Hip Rock Magazine ADVICE
"Investing. It's more than just money!" by Daniel C. Morrison
You're at a venue, giving your all in your performance. Sure, only a few people are there but you feel the magic and drive of why you are writing music and performing and it is extraordinary! When you're done, you wipe the sweat from your brow and head out to meet a few people. Unless you're shy. Unless you head for the dressing room or out to your car or hang by the empty doorway. If so, you missed a huge investment opportunity.
Investing in yourself is the key to every single investment decision. What would make you look good? What would make you feel worthy? What do you think those you admire most would do? How would you want to interact with them?
Truthfully, it all begins in your mind. To put it in more physical terms, take a moment to think about each opportunity that comes your way. If you need money to support yourself you can start with a good sounding demo. That costs money. How about a stack of great sounding EPs of your music? Money. What about a bit of advertising in music magazines, online sites, etc? Money. But you don't have to go that far yet or even stop there. You have a way to get people interested for free. It's called "personality".
You have time for anything you put priority to. If an extra hour a day promoting yourself via social networks, or even way better, out at a live music show just talking to people and handing out business cards is what you need, take the hour away from watching television, playing video games, etc. Spend less time cooking, fewer minutes in the shower, a half hour less sleeping, etc. Get the idea?
Now, with that extra half hour or longer of time you exchanged for your own self promotion, get excited and happy and head out that door to a populated street around music shops. Take five bucks and go to a local show and just mingle with people. Take some time on the internet finding local show promoters or venues and send them a polite message asking if they know of anyone who would be interested in interviewing or reviewing you and your music. Google, The Indie Bible, and even local shops that sell musical equipment can be your best friends.
Investment in yourself is more than just money, it's also about time. It's also considering how you'd like to interact with musicians you admire and be that type of musician. Include compassion for people in general and a more supportive role for all music instead of being fake, taking what you can get and then bailing out. It probably hasn't worked that way so far so change your way.
Now, get out there and invest some quality time in yourself and way less in things that aren't headed in the direction you want to go!
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