What if the circumstances that are preventing you from achieving your impossible dream (or maintaining it) remain the same for the remainder of this year? Would you be ok with that? What if the situations you’ve been putting up with continue? What if you finally realize that the things you’re doing aren’t enough? In other words, what if NOTHING changes?  Whether you’re an artist or an entrepreneur, in order to keep your enterprise moving forward with momentum and velocity, you may have to tie Mr. Procrastination to a tree, lock Ms. Distraction in the closet, tell the Fear & Doubt brothers they’ll have to go, and ask your best friend Confidence to help you stay focused on what really matters. But before you do all that you may want to ask your Self, what really matters?

Regarding your crazy, creative career, what really matters to you?

So we have this large back porch deck that’s completely covered with an open slat pergola. We wanted to get a few estimates on covering the top completely so we could enjoy the deck even in the rain (awesome wife’s idea). So I called a few contractors and gathered a few estimates. Ultimately one guy stood out from the rest. He proceeded to explain two different techniques to build the roof, along with two drastically different prices; really cheap and very expensive. Then I asked, “If this were your house, how would you do it?” He paused for a moment then replied, “Well, there’s the right way and the jackass way. If this were my house, I’d probably do it the jackass way first, then if that didn’t work I’d do it the right way...but that’s just me.” He saw a puzzled look on my face, then offered, “If you do it the jackass way it will probably not leak, but I won’t guarantee it. If you do it the right way I’ll guarantee it.”  So I thought out loud, “gee it doesn’t rain that much in So.Cal...ok let’s try the jackass way!”

The job took about five days to complete and looked great. I paid the guy and the awesome wife went out and bought new patio furniture. Then, about six weeks later it rained. A good strong April shower too. Guess what? IT LEAKED!  So I gave him a call, and he reminded me (with a smirk in his voice), “you had a clear choice from the beginning and you choose the jackass way!”  Believe it or not, I like this guy, so he’s coming back next week to do it the right way.

Need I explain the deeper message here? We always have a clear choice to do it faster and cheaper, OR do it right the first time. Whether it’s a record, book, website or home improvement. And while amateurs are so excited to finish the project and tell all their Facebook friends, they usually miss the mark (that’s why they’re still amateurs). However the extraordinary artist and exceptional CEO will not be rushed. The professional will take however much time and money she needs to get it right...the FIRST time.

Have you ever gone the way of the jackass?

FEAR is the most crippling malady for all artists & entrepreneurs. It hastens doubt, prevents change, stalls growth, clouds choices, dams up the creative flow, stops innovation in its tracks, provokes worthwhile partnerships and joint ventures to crash & burn, and causes both talented artists and experienced CEO’s to “flinch” in the face of a timely decision. It also causes many genius artists to hide in their studios and powerful CEO’s to cower in their offices! As I continue to work with artists & entrepreneurs, here’s what I have found to be their biggest fears:

- What if I make the wrong choice? It could cost me everything!
- What if they find out I’m not worthy?
- I don’t want to disappoint my family.
- What if it all falls apart?
- What if I come off looking small and weak—like a loser?
- What if I don’t make it? What if I do?
- What if we lose our sponsors?
- What if I run out of money?
- What if no one cares?
- What if nothing changes?

We’ve been taught that in the face of fear we only have two options: Fight or Flight. Huh? Really? Only two options to combat the big bad fear beast? How about introducing another choice into the mix: “Fact-Check.” The one thing that usually sends fear running for the hills is truth & facts. Once we are privy to factual information in any situation, whether it’s a business proposition or a health challenge, thereafter it’s always a little easier to proceed with intelligent choices and wise decisions. Make sense?

 You must know that as I write this I’m talking to myself. That’s why I have these words tattooed backwards on my forehead so that I see them in the mirror every morning: “React to the FACTS not the FEAR.”

What’s your method of dealing with fear?

The awesome wife has this thing about pushing through the barriers no matter what—doesn’t matter if they’re material or emotional. Her philosophy: “don’t think, just go!” Best analogy I can think of is the time we were visiting friends who live behind those big opulent estate gates that you need a pass code to get in. The car in front of us had already passed through, and the gate was just beginning to close when the awesome wife insisted, “Go! Go! Go!” While I was flooring it, I’m thinking, “Huh? what if the gate closes on us?” Another time just recently, I was offered an opportunity to lead a seminar back east for a group of showbiz entrepreneurs. While I was questioning & doubting if I should do it or not, T.A.W. came up and whispered in my ear “Go! Go! Go!” It’s like when the window opens, jump! And when the big opulent estate gates of opportunity swing wide and invite you in, “GUN IT!”

When was the last time you put the pedal to the metal?

Most of the artists & entrepreneurs I consult with, who have been in the game a long time, are the ones having the most difficulty altering their methods, changing their style and adapting to the marketing strategies of the new techno world. That’s because they keep doing the same things they’ve always done, that have always worked, made many of them rich, and got them to where they are today. Now they’re hope’n & pray’n that they still have that “o’l magic” to get them through these tough economic times. What they forgot is that it never was “magic” that got them where they are. It was their courage to take uncertain risks and make unproven decisions. It was their willingness to make personal sacrifices and work hard...really hard. And it was their ability to create something from nothing, with abandon, like they had nothing to lose. The difference now is, they’ve got something to lose, something at stake—their families, kids, college tuition and comfy lifestyle.

“So why does my genius fail me now?” they ask. Cause they’re stuck in an old worn out belief system that says the problems they have today can be solved by using yesterday’s solutions. They’re misguided that the genius promotions and brilliant marketing strategies that worked so well in the past will somehow get them through these challenging times. Truth is, there ainʼt no “getʼn thru” these challenging times by using the old worn out methods of a bygone era. These challenging times are not temporary and they’re not pausing so we can take a breath and gather our thoughts. The only way a self-made artist or an incumbent entrepreneur can make it today is to rethink, redesign, reinvent and recreate their entire business strategy—with trusted intelligence, not clever foxiness; and with humility and transparency, not craftiness and cunning.

Problem is, you can’t develop the art without first developing the artist. And you can’t transform the company without first transforming the CEO. Therein lies the rub, and therein lies the reason why incumbents rarely invent the future.

Are you "inventing" your future?

Inside The Box: where the “known” lives.
Outside The Box: where “uncertainty” lurks.

Inside The Box: the “right way to go.”
Outside The Box: frowned upon by the others.   

Inside The Box: common sense at work.
Outside The Box: nonsense at play.

Inside The Box: withheld expression.
Outside The Box: full self-expression.

Inside The Box: requires conformity.
Outside The Box: requires courage.

Inside The Box: incarcerated.
Outside The Box: liberated.

Inside The Box: where the Caterpillar dwells.
Outside The Box: where the Butterfly soars.

While others insist on “tried & true,” artist & entrepreneurs get anxious and antsy when confined to any kind of regular routine. And while it’s the destiny of the others to maintain the status quo, it’s the destiny of artist & entrepreneurs to climb out of the box and report back to us what they find—through their lyrics, screenplays, art, books, music, movies, websites and extraordinary products and services.

So, are you in or out?

Back in the days when I was running my Corp, my partner was the anchor and I was always the one standing up in the boat. When someone stands up in the boat everyone else shouts, “Sit down, you’re rocking the boat!” Why? Because when the boat is rocked in any company, Corp or creative project, people have to  “snap out of it” and start doing things. And when things start happening choices and decisions have to be made. And when decisions are made, forward motion accelerates and often, extraordinary results get produced. If your company, Corp or creative project is just cruising along in still waters, waiting for something to happen, perhaps it’s time to stand up in the boat!

What could happen if you rocked your boat?

You’re Dream’n if you think the entertainment industry is going to suddenly stop, turn around and high-tail-it back the other way—the way it used to be.
You’re Smart if you realize that there are more opportunities for creating, promoting and distributing your art & commerce then ever before in the history of showbiz.

You’re Dream’n if you think social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest are merely distractions to getting the real work done.
You’re Smart if you realize that social networking is exactly what’s wanted and needed (at this time in our evolution), in order to bring together like-minded people to create, share and manifest extraordinary art and jaw-dropping products and services. You’re also smart if you’ve started taking advantage of those SN opportunities.

You’re Dream’n if you’re waiting for the fast moving technology train to slow down so that you can finally catch up with everyone else.
You’re Smart if you realize that the exponential growth of technology is not going to slow down in our lifetime, in fact it’s going to speed up. And the best time to jump on the train is now—from where ever you are and wherever the train is.

You’re also smart if you realize that you’re not alone. That many artists, entrepreneurs, CEO’s and creative innovators are running the same sprint, racing to catch up with the same speeding train.

And you’re really smart if you calm down about the rapidly changing technology, take a few deep breaths, and proceed with intelligent, researched choices and decisions regarding the future exploitation of your art & commerce.

I was 29 when I started Music Connection magazine. 0-money, 0-experience. I couldn’t PROVE to anybody that MC was going to work. But I could KNOW it. I was holding it in my hands and reading it in my mind before I ever committed to actually doing it. Just like a songwriter hears the music in her head before she ever writes it down. Just like the Wright brothers couldn’t PROVE that their cockamamie idea of flying machines would work. But they could KNOW it. You may not be able to PROVE to investors, producers, agents, managers, staff or even friends and family that your crazy, genius idea will work. But you can KNOW it. And the manner in which you articulate that KNOWING may be the only convincing “pitch” that sells it.

What is it that you KNOW but you can't prove?

Basketball players know what I’m talking about. You can see it in their eyes at the very end of the game—win or lose isn’t the question. In the mire of sweat and exhaustion they have a deeper concern: “Did I leave everything on the court?” “Am I walking out of the arena with no fight left in me, with nothing left to give?”

Entrepreneurs know what I’m talking about because they ask the deeper questions all day long: “Am I really leading my team in the right direction?” “Am I doing everything I can to empower my staff?” “Am I making the best decisions for my company?”  “What more can I do for my customers?”

You know exactly what I’m talking about. Those private thoughts that slowly begin to percolate at the end of a long day in the studio or at the office. Those concealed concerns that bubble up directly from the soul: “What am I doing?” “Am I doing the right thing?” “Am I headed in the right direction?”  “Am I doing my best work?”

And while the amateur asks, “Did they like me today?” The pro asks, “Did I give them everything I had?”

Footnote: As I was writing this, the bugger that kept nudging me was, “it’s not about the deeper concealed concerns, it’s really about the deeper truth that’s revealed by simply asking the questions.”

Any way you calculate it, the accountant between your ears can be as loud as a 600W Marshall Stack, and the concerns about money can quickly drown out the whisper of your Creative Muse. Doesn’t matter if you don’t have much and want more; had it then lost it; or have it, and struggle to keep it. Truth is, the “money beast” can overpower and choke the flow of pure creativity, which is the life-blood of all artists & entrepreneurs.

I asked my good friend Jim for his opinion. Dr. Jim Gottfurcht is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist who specializes in the psychology of money and relationships. For years we have grappled, argued, arm-wrestled and disagreed about every subject you can imagine (he with his psychological point of view, and me with my philosophical one). Makes for lively dinner conversations! However when it comes to the “psychology of money,” I respect his expertise very much. Here’s Dr. Jim’s psychological take on why it’s challenging to access your Creative Muse, while you’re being eaten alive by the Money Beast:

“When you are plagued by $ problems, it usually means you are experiencing worry, stress, anxiety, fear, etc.  When these emotions run through your body, your “primitive brain” takes over and becomes dominant, and survival becomes imperative. Your ability to use the neo-cortex part of your brain is greatly diminished so you cannot think clearly or gain access to your natural creativity. To access your creativity, you must first calm down your primitive, fearful brain. Once the primitive brain calms down, the natural flow of creative intuition and inspiration is once again available.”

So what’s the magic trick to calm the primitive brain?
You should know the drill by now: Meditation, yoga, chanting, deep breathing, massage, aerobic exercise, being in nature, laughter, spirituality, wild crazy sex, swimming in the cold Pacific Ocean, and eating spaghetti!

What’s YOUR method of silencing the “Money Beast” and accessing your Creative Muse?

Big thanks to my buddy Jim. Here’s his contact info:
Dr. James W. Gottfurcht, Ph. D.
President, Psychology of Money Consultants
Site: www.psychologyofmoney.com
Email: psychmoney@aol.com

We have finally arrived at a time when the truth is sexier than the hype. Especially these digital days when everything is so transparent—when we can instantly discover the dark side about you, your product and your art. Back in the day, when hype was king, it took a costly P.R. firm and a million-dollar advertising agency to hide that darkness, and convince us that your product was exactly what we needed. And convince us you did! Now we can discover the truth on our own. And discover it we will!

The pitfall: Attempting to use “pseudo” humility as a marketing ploy to hype your work. We’ll see through that too!

Staying Power is real power. Why? Because it proves to us that you’re reliable and that you’re in it for the long haul, not just the quick take. It shows us that you’re committed to keeping us as fans, readers, followers and customers, and that you’ll do anything to make it right for us—to make it great for us—to give us such an extraordinary experience that we simply must share it, spread it, and push it out there.

However, while your marketing team (or your partner) is trying to figure out how to sell it, someone has to be in the studio or down the hall re-inventing, re-writing, re-working and improving it—and developing future releases. Why? Because you happen to be an artist, an entrepreneur, alive on the planet at a time when your fans, your followers and your customers are now anticipating a constant stream of superior products, outrageous service and awesome entertainment. And if you don’t give it to them, they have the entire world in the palm of their hand where they can find it. And find it they will.

If you expect your tribe to continually re-experience your art and spread the word, then you need to provide them with a consistent flow of quality work that matters.

You are in this for the long haul, right?

In the Cameron Crow film We Bought A Zoo, Matt Damon’s character has lived a (challenging) life with one credo: “All it takes is 20-Seconds of Insane Courage.” And that’s the one line in the script that stayed with me long after I left the theater, because it’s so incredibly potent.

Entrepreneurs need to drum up 20-seconds of insane courage just before they launch a new product or offer a new service to their customers. Composers need it just before they hand over the final film score to an anticipating director. A writer needs that same courage when he submits the final manuscript (after months of re-writes), and photographers, painters and designers need it when they’re about to present their completed work. An actor certainly needs courage when she reads in front of a critical casting group (especially at the final “call back”), and we all need that 20-seconds of insane courage just before we have to admit we were wrong, made a mistake, or really screwed up.

It takes a courageous character to “choose” the life of an artist or entrepreneur, especially when you know the paycheck may not be steady and your best creative work may be rejected. However, the truth is, when that moment of “do or die” finally arrives, all we really need is 20-Seconds of Insane Courage to knock fear on its ass and send uncertainty scream’n for the exit!

Anyone can muster up 0:20-Seconds of Insane Courage, right?

(If you’d like, go ahead and grab my original artwork and super-glue it to the wall of your creative space!)

The awesome wife and I like to walk. One day we came across a section of the sidewalk that was broken. What broke the cement you ask? Grass! Growing right out of center of the sidewalk! How does a skinny little blade of grass break through the physics of solid cement? I think we learned this in the 10th grade but I must have ditched school that day. Awesome wife, being the awesome nurse that she is, confidently proclaimed that grass must have sunlight to survive. Therefore, somewhere hidden deep in the quantum cellular DNA of grass, there are a billion little grass cells that don’t know they can’t break through cement. All they know is they must have sunlight or die. In fact, if you ask the grass it would say, “what cement?” With great commitment, intention, determination, passion and bust-ass work, a little puny blade of grass develops a "samurai" attitude and breaks through all the rules, realities and proven scientific physics of cement, and ultimately reaches its impossible dream, The Golden Sun!

So if a puny little blade of grass can break through impossible barriers, what big cement barrier is in the way of your impossible dream—that your commitment, intention, passion and bust-ass work, can’t possibly break through?

As the tale goes, Hemingway once wrote a story in just six words and called it his best work: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” It’s not an original idea, however I thought I’d give it a new spin and ask my crazy, genius readers to tell their story, actually their “impossible dream” in a 6-word manifesto. So give it a try. Keep in mind, the value is in the angst of the process not the glory of the result.

I was sitting at Coffee Bean with a client who is a very successful P.R. person, and we were discussing her “willingness” to do what ever it takes to grow her company and expand her client roster. Finally I suggested that a conversation about what she was “unwilling” to do could be more interesting and valuable. At that point there was a pause the size of the Grand Canyon, and the dialog immediately shifted to the land of resistance and denial—which led to this question: What are you “unwilling” to do to forward your art or enterprise?

 Are you unwilling to be the one to “step up” and resolve any communication breakdowns or personal/business conflicts with your partners, team, clients, band mates or board members that may be stalling or stopping the progress of your project?

Are you unwilling to relax your tight grip on the way things were, and begin to embrace the way things are—especially with regard to technology?

Are you unwilling to give up being so desperately right about so many things— which only cause your artistic projects and entrepreneurial ventures to lose traction, fall behind and stress you out?

 Are you unwilling to give up “guessing” and “self-diagnosing” on matters that only an (outside) expert should address? Especially during these challenging economic times when accuracy, productivity and efficiency are so vital.

 Are you unwilling to put at risk who you are for who you could become, even if it meant starting over?

So easy to proclaim what we’re willing to do. So uncomfortable to confront what we’re not.

 What are you "unwilling" to do to advance your art or enterprise?

I stand humbled in front of the artist who faces the challenges of money, time and responsibility, yet still refuses to give up on her impossible dream. I bow in respect to the entrepreneur who risks it all just to forward his company one more foot closer to the goal, and I salute the creative person who doesn’t “flinch” in the face of doubt, resistance, fear and uncertainty. Others can’t appreciate the barenaked courage it takes to put your ass on the line and step in front of a billion, self-proclaimed critics around the globe and give your acceptance speech, all waiting eagerly for you to blow it. And most scowl with snide skepticism when a nervous CEO, with a quivering tummy, puts her ass on the line and tries to explain why the company will have to “cut back” this quarter. Still others allow the distractions of a noisy, crowded bar to pull focus from the fledgling songwriter who puts his ass on the line and steps up to the mic to sing his newest offering...with heart pounding and knees knocking.

Oscar winning Actor, Michael Cain said: “Artists are like ducks, calm on the surface, and paddling like the dickens underneath!” And he’s right. Sure you can complain that some are rich and famous, “what do they have to worry about?” If you’re a pro, you know the answer to that, Plenty! While YOU may be battling to get there, THEY are battling to stay there. Doesn’t matter if it’s Clooney, Scorsese or Adele, they hear the same critical voices in their heads as you do. And that skirmish always takes place on the inner battlefield. Whether you’re a composer or a CEO, you both confront the same demons of doubt, fear and ego every single day of your career. And it will never stop—from your very first gig to your final farewell tour.

To me these are the real heros, who against perilous odds, commit to entertain us with their extraordinary talent, touch us with their inspiring screenplays, move us with their awesome music, provoke us to take action with their motivating books, blow us away with their jaw-dropping technology, and stun us with their stratospheric success. And why we need to constantly tear them down, invade their privacy, expose their frailties, and attempt to break their spirit, is beyond me.

Behind every artistic triumph and entrepreneurial success was a woman or a man who put their ass on the line and stood up to an exhausting “internal” struggle. And when they found the courage to “battle-down” the demon between their ears, it became their amazing story. Those who paused, flinched or choked, were doomed to be lost in the ethos. Until of course, they find the courage to put their ass on the line again...and again...and again...

You’re not alone. Many clients come to me after the record is made, the script is written, the site is launched or the business is up-and-running and ask, “Now what? How can I get my awesome, worthwhile project in front of millions of people?” At that point we work together (often against the clock) to create an aggressive, strategic (internet) marketing plan, OR begin to assemble the right team of pros and experts in order to achieve the intended results. However don’t you agree that that’s like cooking all the food in the restaurant before the customers are seated at the table? At a time when we have the entire known universe in the palm of our hand, along with the opportunity to connect with fans and customers across the country and around the world, not to mention more marketing options then ever before in the history of trade, you’d think we’d really want to allocate a little time each day to click around the Net and learn how others are brilliantly marketing their products and services. After all, the “others” have the same concerns and doubts that you do. And the truth is, while some are still resisting Apples & Androids, many have begun to figure out that the new world of “techno-marketing” is not only a very user-friendly one, it’s also very effective in getting your worthwhile work into the hands of the people that matter.

Seth Godin: Sliced bread and other marketing delights

In the old world, the big impossible dream was to make a record, get it into the hands of an A&R person, fasten your seatbelt and “hopefully” blast off to the stars. Today the chances of that happening are non-existent because that o’l worn out, antique formula has reluctantly retired. Besides, the result of that illusion left too many great artists frustrated, angry and broke. In the new world, the big impossible dream is a much smarter one: quit your day job and make a decent living doing your art full time—for the rest of your life! If your ship blasts to the stars that’s great, but if it doesn’t, you’ll still be very content raising your family, buying your house and living the life of a crazy, genius artist. The chances of this impossible dream working out are very, very good—so long as you simply follow your brain instead of your ego. Here’s the new formula: work smarter and grow slower. It’s no longer about getting rich quick; it’s about creating great art, and building a career that lasts a lifetime.

“Well, we're scared, but we ain't shakin'
Kinda bent, but we ain't breakin' in the long run,
Ooh, I want to tell you, it's a long run”
—The Eagles

I love watching (and critiquing) the Grammys, and like many of you, I’ve been fortunate to be invited to the ceremony many times over the years. This year’s show was obviously the most anticipated because of the devastating, sad passing of Whitney Houston. However, the following is one of the many behind-the-scenes stories that folks shared with me over the weekend—one that didn’t make it to the front page of HUFFPO or the prime time of CNN.

Imagine the scene at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on the day before the Grammys. It’s only 19 hours until show time and the giant indoor arena is now filled with hundreds of production workers in a melee of organized chaos: lighting crews, grips, sound engineers, camera operators, set carpenters, painters, choreographers, costumers, etc. Plus, scripts are getting the final edits, teleprompters are being tested, camera angles are being set, cues from audio techs are getting locked in, and artists are right in the middle of rehearsing and perfecting their precious 3-minute segment. Nothing but excitement and enthusiasm fills the room.

Suddenly the news about Whitney begins to spread through the entire arena and the mood quickly changes. First question on every ones mind, “how will this affect the show?” (Of course across town there’s another drama unfolding at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, which is being broadcast on nearly every network.) However at the Staples Center the big question still remains, “how is this going to affect a LIVE telecast with 25 million viewers?” At this point the CBS suits and the Grammy brass collide (behind closed doors, away from the press) on what to do next. The big question: “How do we insert a heartful and acceptable “tribute” to Whitney into an already tight schedule, without offending anyone or concerning the advertisers at this late date? Plus, they were missing the reliable proven leadership of John Cossette who produced the previous 20 Grammy telecasts, and sadly passed away earlier this year.
 
So who did they turn to when the challenge got big and the risks got huge? The “Creatives” that’s who! The writers, performers, musicians, sound engineers, designers, editors, producers, programmers, etc. They were the ones who had to work together (through the night) to re-write, re-light, re-direct, re-time and re-invent the broadcast to accommodate the sudden challenge of the tragedy. Thank God for the talented, creative artists, because the VP’s, CEO’s, financiers, advertisers and investors cannot produce a movie, a record, a book, a television commercial, or a Grammy telecast without them.

But that’s what the “creative pros” in this business do. When the challenges arise, the first thing they naturally do is access the field of ALL possibilities. It’s in the DNA of all creative types; they live for this kind of moment! Those that don’t understand call it “winging it,” but it’s not that at all. It’s really innovation at its best. Turning dross into gold, lemons into lemonade. If there were a rule book for these sorts of calamities, the suits would surely follow it. But there’s not. It was the creative, crazy geniuses (many employed by both the Grammy organization and CBS television, and many of whom are my readers), who had to pull a rabbit out of a hat on Sunday. And given the unique emotional circumstances, I think they pulled it off beautifully.

Isn’t this why we’re attracted to this business in the first place? Because deep down inside we thrive on the risks, the uncertainty, the pure creativity. Heck, to the pro artist & entrepreneur EVERYDAY is a Live TV show! That’s why it’s good to remind each other every so often, that as artists & entrepreneurs, when a huge challenge suddenly steps out on to the path in front you, (whether it’s suddenly re-writing a live 3-hour TV show, or figuring out how to pay your rent), you have the gift of creativity and invention. And while others frantically search for an imaginary rule book, the pro artist & entrepreneur confidently uses imagination, ingenuity and intuition to access the field of all possibilities.

Think about that the next time you or your impossible projects are faced with unexpected calamity.

“What if someone steals my idea, or launches a similar competitive site, or they write, record or create superior art?” I hear those worries from my clients all the time—from film composers to CEO’s. It’s a troubling trap to compare your place in the race with others. That’s why they put blinders on racehorses—so they’re not distracted by the competition, and they can focus on the finish line. Some artists & entrepreneurs I work with spend sleepless nights worrying about the competition and fretting about the future, when they should be envisioning, imagining and inventing ways to better serve their customers and fans, with outrageous products and jaw dropping art. Your enemy is not the competition. The real enemies are indecision & uncertainty, which is the result of losing the battle to doubt & fear. And doubt & fear are what keeps every crazy, genius A&E tossing and turning all night. Right? The best hedge against the competition is to wear permanent “blinders,” and the best way to gain the racer’s edge is to use focused intelligence.

No Way No How, will I allow the pettiness of a fallen industry to influence my creative career or rob me of my impossible dreams.

No Way No How, will I allow the constraints of money (either the struggle of making it, or the fear of losing it) to steal away my creative energy and distract me from my mission.

No Way No How, will I allow an antique group of “technophobic” marketers, old-time promoters and egoic managers to direct my future and rep my brand.

 No Way No How, will I allow gossip, rumors and hearsay to guide my choices and influence my decisions.

No Way No How, will I allow the Devil of Doubt or the Demon of Procrastination to stall or stop my worthwhile projects.

I'm a dedicated artist and a committed entrepreneur and nothing will stop me from expressing and manifesting my ideas, inventions, innovations and art!

“The world's mine oyster, which I with sword will open.”
—Shakesphere’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, Act II, Scene II.

In the 33 years I was CEO of Music Connection we interviewed thousands of the most successful artists & entrepreneurs in the world. And the common denominator that always bubbled up to the top, was that most successful A&E's are in it because they don’t have a choice, they have to do it, it’s about the “mission” not the money. Given today’s challenging economy, now is the perfect time to make intelligent choices regarding your spending, reduce your debt, and put your attention on making your impossible "mission" a reality. Screw what you don’t have and instead focus on what outrageous, fantastic, irresistible art, products and services you can produce that will benefit and contribute to everybody, instead of just making you rich! Do that and your customers and fans will be banging down the door clamoring for more!

I first found out I was crazy when I discovered I couldn’t stop the constant stream of impossible dreams, crazy fantasies and unlimited possibilities frolicking around between my ears. It began when Sister Thomas Francis dragged me out of math class, marched me down the hall to an all girls’ English lit class and insisted I stand in front of the room and read the Kipling poem, Gunga Din in my best English accent. (She overheard me singing Beatle songs (with an English accent) in the cafeteria and was impressed.) I loved it! After that incident, my confidence kicked up a notch. I joined a theater group, started a rock band, accepted my dads offer to work in the movie studios, and thus sealed my destiny in showbiz forever. And out of that excitement and enthusiasm about knowing exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life the download began; a relentless stream of crazy ideas, outrageous desires and impossible dreams that has never stopped.
 
Same thing happened to you (and all artists & entrepreneurs). Perhaps not inspired by the great Rudyard Kipling, but something profoundly influenced your destiny way back in the day—a song, a movie, a book, a teacher, an incident, that changed everything and opened the unceasing floodgates of unlimited possibilities. From the moment you (inwardly) committed to an independent, entrepreneurial life of creativity, the download began. A free-flowing, non-stop stream of ideas, thoughts, inspirations, brainstorms, videos, music, rhymes, lyrics, beats, money-making schemes, frightening visions of the future, light bulbs over the head and sudden bursts of intuition delivered directly from the divine field of all possibilities—that has never stopped and never will. Others may view it as scattered and unfocused. That’s because they don’t get it! They’re the ones who ask, “where did you get that idea?” How did you come up with those lyrics?” What possessed you to start your own business?”  You’re crazy because while others struggle for the right answers, you’re content living in a world of endless possibilities, and people just don’t get that. Not even your therapist gets it—unless she’s crazy too! The truth is, only other crazy artists & entrepreneurs really understand.
 
You’re crazy because deep down inside, you know that being an artist, an entrepreneur, is much more than a simple calling or a chosen vocation. It’s in fact, a never-ending “monster mission” that must be pursued with ruthless intention, rigorous enthusiasm, reckless abandon, and too often, irresponsibility. It’s a life that was independently chosen—by you, and it’s impossible for you to be whole or complete doing anything else.
 
Being an artist or an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you’re better, smarter, funnier, prettier, wiser or richer. It just means that you chose the way of the lone pioneer. And while others believe that politicians lead the way, it’s really the artists and entrepreneurs of the world that we all look up to, admire, praise, emulate and follow.
 
Stop questioning and doubting your sanity, and finally give yourself permission to be the crazy, creative genius that you are—no matter what others think! You’ve been granted the gift of independent thinking and an unstoppable flood of innovative ideas. And the only thing missing, that may be preventing you from realizing more of the fruits of your creative endeavors, are courage and confidence. The courage to go after your impossible dreams and the confidence to believe you'll succeed.
 

"Tho' I've belted you and flayed you,
 By the livin' Gawd that made you,
 You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!"
— Rudyard Kipling

Used to be “trickle down coercion” was what motivated us to spend money and buy stuff. We were force-fed mega advertising from the top down until we finally gave in and bought the product; whether it was a lame record or a Ford Explorer. Not anymore. Now it goes the other way...from the bottom UP!

Thanks to Internet transparency, the concept of “truth in advertising” has finally become a reality. And if your followers, fans and loyal tribe of customers discover that your product or service is absolutely jaw-dropping, then they will spread the word faster than a 30-second media spot. Truth is, if you’re not stomping all over the old, worn out, antique methods of marketing your products and promoting your art, and if you, as the leader of your world, are not willing to transform your thinking from “what’s in it for me,” to “what’s in it for all,” then you’re going to always be barely making it, and forever struggling to keep up.   

If you want to make a decent living selling your art, you need to focus your energy on dancing with your devotees. 

Your thoughts?