Three secrets to steal

When I started Backthird Audio in 2003, I didn’t have a clue. I had a great space, some time and money, and a dream to make a living doing what I love – and take as many other people with me as possible.

My great space and my dream are healthier than ever, but I’ve traded in most of the time and money to get that clue I needed. Here are three big things I’ve learned – and how I’ll put them into action in my dream business this year. How can these principles help you?

1. Measure it. As a friend in retail once told me, “what gets measured gets done.” Goals and resolutions are secondary; what you really need is a way to gauge what you do in the first place. Do you count songs written? Listens? Weeping fans? Identify what matters to you – and get an easy system for measuring it. Now you’ve got something to improve.

 With Backthird Events, I track the number of inquiries and bookings we get for bands and DJs every month. My goal this year is to keep better contact with the venues who refer us – I want to talk with every one of them at least once a month. The result will be more bookings. That keeps me excited.

2.

Ask for help. Unless you’re God, you’re better at some things than others – and you can’t do everything at once. But everything needs to be done. Who can do what you can’t? How can you make it worth their while?

At Backthird Audio, I do it all – but not for long. I had three interns in 2008, and now I’m hooked. This year I’ll be developing a more formal internship program to help the young and eager get experience in music business by taking those things off of my plate I know they can do well. I’m also seeking a new vocalist for the wedding band, and I’m even hashing out a plan to hire a part-time engineer by year’s end, so the studio can be in use when I’m hung up with other things.

3. Quit every day. Not for good, of course – most things in life are only worth the effort if you stick it out. But you need time away from your passions if you’re going to stay passionate.

Two of my priorities this year are spending time at home with my wife and out with friends. My job’s about serving and enjoying people – not about achievement for its own sake. The more I remember that, the more I’m inspired to achieve.

That’s what these three principles mean to me and Backthird Audio. What do they mean to you?

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[Nathanael V.]

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