Feb
07
2005
The biggest, consistent mistake people make who have just recently found a way into the music industry is also one of the easiest to avoid: Forgetting that they are paying their dues and that many people have put in a LOT of work before them to get where they are.
It rarely matters how much you know or how good you are – until you have proven yourself with simple dilligence and time, you will not be taken seriously. The people at the top didn’t just appear there – they have put in years (or decades) to achieve what they have.
So here’s some nuggets of advice for the new guy:
Never forget you are the new guy. You shouldn’t be disrespected because of it, but you should never overstep your bounds. Always be thinking about how you are appearing to your bosses and coworkers.
Learn as much as you can – that is your role at the bottom. Unless you are asked for it, rarely will your input or ideas be looked at as a warranted contribution. People have egos and if you step on them you are committing career suicide.
Forget about money, titles, and promotions. If you aren’t in the biz for the love of music, get out now. It’s going to be a long road with little pay and little recognition at the start. But we all started at the bottom, and those of us with common sense and passion have made it past those days.
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