search engines. Through this, users can click and may stumble upon a surprising group of performers and can in a way spread the knowledge of the band’s existence to internet users.

The band hopes to penetrate different types of music listeners. The iTunes caters to “travel listeners” and listeners can downloadable on iPods and IPhones for a cheap rate. The compact discs and cassettes cater to those who are ardent music collectors. They can purchase them from retail music stores all over Malaysia for an affordable price with free gifts. SIK’s songs will be sold at an introductory price to encourage listeners to try out the refreshing North Indian songs.

Advertisements are another way of promoting products. Advertising today offers various methods and channels to create brand awareness. BRSS Communication will advertise the band through print media like national newspaper and entertainment / family/ youth magazines. Research shows that Malaysians tops the list of Asians as a reading society after Japan. For every two person, one individual will posses a magazine and newspaper. SIK will be able to introduce themselves to readers of newspaper and magazine. BRSS will create small advertisement logos and collaborate with other online entertainment web sites to have small advertisement. BRSS Communication will work with publishers and banner network groups to create short pop up / floating ads or banners ads on the internet, tv and radio short commercials to notify music listeners of Sing is King and also to spread the word about any promotional offers. BRSS will work with TV and Radio Stations secure a slot with local entertainment programs on ASTRO and public TV stations.

BRSS has secured time slots for SIK to perform in popular television reality shows namely Malaysian Idol, One in a Million and Akademi Fantasia. SIK has also secured contracts to perform at two upcoming celebrity award events, clubs and gigs.

SIK will especially promote “Focus Tracks”. Focus tracks are a song or specific songs from an album that can become hit songs if promoted well. These songs need to be played repeatedly to create a familiarization for the listeners and will convey what is unique or compelling about the release and or artist.

Another marketing strategy employed by BRSS Communication is to enable SIK’s songs to be downloadable as a ring tone. By collaborating with Telecommunication Companies i.e. Maxis, Digi and Celcom, a customer of a network service provider can download a song from the web site for a price. The profit is then divided between the service provider and SIK. Today’s trend is to have caller ring tones on their mobile as a means of expressing themselves and to “favouritize” their song on their mobile.

BRSS will create merchandising materials, which will be sold or given free upon purchase of a CD or cassettes. Merchandising includes Stickers, T-shirts, posters, umbrella and pens.

Lastly, once SIKs albums are out in the market, BRSS Communication will strategically plan live appearances or touring itinerary. Artists’ tour is a common strategy these days to introduce new artists and to establish audiences or fans.

3.7 Marketing Mix

SIK’s marketing mix is compromised of the following approaches to product, price, distribution and advertising cum promotion.

Product:

The SIK business model is based on customer-centric philosophy, where by a niche exists in Malaysia especially when performing entertainment shows. SIK proofs to cater to that wide market ensuring customer’s expectations are not only met but exceed what’s perceived because SIK recognizes the idea that customer satisfaction will ensure long-term profits.

Price:

The pricing scheme will generally be based on a per project estimate that takes into account the number of hours required to complete the album as well as resources (production process, advertising, etc.) Prices will be generally lower as the band is still infant.

Distribution:

Distribution is done through retail and personally while on tours and shows.

Advertising and Promotion:

Several different methods will be used as advertising effort. The extensive feedback received from all research channels has led to several music design improvements.

3.8 Marketing Research

During the initial phase of the marketing plan development, several focus groups were selected to gain insight on how to target the market, study consumer behaviour and what causes fans to make their decision.

Over the three-month period, BRSS Communications has visited :=

•Music Stores

This is to recognize music patterns that are currently accepted and behaviour factors on purchasing songs from a new singer.

•Streaming Music Sites

The research aims to recognize singers or bands that are popular; information will be gathered from the listening / download hit-rate

•Clubs/Bars/Café/ Parties

This is to identify the types of songs played during peak business hours and to note the different ways in which music lovers respond to a particular song. Spoke casually to several dine-in customers to obtain first hand information.

4.0 Financial Plan

This section will offer financial overview of SIK related to marketing activities. SIK will address break even analysis, sales forecasts, expense forecast, and indicate how these activities link in the marketing strategy.

4.1 Break Even Analysis

-8000

-6000

-4000

-2000

0

2000

4000

6000

RM0RM2512RM5025RM7, 537RM10, 050$12, 562

Monthly Break-Even Points

Break-even Analysis

Break-even point is where line intersects with 0

Table 4.1 Break Even Analysis

Break-even Analysis

Monthly Units break-even

62

Monthly Sales Break-even

RM 7,760

Assumptions

Average Per-Unit Revenue

RM 125, 62

Average Per-Unit Variable Cost

RM 22.61

Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost

RM 6, 363

4.2 Sales Forecast

SIK feels that the sales forecast figures are conservative. It will steadily increase sales as the advertising budget allows. Although the target market (Table 2.1) listed all of the potential customers of Malaysia divided into different age group, the sales forecast groups customers into main category of ages between 15 – 65 years. Reducing the the number of categories allows the reader to quickly discern information, making the chart more functional.

4.3 Expense Forecast

The expense forecast will be used as a tool to keep SIK on target and provide indicators when corrections / modifications are needed for the proper implementation of the marketing plan. The first month of operation may not have any sales activity. When marketing activities start, the second month onwards will see some progress in sales. By second month, there will be visibility for SIK and there will be an increasing number of demands and request that will be turned into revenues and projects. Sales will become steady at month six.

Table 4.2 Marketing Expense Budget

Marketing Expense Budget

2008

2009

2010

Web site Design and Hosting Costs

RM 25, 000

RM 8, 000

RM10, 000

Advertisements and Promotion

RM 8, 050

RM 15000

RM 20,000

Printed Material / Labels / Merchandise

RM1, 725

RM2, 000

RM 3, 000

Total Sales and Marketing - Expenses

RM 34, 775

RM 25,000

RM 33,000

Copyright / Publishing Costs

RM 3,000

RM, 3100

RM 3,150

Percent of Sales

6.58 %

3.60 %

4,14 %

Contribution of Sales

RM 398, 725

RM 544, 652

RM, 621,202

Contribution Margin

RM 398,725

RM544,652

RM 621, 202

Contribution Margin / Sales

75.4%

78.40%

77.86%

5.0 Controls

The purpose of Sing is King marketing plan is to serve as a guide for BRSS to understand the market.

The following areas will be monitored to gauge performance:

· Revenue both monthly and annually

· Number of albums bought

· Number of feedback and comments received from fans and listeners.

· Repeat invitations to perform at live shows and functions

· New albums created

5.1 Implementation

The following milestones identify the key marketing programs efforts by BRSS Communication. Having a PR Company to outsource work for them, SIK was able to accomplish on time several targets.

Milestones

Milestones

Plan

Milestones

Start Date

End Date

Budget

Personnel

Department

Marketing plan completion

30/10/08

10/02/09

RM 0

BRSS Communication-

Mr Rajganthan Baskaran

Research & Training

Website completion

12/01/09

02/04/09

RM5,000

BRSS Communication-

Ms Nor Shida

Marketing

Advertising and Promotion

10/01/09

31/12/09

RM20,000

BRSS Communication – Ms Bimeldip Kaur

Marketing

Distribution of songs

01/01/09

12/12/2009

RM 0

BRSS Communication-

Ms Sunita Isaacs

Marketing

5.2 Marketing Organization

Marketing Department personnel from BRSS Communication, Ms Bimeldip, Ms Shida and Ms Sunita will be responsible for the marketing activities.

5.3 Contingency Planning

Difficulties and risks:

· There maybe small problems to generate visibility. Need to assert the services and offering until word spreads across the country

· Inability to generate enough demand as expected

· Overly aggressive and famous competitors

Worst case risks may include:

· Determining that the business cannot sustain on an ongoing basis.

· Having to liquidate equipment or intellectual capital to cover liabilities.

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� Originated from Gujarat, India, a form of music and dance that accompanies with it

� Live Songs for Indian Weddings

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