PLAN TO PROSPER

Those who have backgrounds that include business or technical instruction know the importance of creating a plan in order to succeed. In the music business, the art of planning is not always exercised.  Most musicians see success as a “hit or miss” proposition, believing that a fan base or networking is the only way to make it big.  I beg to differ.  Planning is an important part of success in any career.  Now, I admit, I tend to “over-plan”.  I don’t shop without a pre-written list, I utilize a daily planner for my “to-do” items, and I still have a separate account for automatic deposits from my paycheck for holiday savings.  Can you say ANALytical?!  Ok, that may be a bit much for most people, but don’t discount planning as a tool to move you toward your goals.

I recently read an article by Peter Spellman, Director of Music Business Solutions (mbsolutions.com).  Peter has over 15 years of experience in artist development.  He is the author of The Self-Promoting Musician: Do-it-Yourself Strategies for Independent Music Success (Berklee Press) and is currently the Director of Career Development at Berklee College of Music.  His article is titled, PLAN YOUR WORK, WORK YOUR PLAN: Creating A Map to Music Career Success. This article provides some great guidance for both musicians and managers.  He notes that “more often than not, musicians tend to get nowhere because of the absence of a map.”  But he also acknowledges that the map should allow for flexibility since there are many paths to success in the music business.  Having goals can be the difference between playing gigs part-time at your local club or becoming a national recording artist.  He quotes a study by the Ford Foundation where it was determined that 10% of the population had specific goals, but only 7 out of 10 of those people achieved their goals.  The top 3% had an 89% success rate, mainly because they wrote down their goals! 

One way I have started to claim my success is by creating a vision board.  I first became aware of this tool in reading The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.  I was awed by the story told in the book by John Assaraf, whereas he visualized a home he wanted to have, and years later actually purchased the home.  My vision board consists of pictures of the future I want for my clients and myself.  I plan to make sure my clients have clear goals, with the understanding that my job is to help them get there.  Here are a few of the strategies that Spellman notes in his article that I plan to employ.

These tips can help you to stay the course and realize when you have veered from your desired goal.  Be sure to take a look at Spellman’s article and note the additional resources that he provides (book titles, websites, etc.).  I found these to be equally informative.  Please be sure to leave a comment to let me know your thoughts.

D. Leigh