Claire Barrett, is a full-time singer for over 20 years. I’ve had record and publishing deal and sung in probably every pub/bar across London. I’m obsessed with music, karate, and my dogs ha. My dream is to help save the live entertainment industry with Ugigs stream.
What is UGigs Stream all about?
UGigs Stream is the ultimate live-streaming entertainment app, allowing artists and performers to create at-home live gigs and sell tickets through the app – imagine if Ticketmaster and Zoom had a baby. Music and entertainment lovers can use the app to find live gigs and either buy tickets or book a private performance for a special event. The live gigs can then be live-streamed from any device.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
I started out over 20 years ago as a singer, working as part of a duo and also a solo artist. I gigged on average around 3/4 times a week for pubs, restaurants, and weddings, etc.
The idea for the app came from annoyances I had along the way. I hated having to rely on an agent to get me work especially in the early stages when I wasn’t established. Also, there were so many bad agents that would send me to venues over 100 miles away, or send me to a venue only realizing they had double booked.
I also met so many small venue owners who were completely lovely and also relied on dodgy agents, who would send them irrelevant artists.
All these factors brought me to Ugigs. A way to give everyone control back.
AND THEN…
Covid hit as we were about to launch and so we adapted the original idea to the UGigs Stream idea. The same concept but the stream version.
What was the biggest problem you encountered with your business and how did you overcome it?
The biggest problem I had was financial. Up to this point, it’s still self-funded. I had to work extremely hard and believe in it enough to throw all my hard-earned money at it.
What were the top mistakes you made starting your business and what did you learn from it?
The Biggest mistake I made was trying to get the app created as cheaply as possible. I picked the cheapest app developer and ended up spending money and having to start all over again. You get what you pay for!
What is one thing that you do daily to grow as an entrepreneur?
Sounds simple but I start every day with a long walk with my dogs. Fresh air sets me up and helps me focus on the day ahead. I end every day by writing a ‘to-do list’ for the next day. If I forget to do this, I always struggle to sleep as my head is trying to remember everything.
What is the one thing you wish you knew before starting your business?
How important it is to get the right team around you and also learning to delegate. It’s difficult to do it all yourself especially if you work full-time. Find people who believe in the business even if it’s only one person.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
As time-consuming as it is, directly messaging people has proven to be most effective. Not a massive mail-out but individual, personal emails, etc works the best.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
The best pieces of advice I have for aspiring entrepreneurs are… firstly, research your idea. Is there anything similar on the market and how can you have a USP over them? Secondly, get in contact with the right people, pick their brains and try and get the right people on board, and thirdly, just go for it. Believe in your idea and yourself.
What is your favorite quote?
Instead of thinking outside of the box, get rid of the box.
How is running a tech company different than what you thought it would be?
It’s completely out of my comfort zone to be honest, hence why its crucial to find the right people. I had the idea and my tech team and I went back and forth figuring everything that was needed.
How can readers get in touch with you?
We are launching this month, so we are recruiting musicians, and other live performers to register their interest via the UGigs Stream website. Anyone who signs up before launch, we will promote for free when they create their first live gig. You can also contact us by email at theteam@ugigs.co.uk.
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