Books are great, but most people use them the wrong way. The real value in the information within a book comes when you do something with it.
I recommend approaching books by going through them one chapter at a time...and possibly even one sub-chapter or idea at a time. Instead of just reading through everything, when you see an item that you can put into action, stop and write it down.
So let's say you're reading a book like Music Business Success and the section is all about how you can built rapport when meeting people... Instead of just reading through it, or even highlighting it, take out your pen and note pad and actually write the action down.
Each section you read will probably have several action items you can take, so make a list like, "How to Build Rapport When Meeting Somebody" and start listing everything that you can do. The next time you have a meeting or need to make a phone call, you'll be able to pull out that list and go through steps you can take to make everything go smoothly.
Then, when you get to the section on "How to Sell More CDs from the Stage," write down action items to do that. And the next time you're playing a gig, you'll have steps to follow which will allow you to sell more merchandise from the back of the room.
You get the idea...
What you don't want to happen is that you'll finish the book simply knowing more stuff. Knowing things is fine, but it's when knowledge meets action that things really start to happen. And if I had to have one of the other, I'd take action every time.
There are plenty of intelligent musicians who know what they should do, but don't do it...and where do you think those people are? Working dayjobs, living with their parents, and doing things other than making music for a living.
Successful musicians take action.
Books to check out:
Music Business Success: Better Networking Skills and Creativity for Musicians and Songwriters
CD Release Party Strategies: How to Have a Major Label Event on a Shoestring Budget
How I Make $100,000/year in the Music Business (Without a Record Label, Manager, or Booking Agent)
And if you really want to get into writing things down and see how far it will take you, try Music Business Goal Planner (52 Weeks to the Record Deal, Publishing Contract, and Income You Want)
David Hooper is the founder of Kathode Ray Music, an artist
development organization specializing in promotion and marketing
of independent musicians and bands. Visit http://WWW.ROCK-MUSICIANS.COM for more tips and hints for musicians, bands, and
songwriters.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Cavalier Tail Lights – great value great style
- Property Condition Vs. Market Value: the Sellers Guide
- Tobin's Q: Valuing Small Capitalization Companies
- Is My Home Worth More Because I Have a Great View?
- Where to Find Motorcycle Values
- Used Car Prices: Myths And Facts About Web-Based Used Car Values
- Inculcation of Human Values Through Education With the Help of Science and Technology
- Mission, Vision And Values
How To Become A Successful Beat Maker
By: Ron Stephens | 23/12/2009What do you think is a more important characteristic of a successful beat maker or hip hop artist, talent or desire? Do you have talent? Are you good at laying down beats that people love to listen to? Do your friends tell you that you should sell your stuff to a major artist because it sounds so good?
4 Tips for Winning Big in Vegas
By: Kasan Groupe | 23/12/2009Planning a quickie trip to Vegas are we? Well make sure you’re stocked up on plenty of cash so you’ll be prepared to hit up the casino slots when you get there, or better yet the blackjack poker tables. If you want to win big, you’ve got to know the rules of the game and you’ve got to know your odds of winning. Newbies shouldn’t expect to win big their first time there, but with some diligent practice you’ll be pilling in the cash you next trip. Follow my tips before you head off to the slot mac
Getting a cheap and easy plan in making and printing your personal poster
By: David Scott | 23/12/2009You won't need much money if you want personalized posters for your business or to give away as gifts during the holidays. With a little bit of creativity and with some know-how about computers, you can already make a personal poster and either print it on your own or have a printing company do it for you. There are many tips now where you can actually base a cheap and easy plan on how to create your own poster picture without having to sweat or spend too much. Just read on and get to know how.
Zhu Zhu Pets (Hamsters), Illustory Or Handcraft Kits - What You Will Choose For Your Girl?
By: Andre Klein | 23/12/2009For a girl, your daughter, granddaughter or your niece, finding a year gift is not a very trouble-free duty. They have their own favorite dolls and other special toys that they have a unique relationship with, especially when the girls are quite young. It is very difficult for people outside...
Learn to Sing: Voice Training
By: Sarah J. Walthers | 23/12/2009If you want to learn to sing and need to train your voice then this article is for you. A lot of people do not recognize their own voice and some of them are not satisfied with their own voices when they hear their recorded voices. The good thing is,...
Secrets on How to Learn to Sing
By: Sarah J. Walthers | 23/12/2009Learning to sing is never an easy task whether you want to be a professional singer or just want to learn singing as a hobby. Even some of the famous singers nowadays also had their fair share of criticisms from people around them. They were criticized about the songs that...
Prophectic Visions
By: Craig Malone | 23/12/2009A prophetic vision is an act or occurrence that generally forms or reiterates the basis of a prophecy, which itself can best be defined as any clearly indicated prediction of future events.
Tips on How to Learn to Sing Strong
By: Sarah J. Walthers | 23/12/2009If you love singing and want to learn to sing strong, then read through this article and you will learn how. Below are tips on how you learn to sing strong: You can use visualization - There a lot of untrained singers who sing from the bottom of their throat, which...
Do You Have Problems Getting Things Done?
By: David Hooper | 19/09/2005 | Self HelpProblem isn't usually the interruption though...it's the people being interrupted. There is something about most people which makes them feel they should.
The Secret To Long-Term Music Business Income
By: David Hooper | 18/09/2005 | MarketingYou rather make one sale for a one-time $65, or one sale for a monthly subscription at $10 per month? I would rather have the monthly subscription, because after the seventh.
The Press Does Not Owe You Anything!
By: David Hooper | 18/09/2005 | MarketingThat they have to read, review, and consider for inclusion...consider for their readership. Some musicians believe that if they write a press release that is newsworthy, that.
Marketing Lessons From A Las Vegas Hooker
By: David Hooper | 18/09/2005 | MarketingDecided on a few room service options which the hotel catering department didn't provide, if you know what I mean. And while the subject will be titalating to some, there are.
Marketing Lessons From A Las Vegas Strip Club
By: David Hooper | 18/09/2005 | MarketingGo through their biggest music business problems. It was great. The guys in this group are smart and the group came up with some incredible ways for folks to generate.
Audio On The Web - How To Do It With Ease
By: David Hooper | 13/09/2005 | Art & EntertainmentYou? There are usually two reasons: 1. People are scared to giveaway their music because "people don't buy what they get for free." This isn't true and.
Getting More From Books
By: David Hooper | 13/09/2005 | Art & EntertainmentChapter at a time...and possibly even one sub-chapter or idea at a time. Instead of just reading through everything, when you see an item that you can put into action, stop.