What lessons have you learned during your journey?
Chris: Staying out of debt has been a real blessing to us in business. It wasn’t easy at first but it forced us to think more creatively versus just borrowing to make things happen. Also, there is a peace knowing we have reserves. We are still growing and we owe no man anything except to love Him.
Another lesson I’ve learned has been when, and how, to raise my prices. My friend Tony Da Silva once said: “If you’re not embarrassed about how much you charge for your products or services then you’re not charging enough.” I love that advice.
Also, I learned to just “ship the thing!” Stop making excuses about whether a product is perfect or not. Get it out there and tweak it along the way.”
Can you share a few examples of entrepreneurs you’ve helped?
Chris: I’ve coached thousands of artists who are looking to pursue music as a full-time career. I’ve also coached Grammy Award-Winning Songwriter Seth Mosley at Full Circle Music (Nashville) about online business and entrepreneurship. He’s now crushing it with a podcast, selling out live events, and selling online courses. Every time I share an idea with this guy, he listens and then blitzes into action with amazing results. I love helping hungry entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid of hard work.
I’ve also helped an Alberta, Canada-based band who is now making thousands more with their music from digital sales and playing live shows.
I’ve co-created a couple of online courses with friends as well to get them started with their online business. One friend is now creating courses online with his wife and bringing in passive income. It’s so inspiring showing people what’s possible and then watching them take the torch and run with it.
What are your goals for 2017 and beyond?
Chris: One of my major goals for 2017 is hitting a 7-figure net revenue between Manafest and our online courses. I also have a goal to help over 300 artists inside of Fanbase University, which is my monthly mentorship program.
What inspired you to get into Christian rock?
Chris: I dreamed of becoming a skateboarder when I was growing up. Unfortunately, I hurt my foot as a teenager. I couldn’t skate for 3 months and my girlfriend dumped me right around the same time. To say I was depressed was an understatement. But, instead of taking my own life like my father did, I started writing songs about the pain I was in. This was my entry into the music business at the age of 18.
I think God has a sense of humor because I failed music in school and I’ve now had what many would call a very successful career as Manafest. I’ve now sold hundreds of thousands of albums and millions of singles. I’ve also been blessed to play in 21 different countries. I love writing, performing songs live, and creating music videos to share my message of hope through music.
Do you have any parting words of wisdom to share?
Chris: I live by this mantra: “A fighter isn’t someone who never fails; a fighter is someone who never quits”
So, keep fighting.
People can check out Chris’s music online via iTunes or Spotify by typing Manafest. You can also visit Greenwood’s website at http://www.manafest.com. Artists who want to take their music career to the next level can check out: http://www.smartmusicbusiness.com.
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