Just Like Music
If you’ve been a musician for any time at all, you know that the main way to learn music is by stealing.
I don’t mean SOPA and PIPA piracy, I mean watching and hearing other hot musicians and then intently working to mimic them note for note.
Well, I’m here to say this is how music business success happens too.
Power of Association
If you want to move ahead in your music career, you’ve got to get around people who are in life where you want to be. This means you’ve got to figure out exactly what “ahead” means to you and then find people who are doing that successfully.
Once you’ve identified some people who are in life where you want to be, here’s what to do:
Ask
- Ask: Yes, it’s often that simple. People in the music business and the arts LOVE to help other aspiring artists succeed. Most will be flattered that you asked and thrilled to tell you their stories and give advice.
- Be a friend: Some relationships will be very business like, but the best will be real friendships. They will develop over time and they will be beneficial for you AND them.
- Be open: Be open to advice when they give it and be open to their personalities and manner too.
- Listen: First, let them do most of the talking. They are not there for your stories and experience and if you’re talking too much, you’re not really there for theirs either. Second, don’t just hear the words, listen for the meanings behind the stories and experiences. This is how you’ll learn the most.
- Ask more: The best way to be open and listen is to ask lots of questions. Say things like, “can you tell me more about that?” “What was it like to experience that?” “What did you think about at the time?” “What do you think about it now?” Using questions keeps the conversation moving and most importantly, digs into the stories behind the stories.
Start Now
Make a list of 5 to 10 people you’d love to get around if you could. Then think about how you could make that happen through a connection you already have.
Have any of you pursued time with someone like this? How did it benefit you and your career?
