Entrepreneurship is not an easy task. Being a musician is not an easy task either. To be successful in any industry, there are various go-to methods that an individual needs to analyze to truly grasp what it takes to make their dreams come true. In this article, we will discuss the tips and tricks that musicians can learn from entrepreneurs.
Mindset
Entrepreneurs usually have the direct opposite mentality when compared to employees. Employees work for other people, while other people work for entrepreneurs. Most artists will spend most of their lives going after a common goal – a record deal. Yet, a record deal implies that the artist needs to work extremely hard, build a profitable, engaged and large fan base, then give the controls to the label that agrees to host the artist. Afterward, the artist usually ends up handing back a big chunk of the revenue to the label.
What to do then?
You can make a decision and persistently decline all those mouth-gobbling label deals and remain an independent artist. You are the sole proprietor in control of your profitable fan base. You can still decide to team up with others and even come out as a winner, but in that case, a big chunk of your revenue is going to be directed at a personalized team that you should most definitely treat like family. When independent, all the rights to everything you have created remain yours. Here is an interesting article on signing a deal with record labels.
Be As Consistent As Possible
Bruce Springsteen has a great quote on consistency, “Getting an audience is hard. Sustaining an audience is hard. It demands a consistency of thought, of purpose, and of action over a long period of time.”
We have to agree with Bruce. All entrepreneurs have a work ethic that has one big backbone – consistency. There will always be ups and downs in your career, regardless of the high level of execution you displayed. There exists no nirvana that does not come with a set of challenges. Face those challenges with consistency, be consistent about your work, always deliver, and you will see results flowing in like butter. That way, you will continually be growing and learning from your mistakes. Otherwise, if you don’t work consistently and don’t learn from your mistakes, you might stay stuck in one place over a prolonged period until you radically change your approach.
Have Long-Term Goals
Regarding long term goals, Confucius once said, “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” Yes, you can have grandiose goals and have the work ethic to reach them. Clearly defined long-term goals are vital for becoming great in a world where normal is not accepted nor enough anymore. You should be ruthlessly committed to your goals, constantly thinking about them, writing out how you plan on achieving them, and follow through with your plan until the end.
Entrepreneurs don’t try to make money in a matter of days. They look to invest their assets in businesses over periods of four, six, and even ten years before expecting profitable returns. Your mindset should be like that of an entrepreneur. Write down your goals, really think about them, and write down exactly how you are going to achieve them. Don’t look for shortcuts or easy ways to get millions of followers. Don’t wait for someone to open up an opportunity for you. Take your future into your own hands, and do it!
Farewell Thoughts
Today’s world is evolving at an extremely fast pace. The industry is becoming more accessible to everyone thanks to the internet and the digitalization of the world; anyone can become a star. Entrepreneurs are people that musicians can look up to, they are people who take their future into their own hands, and at the same time, if they fail, they take full-responsibility for their failures. Have long-term goals, change your mindset, and be as consistent as possible to achieve your objectives. Nothing is impossible in this day and age; everything is in your hands.
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