The Mulika Method

by Noah Muhumuza

The Mulika standard aims to illuminate the entire audio production ecosystem. What better way to begin our fortnightly Mulika Studios blog series than by discussing studio management? We'll dive deep into the business, the artistry, and the behind-the-scenes magic that makes a studio thrive.

Building a Strong Foundation: The Mulika Approach to Team Building

A well-functioning business is built upon the strength of its team. In industries like ours, recruitment can be particularly challenging due to a lack of clear metrics. At Mulika, we've found success by prioritizing individuals who are passionate about making an impact in their field and possess strong teamwork skills.

Initially, Mulika's core team consisted of founders taking on employee roles. Over time, we've focused on training individuals to step into leadership positions previously held by our directors. We believe that early on, the focus should be on value rather than solely monetary compensation. If you can find a team that truly values working with your studio and you're in a position to offer them equity, then these are the individuals you want to retain.

We always seek out people with a long-term vision and unwavering conviction in their beliefs. This has been a crucial factor in establishing and maintaining the Mulika standard.

At Mulika Studios, it’s not just about a service; it's about a partnership. The client management philosophy has been a game changer because we have earned more business from recommendations than any other marketing avenue we are invested in.

Client Management: In the music industry, your clients are your lifeblood. They are the artists, the producers, and the dreamers who bring your studio to life. And in a vibrant, competitive market like Kampala, how you manage those relationships is the key to not just surviving, but succeeding at Mulika studios we look at our customers as partners who we have to work and succeed with. There are two things we look at while managing our Clients;

• Client Lifetime value (CLV) : This is the value that a client add to your studio through their journey with your studio. This can be both monetary or non monetary, The importance of figuring (CLV) is that this help you associate with customers that will move your brand/ company forward in terms of value.

  
  

• Client Acquisition Cost (CAC): This is the amount of effort used to make the sale happen. At Mulika we rely on recommendations from our customers which improves their CLV but we also rely on social media, the approach could be different for you but always make sure you know your CAC.

The Power of Personal Connection

Before a single microphone is turned on, the team at Mulika prioritizes the human element. For them, a new client isn't just a booking; they're an individual with a unique vision. We take the time to sit down with artists (That is after vetting them using our two Metrics that CLV and CAC), listen to their demo tracks, and understand the story they want to tell.

Before beginning production on the TV show Damalie (by Amani Production House), the Mulika Customer Insight team held over three meetings to thoroughly understand the client's vision and ensure the team could execute it to their satisfaction. This meticulous preparation saves time in the production process and reduces emotional stress for both the studio and the client.

This pre-session meeting is a crucial first step. It ensures that when the artist arrives for their session, the engineer is already familiar with the project and can hit the ground running, saving valuable studio time and making the artist feel heard.

Clear Communication is King

The chaotic nature of creative work can often lead to misunderstandings. Mulika Studios combats this with crystal-clear communication from the get-go. The client is provided with a contract that clearly outlines:

• What we do: From the initial inquiry to the final master, Mulika Studios outline a clear process. We discuss booking availability, rates, and what's included in each package. We make sure the client knows what to expect, from the number of hours they have to the delivery format of the final files.

  
  

• The Result: No hidden fees, no last-minute surprises. This professionalism is a rare commodity and it's what keeps clients coming back. It turns a one-off booking into a long-term business relationship Improving CLV.