My career began like many others, in a low-paying, foot in the door, seemingly-beneath-me opportunity. But one gig led to another, and –with hard work, focus and very little sleep–I eventually landed my dream job, working for a global music and entertainment conglomerate. This experience provided a great foundation for my career. Today I am realizing my dreams of entrepreneurial success. And I owe much of it to the lessons I learned in the music industry. I’d like to share those lessons with you!
Don’t romanticize a glamorous industry: No matter how cool or creative you think a job sounds, at the end of the day business is business. Sure, I loved the celebrity access, great concerts and amazing office, but there are politics, long hours, difficult coworkers and challenging responsibilities at EVERY job…
Learn to love the word “NO”: Many people give up on their dreams because they think the landscape is too competitive…that jobs are too scarce. Don’t let things happen, make them happen. Be confident, Take risks. As in many other fields, degrees alone won’t open doors. Find a back-door entry when the front doors slam in your face. Speak up, look for opportunities, and be persistent.
It’s all about who you know—and who they know: Go beyond superficial networking…put time and effort into the genuine care and concern of others to create real, lasting relationships. And be mindful of building—not burning—bridges. This is how savvy professionals in every industry get to the next level.
Set your own standards for success: Is it more rewarding to be financially “rich” or personally “fulfilled” – decide this upfront and be realistic about your ambition. Shoot for the stars but recognize that much personal satisfaction comes from doing what you love.
Don’t let technology and industry trends pass you by: With the advent of iTunes and the spread of social media, the business of creating and distributing music products has changed beyond recognition. The same thing has happened across many/most industries. Those who choose not to embrace the changes face extinction.
Everyone FITS somewhere: Hippies, Goths, Geeks, Beatniks. Divas. It seemed that every cross section of counter culture found success in the music/entertainment industry. Corporate culture is all about fit: If you feel like a round peg being pushed into a square hole, you are in the wrong place!
Age Strategically: There are subtle (and not so subtle) attitudes and beliefs about the relevance and effectiveness of aging workers. This was very obvious to me during my time in the music industry, the epitome of a young, vibrant environment. Even with experience and maturity, those over 35 were doomed unless they stayed on the cutting edge—dressing, speaking and exuding a youthful, current and modern persona. (The same holds true for the artists, themselves. Those who survived were constantly innovating and change
Suits don’t make people work harder or better: Sure, a Hugo Boss suit lends plenty of style to the workplace … but what about substance? Some of the most brilliant professionals I ever met had piercings and wore leather to work. Beyond their ability to express themselves through their appearance, many of my former colleagues were ultra productive, highly creative and exceptionally collaborative in their approach.
