Unknown Audience Size

The show changes when there’s only one person in the audience.

The show changes in a different way when ten thousand people show up to your off-the-beaten-path festival stage.

But what about a show where you don’t know how many people there are?

Of course this is hypothetical…but if you couldn’t see how many people were out there but knew there was at least one, what show would you do then?

In order for you to change course (for the unexpected) there must be a course to begin with.

So although it seems counter intuitive…The better you build and rehearse your course the more likely you’ll be able to roll with the changes.

***I’m going to Bruno Mars’ show on Sunday in Nashville…there’s going to be a bazillion things he does right and I’ll be happy to pass them along to you in subsequent blog posts. But really if you’re in town, you should just get a ticket.

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

Plumbers Butt

The thing to remember about plumbers butt is that while you’re snickering at the plumber’s butt…the plumber isn’t snickering…because the plumber is busy doing the work of fixing your sink.

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

Instincts

Your instincts get sharpened by following them more than by questioning them.

And that process is tough and risky and messy. Because when you follow your instincts and it doesn’t go well, it’s on you.

Your instincts have a default starting point of being weak.

So if all you do is question your instincts you’ll never know the reality of their impact…you’ll only have your own speculation to try to grow from.

Over time you learn whether an instinct is right or if it’s just last nights pizza talking.

But your instincts get sharp by following them. By having that gut feeling and acting on it (rather than only speculating about it).

The only way to have sharp instincts is by following them, owning mistakes and losses and then following them again.

***Don’t get confused to think that sharp instincts only mean my way or the highway. It turns out the powerful instinct to listen, or to ask someone else’s opinion, or to let someone else lead is just as powerful and inspired and sharp.

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

Managers Need A Little Grace

You hired them to fix everything and make you rich and famous but didn’t tell them that when you hired them and therefore they didn’t agree to those expectations.

They’re working hard.

Artists are attracted to leaps and bounds and miracles, but (good) managers are diligent in achieving baby steps.

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

It’s Not About Skill Level

This business isn’t about skill level. The creative side of the business side.

You look at someone else with the position you want and know you’re a better artist or songwriter or booking agent or marketer than they are.

So the natural train of thought is ‘I’m better, so why aren’t I where they are’

Because It’s not (solely) about being better or more skilled.

It’s about emotional connection.

If you can make enough people feel good about having you in the room with Adele to write her next single, you’ll end up in that room.

Regardless of your talent level compared to others’.

Sure there’s a minimum barrier to entry, but beyond that the playing field is re-leveled and the people who get what they want are the people who connect.  Connect others to themselves and others with others.

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

Any Coffee, Same Price

99 cent coffee, any size!

There’s two ways to read this.

1. For 99 cents I will get to pick the size of coffee that’s right for me

2. All the sizes are 99 cents, why wouldn’t I get the big one

(And then I suppose there’s the third way…which is the person who keeps driving to the place that doesn’t have 99 cent coffee)

Who are you making the coffee for?

And does that match the words you’re using in the invitation?

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com