jammns

<PREAMBLE>

Compelled by the urgency of my impending end, I write.

Drawn by forces incomprehensible, I begin.

Following my muse, my music and my amusement, I start.

The blackness clears from my darkened sight and I behold the beacon - the shining light 
from a woman whose joy manifests into the real world. The beckoning is irresistible and 
I've resisted it for too long. My own light begins its glowing. Soon it will spread, and
 the transformation will have commenced... to what end? God knows, but cannot tell, until the looking back.

I am inspired to infuse ideas with words, thoughts with form, and emotions with substance. Sound belongs 
somewhere in there, too, for those vibrations are real. The tangible energy that moves us pervades all, 
a force to bind but also explode... 

I gather up courage to ask a question: "Can you help me?"

<DISCUSSION>

It’s a workday morning and we snag a spot in the full-up local bakery.

“Thanks for agreeing to meet with me, Marie.” I begin. “It’s really nice of you to share your business experiences with me.”

“Of course! I’m always happy to talk shop.” she said pleasantly as she sat and then inquired lightly “So how can I help you make a million bucks with music?”

Grinning, I explained “Honestly, the money isn’t the thing. I do well enough with my computer engineering career. I just feel like it’s time to start sharing some of the songs I’ve written.”

Marie said  “That’s good to hear. Because let me tell you this, Joseph: The world is full of music and there are so many people writing so many great songs that it’s a rare thing to turn one into a money-maker.” (see#1A below)

The truth of her statement I’d come to understand long ago and assured her with “Writing is in me. It’s going to happen regardless.” and that got a smile.

Marie talked next about her own personal song-writing , and told me of the creative cycle and how she moves through ups and down with music, songwriting and other artistic pursuits. I segued the discussion back to the business focus.

“But, you’ve built a successful music-based business over the past 10 years. I’m curious, have those personal cycles had any impact there?”

“Not really,” she began. “Fortunately PDX Vox has been growing steadily since it was founded. ” (see “progress” note below). “I think the main reason is the market demand. (#1).  Most people love music and many like to sing, but few have a chance to learn and practice it. By giving people a supportive environment filled with skilled instructors  and fun songs to sing, they can really tap into the joy of a cappella form.”

In essence, she’s just saying ‘Give the people what they want’. That common knowledge has surely been around since trade/commerce/business began!  What I hadn’t thought through, however, was that I am founding a brand-new sole-proprietorship based on what I want to give… I guess a re-thinking of the business model is necessary! Or at least a new perspective on how this business will turn out…

As conversations with creative people generally go, the dialogue flitted among the major themes of life , from the personal (relevant bits about our loved ones such as her husband Dave’s approach to business challenges and how my Dad’s gypsy-like tendencies encouraged me to develop an introspective personality) to the more generic – yet crucial and of vital importance  (there’s this thing called the “internet” and maybe you should use it as a tool, Joseph & clients and customers will pay for a product or service that’s of value to them).

I’m learning it’s wonderful to share. At nearly fifty years old, how can it be I’m just now becoming comfortable doing so? Selfishness , I guess. I’ve written lots of things: poems, short stories, songs, computer code.. To date, I’ve only truly shared those creations that can help me earn money, but that is changing : I’m turning a corner from hording my writing output to shepherding its release into the world… FOR ITS OWN SAKE and mine.

I try to put these things into words during my talk with Marie. I tell her “My personality is rather conservative by nature.” What I mean is that I value my privacy. What I mean is that I have a great of fear of negative judgement. What I mean is that I want to be loved by people.

I spill my secret : “What I really want is to have a song recorded by a superstar!”

To my great delight, she didn’t laugh or balk or sneer – no not one bit. What she did do, I will recall with relish until the day my dream is realized… she cast an introspective glance downward, then looked back up at me and said “Well, I have some contacts in the music industry. Perhaps I can make a connection for you?”  One more green light;  another step forward ; emergence of possibility.

Long after we’d finished our drinks and breakfast treats, Marie looked at her wristwatch: It’s afternoon and how did it get here so soon!?

<GARNERED INSIGHTS>

1. Recognize and Focus on fulfilling the need – the customer’s need! 

   1. Music-making happens for its own sake, rarely for monetary gain.

      1. Keep following the light.

2. People connections  make things happen

3. Use web-based social networking

   1. Start a blog

4. Share your goals

5. Red Lights can be purposefully changed to green with effort (ie convincing people they WANT or NEED your business’s product or service)

6. Progress occurs at varying paces for individuals, but progress in your business should occur at a slow and steady rate.