nobody from nowhere?

The Internet is the great equalizer especially if you are a “nobody from nowhere” - someone without a famous pedigree, a fat wallet, or exceptional circumstances. Nothing has leveled the playing field giving us all access to the world market quite like the Internet has. But to make a name for yourself in any endeavor, you must create a product and brand that is visible and viable. What do I mean…?

Visible - First, people have to know about you and/or your product, and where to get you and/or your product.

Viable - Second, you and/or your product must be capable of solving problems quickly and easily.

Visible + Viable = Valuable

Visibility without viability, or viability without visibility equals little/no perceived value. This is a big problem!

If what you do is perceived (notice I said perceived; it may or may not be in actuality) to be a commodity, then you have a steeper hill to climb. If something is a commodity, and everybody has it or can get it easily, its value goes way down. The challenge is to make what you do appear unique, therefore in low supply, therefore very valuable. Put a different spin on the tried-and-true. Intend to break the mold. Create something that would get your attention. If your product isn’t necessarily unique, the way you deliver it must be. Capitalize on what makes you, YOU!

Unsigned bands and artists for example, are definitely a commodity. Everyone is vying for attention and fans. Actually making money from their music is not the focus of most.

TAXI founder, Michael Laskow made this observation regarding independent musicians:

“Success is mostly just about getting heard. Success is feeling validated.”

With whatever you do, sometimes simply having people pay attention is compensation enough and a good start. The Internet can create opportunities, but you must deliver the goods once you’ve got a foot in the door. If you want to transcend being a nobody from nowhere… become visible, viable, and ultimately valuable. If you wanna get heard, then you must separate yourself from the herd.

Are you hearing me?

Uncommon Time

“Uncommon Time” (1:07)

Consider getting better at identifying the right time vs. the wrong time for things… right now.

Groove Machine

“Groove Machine” (1:10)

Recognize that thoughts are things and that minds have moods. Get into a positive groove regarding your thinking and your actions.

dream stealers

Distance yourself from dream stealers; those people who take energy and inspiration from you rather than give it to you. Dream stealing often comes disguised as good advice,“for your own good.” There are two types of dream stealers… those who view you as:

1) a Nut - These people truly feel that your endeavors may be unrealistic or are unattainable. In an effort to be protective, they try to kill your enthusiasm in the name of helping you avoid future disappointments. Though their intentions may be good, the poisonous message they’re sending is that you aren’t good enough. Only you can decide that.

2) a Threat - These people cannot, or will not support you completely because you and your ambitions make them feel bad about themselves. You are a mirror to their own perceived inadequacies. There are strong elements of competition, jealousy, and envy present. They often react uninterested and/or apathetic to your efforts because you are inadvertently calling theirs into question. These are the worst kind of dream stealers that need to be avoided at all costs.

If you can’t turn them off, at least try to turn them down.

“We are all either building our own dreams or building somebody else’s.” - Jeff Olson, The Slight Edge

It Don’t Come Easy

“It Don’t Come Easy” (1:02)

Trust your instincts and monitor your motives while persevering your passions. Mouse over the logo to listen.

Stay Hungry

“Stay Hungry” (1:07)

The 3 steps necessary to maintain motivation and to foster ongoing action that produces tangible results. Mouse over the logo to listen.

communication breakdown

It matters little how good you are at your art, business, or craft; if your communication skills lack, your business productivity will suffer. Whether you realize it or not, first impressions count, while second impressions define.

Especially with any business interaction, you are wise to convey to people that you are at least as interested in them as they are in you. Usually, you have to appear more interested in them. Otherwise, you risk leaving people feeling flat or put off by you. We are all our own favorite subject. And awareness and action around this precept is paramount to long-term success in any field. The circumstances of the interaction also matter. Are you being approached, or are you doing the approaching? It’s important to understand the different communication nuances that different situations require.

Your ability to competently manage relationships and successfully interact with others is arguably the single greatest asset you possess. An inability to communicate effectively in all kinds of situations minimizes the impact of your other skills, and ultimately the level of your success. Recognize where your communication breaksdown and resolve to seek out solutions to do something about it today! Nobody benefits more than you do in the long run.