(Don't)
PLAY BY THE RULESI
was walking on campus today back from our weekly gig at the University of Texas'
South Mall, when I heard a member of the Young Conservatives of Texas speak. March
2nd is Texas Independence Day and so this fellow was preaching that if you work
hard and play by the rules you too can lead a good life. Maybe
it's the skeptic in me, but it made me think, "What a bunch of crock!" Most people,
including most musicians, work hard and play by the rules, but did you know that
Americans carry, on average, $5,800 in credit card debt from month to month. Well
I ask you, what kind of life is that when a huge majority of country is in unprofitable
debt? But
I've been reading books like "Rich
Dad, Poor Dad" recently, in an attempt to learn music business and finance
skills from people who make millions. Do they follow the rules? Yes...sorta. The
questions that came to me as I walked by the Young Conservatives were, "Who makes
the rules?" and "Are we following the Right rules?" That's
really the key that many successful business people learn. It's not a matter of
are you following the rules. It's are you following the Right rules?
You see, our community is filled with rules on what you can't do, but there are
also tons of rules that say what you can do, but most people don't know what they
are. Taxes
are a great example. The average musician might not deduct things like car travel
to and from gigs, or the cost of their picks, because they may not know that they
can. The
same goes with promotion. Just because you're on MP3.com and get a dozen emails
from other musicians in a form letter saying, "play my song", does not mean that
you should put together your own form letter and spam thousands of musicians. Or
just because most musicians do their best to attract the attention of a Major
label A&R or even the President, does not mean you shouldn't schmooze with the
secretary. The
point is know the rules, but then look beyond them. The rules are a guide. They
are not etched in stone. Break the rules. Do what others are NOT doing and you
will do a better of job standing out in the crowd.
Bard Marc Gunn
of the Brobdingnagian Bards has helped 1000's of musicians make money
with their musical groups through the Bards Crier Music Marketing
and Promotion Ezine and the Texas Musicians' Texas Music Biz Tips.
Now you can get personal advice by visiting http://www.bardscrier.com
for FREE "how-to" music marketing assistance.
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