This is a repost to a music business forum I replied to about music industry frustrations. I replied to one gentleman who like many people had been burnt by people claiming to be or in the music business. Perhaps you'll find something in this article to help you as you work on achieving your goals and realizing your potential.Think it, Write it, Say it everyday what you will accomplish, when and how.
People have and will continue to lie. However, there are things you may be able to do moving forward that will force people to be held accountable for their actions. Additionally, by putting certain measures in place if people do lie you may have legal recourse when people don't hold up their end of the contract/agreement/business arrangement. Some of the things you may do is to ensure both parties have a clear overstanding of their duties and obligations. Both parties should sign and keep a physical record of the signed agreement. Both parties should have a competent attorney look at the contract and consult them on the best win/win scenario. We should all strive for mutually beneficial arrangements and relationships.
The music industry while a multi-billion dollar business that has various associations doesn't have a formal rights of passage for the most part -outside of being and entertainment attorney or booking agent in some states (U.S.). When I speak of formal rights of passage I speak of formal education needed to successfully be considered a professional in a given field. For instance, it's commonly known that in order to be an attorney in the U.S. one must complete undergrad, successfully complete law school and then past the state bar (exam) in order to be considered an attorney. There's no such formal rights of passage for other areas of the music business outside of an accountant and booking agents in some states (U.S.).
Paying dues in the music business is the closest thing that industry has to a formal rights of passage. In essence being respected in the music business comes from paying dues and paying dues is like crossing the burning sands in a fraternity or sorority. In order to gain the respect of your peers in the music business you must go through the same or similar process of hazing that your peers went through -it's the unspoken truth. Funny thing is money alone want get you in/cross you over. I've seen people spend a lot of money in the music industry, but not get the respect of their peers, because they tried to buy their way in and no one respected them. People took their money, but didn't respect them. When their money was gone they had nothing to stand on. This is in short what is meant by paying dues, it is your, mine our rights of passage.
I'm preparing a MUSIC MARKETING E-CLASS so that people who truly want to know how to build a buzz and get there music heard may do so. If you're interested in getting full details send me a private message with your personal email address. In the meantime you may want to visit the Music Business Blog and download the Music Industry Connection Book Series. The books were written to help people learn more about the music business and a bit about marketing in the industry.
Hard work does pay off. However, you must learn to work smart and hard. The combination is a receipt for ultimate success. There are a number of people who are achieving various levels of success on this and many other social networking communities. Believe it or not they are watching you, listening to your music, reading these forums, blogs and participating in the discussions. When they hear and/or see something or someone that they feel will add value to their business they will contact you direct. I know because they've contact me not just here, but on many other sites. The funny thing is I'm often contacted by site administrators for marketing and promoting to much, because some of the members don't like me promoting myself and the Music Industry Connection Book Series, but it comes with the territory. Everyone will not love or like you no matter how great your intentions or how much value you bring to the table.
Anthony, I'm hear to tell you, you are on the right track. Surround yourself around people with positive mental attitudes, read books such as Rich Dad Poor Dad, the Richest Man in Babylon, Think and Grow Rich, the Music Industry Connection Book Series and any other materials that will give you practical information about staying positive and the music business. You'll also want to attend as many music conferences as you can afford. Network whenever you can. Follow up with people you meet online and off.
When I asked Chuck D how do out beat your haters, he smiled and said that's easy "go were your haters want go and do what your haters want do, think globally and act locally."
