- Follow the Thread Crumbs
- Posts
- Thread Count 5
Thread Count 5
Choosing Positivity
I don't know about y'all, but 2022 was quite the professional roller coaster. Career highlights mixed with tough lessons. So I thought I'd spend this newsletter going over some of the biggest takeaways.
As we know, it's always good to get agreements in writing, but whether or not you have a signed contract, there are still some unspoken rules in the music business (and other industries), and your longevity depends on your willingness to follow these few guidelines.
First, there's a chain of command we all follow. If an artist has a manager, you don't approach the artist directly about business inquiries, as it can put them in an awkward position. Similarly, if an artist has a booking agent, any communication about shows and live performances should go through the agent.
Now, the #1 rule (if you operate with integrity) is you don't go around the person who makes the connection that leads to income. So if an agent books a show with a promoter, the artist's manager shouldn't go directly to that promoter the next time they want to book a show, unless they've completely cut ties with the agent.
Similarly, if the person who initially made the connection isn't involved in the communication the next time around, they should still be compensated with some portion of their commission. It's not unusual to share or split commissions with others, as it often takes a team to complete a deal (i.e. one team member knows the artist, one person knows a promoter, one secures the venue, etc.) But, ultimately fair is fair. And it's the code we live by.
So this year, I not only had an agent attempt to poach a couple artists from me, but I was also faced with another agent who purposely cut me out of deals that I should have been paid on. Needless to say, I was very disappointed and, with the two deceptive acts occurring back-to-back, I started to allow their malicious actions to negatively affect me.
But after weighing my options, I quickly snapped out of it, and came to the conclusion that I didn’t want revenge. I didn’t want vindication. I didn't need justice. I just wanted to be happy.
The biggest challenge here is putting the ego aside. After all, we can't let these opportunistic snakes think they can punk us. And if we let one person take advantage of us, are we allowing a line to form right behind them?
But in reality, the need to display artificially perceived strength is nonsense. The truth is, if we offer as much value to others as we think we do, then they'd be foolish to replace us within their circle. Ultimately, it's their loss; not ours. I had to really dig deep to remember and stand on that principle.
And within a week of that realization, the flood gates opened and incredible new opportunities started making themselves available to both me and my team. I truly believe that removing that mental obstacle created a new wave of positive energy.
The other essential lesson was a reminder that anyone who has wronged me has undoubtedly done the same to others; and karma is real. There’s nothing to take personally, it’s just who they are. Greedy people will always put money first, affecting all of their relationships. Similarly, desperate people who want to take short cuts will rarely get the job done effectively. And even if they convince someone to give them a chance, they’ll ruin their reputation as soon as it’s apparent they don’t know what they’re doing.
Real relationships are the life blood of our business, so ultimately someone could give you all of their contacts and you still couldn't duplicate what they do.
We just need to have faith and stay positive when challenged-- Goodness will prevail.
The Sound of Silence
Going into 2023, I'm left with a familiar question that I've pondered over the years-- To shout goals and progress loudly from the rooftop, or just continue to keep my head down and work quietly?
There are two schools of thought here... Do you speak your dreams into existence? And do you announce your goals and aspirations publicly in order to hold yourself accountable?
Or do you keep your mouth shut until the job is done, and wait to show and prove. One of the arguments for staying silent is to not trigger any negative energy from loved ones which could create doubt or uncertainty. Remember, not everyone will understand your vision, and even though someone may love you and want the best for you, they may not have the ability to identify and understand the thing in your heart that will truly make you happy.
We're all different, so go with the method works for you. But either way, get a jump on 2023. Plan your goals now. Don't wait. Set yourself up for success.
Win a Free Zoom Consultation
Also, at the top of the year, I'll be giving away my first free 20-30 minute zoom consulting session, where I'll be helping someone navigate their career in this world where music, entertainment, and business collide.
In order to be eligible, fill out the form -----> here.
If you've already filled it out, you don't need to fill it out again.
Til next week.
Keep reading
The Right Audience
Thread Count 41
Lessons from The Queen
Thread Count 31
Self Promotion
Thread Count 37