This was and is my first business and first love. I have worked long days and nights over the last year and have only in the last year started to share responsibilities and only allow myself to interact with you musicians. I love that part the most. In any case, it wasn’t always like this as there are many things I didn’t know about when I jumped into business. Here are 15.

1. Activity isn’t progress, and isn’t always productive.

2. Don’t do the boring stuff. Share it with your staff so they can do it (because they don’t find it boring).

3.  Get their e-mail. Provide them huge value.

4. Emulate, don’t imitate. Model, don’t copy.

5. If they want you, they’ll find you. No need to go find them.

6. Forget about publicists. Create enough success stories to attract publicity naturally.

7. The major source of income is ideas.

8. Don’t be stuck behind a desk. Take a walk. That’s where the best ideas come from. (Learned from Sol) 

9. Integrity wins in business. Live and work from integrity and the profit will take care of itself.

10. State your fee confidently and don’t doubt.

11. The map is not the territory. (Credit: Topher Morrison) 

12. Don’t talk too much. Listen more.

13. Writing is the essence of business success. Keep a journal.

14. Make yourself incredibly clear in communication. This minimizes pointless enquiries.

15. Become one of the few experts in your field as fast as you can. 

This is about music business. In an upcoming post, I’ll share a few things I wish I knew before I got started as a musician.

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