Relationships are everything, so carefully nurture them and be grateful.
Be really good at what you do. If you’re not, then do something about it.
Identify your potential client base. How will you get hired? Create an action plan. Ifit fails, make adjustments. You’ll learn as you go.
Financial realizations and implications:
News flash—traditionally, musicians don’t earn the lion’s share of money in the biz.
Managers, lawyers, promoters, and the like do. Get used to it.
The music business is rife with trust fund babies, people with “means,” and musi-
cians with “supportive” spouses. How will this affect you if you need to earn money for
rent and groceries and they don’t?
Image and perception are everything. Together, these will build your reputation.
Then, your reputation will precede you wherever you go and whatever you do.
In public, act like a musician. In private, act like a business person. Do not let your
private business persona overshadow the musician. In other words, don’t air your num-
ber-crunching or bottom line needs to a client or colleague. The music business is based
on hip and cool. It doesn’t respond well to financial desperation or a ‘pay now’ attitude.
If, after tactful negotiation, the pay for this gig doesn’t add up and make sense for you,
politely tell them you’re ‘not available’ and would love to be considered in the future.
One last thing...there is no protocol or certification needed to enter the music busi-ness. Because of this, it’s filled with all walks of life, from wacko’s to prodigies. It’s also
crammed with part-timers like your plumber and landscaper who can’t wait to perform
with their band for free.