As a self-employed musician, looking at your bank account isn’t the only indicator of how well your career is doing. It’s important to see yourself as a complete business. I learned about the importance of reflecting on your business each week from Dan Kennedy, in his book,
No BS Time Management for Entrepreneurs (affiliate link). Thank you in advance for all your support should you decide to purchase through my affiliate link.Transparency is important to me, so I’ve decided to be as candid with you as I possibly can about my business, without compromising the privacy of any client, vendor, partner, sponsor, or organization that I have a relationship with. I invite you to give me your feedback below so that I can learn more about how to serve people better. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.
What I Know This Week That I Didn’t Know About:
My Business
My new blog, which focuses on my work in mental health has gotten some great feedback from new visitors and clients. I learned that creating it was one of the best decisions that I’ve made in a long time. Most importantly, writing articles on this new blog has been good for my own mental health. Click here to visit my mental health blog.
I am incredibly grateful for the support of my sponsor, Toca Percussion. This week, I am receiving 26 new Rasta Colored Freestyle Lightweight Djembes (affiliate link) for mental health drumming and corporate drumming events. These 26 drums are only half of my new fleet of hand drums. I quickly came to the realization that my New York City apartment will be completely invaded with drums by the time this arrives. I made the decision to lease a locker in a storage facility.
As I always say, Infusionsoft (affiliate link) might be one of the best investments I ever made in my career. It has helped me create, grow, and maintain relationships with so many people around the world. Even tough it has automated follow-up with people, I am constantly reminded that I have to focus on one relationship at a time. This has been a powerful lesson for me.
A few weeks ago, I created a calendar for myself that consisted of activities that I’d like to do at work “ideally”. I decided to make my “ideal” calendar my real calendar. I’m enjoying work a lot more.
My Industry as a Whole
As I meet more successful musicians, I am learning that money goes to those who know how to “connect the dots.”
My Competition
As competitive as I am, I am really only competitive with myself. This makes me feel ignorant because I don’t focus on my competition. I have found myself inspired by my competitors lately.
My Clients as a Group:
As I mentioned in a previous article, I created a “To Fire” list for clients. I have begun firing some. Please note that this doesn’t mean something bad happened or I don’t love them anymore. It’s just time to move on from certain relationships at this time.
I ended my relationship with 1 client and felt completely relieved. I am grateful for the years and memories together.
My Top 10 Clients:
One of my best clients showed up at a performance that I was doing at a bar. He had just come from a performance and just wanted to say hello. His small gesture made me feel special.
I recently created a new system to make sure that I take my VIP clients out to a nice a dinner at least once a year. They deserve that and more.
I invite you to give me your feedback below and be sure to check out the book,
No BS Time Management for Entrepreneurs (affiliate link).
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In order to make an improvement in the business you must give proper attention and importance to your clients. A small mistake can sometime force clients to end the business with you. Try to keep a good relationship with your customers and clients. read more
Brendan – First of all thank you so much for the help with my drum delivery. In terms of my calendar, I never thought of it as applying the Law of Attraction, but I guess it is. Thanks for all your support, feedback, and friendship!
Mike! Can I download your music biz savvy into my brain in similar fashion to process of uploading training/info in the blockbuster movie hit Matrix? LOL! Love it! Thanks for inspiring me and being a GREAT music biz example to a gal like me! ?
You're quite welcome. I really appreciate your enthusiastic support for my work.
Cool Man, Great Article! Can't wait to help you with those drums. I love it that you are using the "Secret" with your calendar. What a good idea.
I applaud the focus and commitment that you have for your business. If more musicians and people in our business would take a look at your methods, they can make themselves more successful in their own endeavors.
I enjoy your articles and alway look forward to new ones!
Chris Lowry
Mix engineer/ Producer http://chrislowrymusic.com
Thanks Chris! I appreciate your support and friendship. In sharing your experiences, challenges, and victories with me, you've taught me a lot about the music business.