Songwriting Pro is a community for songwriters who are ready to WRITE like a pro, DO BUSINESS like a pro and CONNECT to pros. Hundreds of songwriters from all over the world use Songwriting Pro to get their songs in front of music industry professionals, find collaborators and gain real-world, real-time knowlege about the music business. We'd love to have you join us... so what are you waiting for? Join today!
Tips & Resources by Brent Baxter, Team SWPro on December 23, 2019
Not all music business wisdom comes from people in the music industry.
I have a little bit of a business background. I went to college at Arkansas State and majored in Human Resources. Then I stuck around and got my Masters in Business Administration (MBA). So while I never wanted to work in a cubicle... which I eventually did, anyway... and hope never to again... I’ve always tried to look at professional songwriting as a business. Because it IS a business, whether we like it or not.
On the latest episode of The C.L.I.M.B. Show, I share some foundational advice about business and mindset that has helped me to be a happier, more successful songwriter. And I think it can do the same for you.
If you want to hear the full episode, just click the “play” button at the bottom of this post.
Here are some of the key takeaways from this episode:
Tim Ferriss, author of “The 4-Hour Workweek”:
“Being busy is most often used as a guise for avoiding the few critically important but uncomfortable actions.” Are you checking email or social media for the umpteenth time time because, deep down, you're avoiding something you know you need to do? It's a real thing, and we all have to deal with it.
“Being busy is a form of laziness - lazy thinking and indiscriminate action. Lack of time is actually lack of priorities.” When you're not sure exactly what to do... it's often easier just to do ANYTHING. Brain work is hard work, but it's so valuable.
Peter Drucker, management expert:
“What gets measured gets managed.” In other works, what you pay attention to and measure... that's what you tend to focus on and work on. Are you measuring your songwriting progress or work? Are you tracking how many days a week you write? Are you tracking how many days a month you do networking work? If you can't tell me how much of either you did over the past month... you probably didn't do that much. Start measuring to start managing.
Greg McKeown, author of “Essentialism”:
“To operate at your highest level of contribution requires that you deliberately tune in to what is important in the here and now.” Again, don't be busy just for the sake of being busy. You want to be effective, not busy. Busy does NOT equal success.
“We need space in order to discern the essential few from the trivial many.” Again with the brain work. As long as you're busy being busy, it's really hard to discern what is your most important next task or project or song.
Michael Hyatt, author of “Living Forward”:
“What does this make possible?” This question is a life-changer. When something happens that feels like a failure or an obstacle in your path (it's gonna happen), turn it into a positive by asking, "what does this make possible." It turns your attention from the closed door to the open window, and that's critical for songwriting success.
John Maxwell, author of “Beyond Talent”:
“It is much easier to move from failure to success than it is from excuses to success.” Truth. Stop making excuses. Start making progress.
“The key choices you make - apart from the natural talent you have - will set you apart from others who have talent alone.” In cities like Nashville, talent is common. So how do you set yourself apart? By the choices you make. So make wise ones.
Steven Pressfield “The War of Art”:
Everything in the book. The whole dang thing. I'm not even kidding.
If you want to hear the FULL discussion, you can listen to the episode down below.
Getting the right advice at the right time can be a career-jumpstart. It’s done it for me, and I’d love to help you along your journey, too.
In January and February of 2020, I’m hosting an online Songwriting Coaching Series. This will be a mix of several group coaching sessions and private coaching sessions. You’ll get feedback on your songs, ask your questions about the music business (and get answers), and connect with other aspiring songwriters. And it’s all online, so you can join us from anywhere in the world. The deadline to join is Thursday, January 2, 2020. That's coming right up, so don't miss out!
CLICK HERE TO GET ALL THE DETAILS AND JOIN THE EVENT.
God bless,
Brent
PS- Thanks for stopping by Songwriting Pro! I appreciate it. As a matter of fact, I want to give you a special little something just for your visit. It's my FREE ebook "Think Like A Pro Songwriter," and it reveals valuable I-learned-it-the-hard-way-so-you-don't-have-to tips to help you succeed at the art, craft and business of songwriting. You can download it at www.GiftFromBrent.com.
