Talent, Tenacity, & Timing

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Talent, Tenacity, & Timing - By Tom Leu

Let's take a look at the intricacies surrounding talent, tenacity, and timing as they pertain to the music industry. Though it may seem obvious, there are many often overlooked subtleties intertwined between these three areas that deserve untangling. What does it take to be successful in this business we call music? It begs the question right off the bat as to whether it is a business at all. “Is my music a business or my artistic creativity being shared with the masses?” Both
Talent. The word alone evokes images of fame, wealth, and prosperity. The popular myth is that talent alone should be enough to “make it.” If I can write great songs, if I can sing my pants off, if I can play circles around my instrument, I can make it. Make it to the big time! We have all been there, in our bedrooms, air guitar in hand, our favorites blasting through the speakers, convinced we have what it takes. Maybe you do. But unfortunately, talent alone does not guarantee success is any business, music or otherwise. Talent is however, a requirement for success.

The distinction is that you must have a certain talent, or ability, plus other skills to progress in this business or any other. I know some of you may argue that there are many examples of talent less artists and bands out there that are successful. Even if I tended to agree with you, when we really look closely, there is always some core talent or ability that has been brought out and marketed. You have to marry your core talents with marketing skill in order to get to any level of success you desire.

Tenacity. Webster defines tenacity as “holding together firmly; cohesive and persistent. It may seem obvious but this trait may the most important concept to consider. This is a tough business with many, many obstacles. There are no short cuts and no “get rich quick schemes” to cash in on. If there are, please email them to me at the address below. Being in a band or being an artist of any sort requires hard work, dedication, the ability to cope with frustration and dissatisfaction, insubordination, and alienation just to name a few. If this were easy, we’d all be rock stars. Someone once said, “there are only two jobs everyone wants; to be the president, or to be a rock star. And even the president wants to be a rock star.”

Consistency and determination even in the face of adversity must be present throughout your music career to give it the best chances for success. Too many great bands and artists have hung-it-up potentially, before their time. Those artists that persevere and have tenacity ongoing improve their odds dramatically over those who just claim to have the talent. “If you don’t try, you’ve already failed.” Nothing replaces good old “sweat equity.”

Timing. Often overlooked. Without it, all the talent and tenacity in the world is meaningless. I’m talking about timing for your style of music as it fits today. I’m talking about timing your marketing campaigns. I’m talking about timing the addition of your new tune into your set. I’m talking about timing when to call back that key club owner. Timing is everything in sales. And after all, this is sales isn’t it?

Project yourself into your target audience’s shoes. Your concert audience. Your CD buying audience. Consider how you would want to be “marketed” to. Conduct yourself, your business, and your tactics to be in line with how you would expect to be treated. Sometimes, a single hour or day delay can make a huge difference in your outcome. Sometimes waiting too long can be much worse. Evaluate all situations from a timing point of view and strike when it yields maximum results.

The Bottom Line: Remember to create your own luck in this music business. Luck is simply where preparation and opportunity meet. Utilize your talent, combined with relentless tenacity, and effective timing to allow your music the best opportunities for success.

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Tom Leu - The Musicians Corner
For hundreds of techniques & strategies to market, promote, and sell your music more efffectively, more often...check out Money, Marketing, & Myths Inside the Musician’s Corner Volume One by Tom Leu at http://www.successinmusic.com

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