by Derek Sivers
8/10, 10/10 if you’re an artist
Key Ideas:
You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.
Find your niche, define who you are.
Don’t promote until people can take action. Don’t promote if fans aren’t telling friends.
Other interesting notes:
The way you present your art, and what people know about it, completely changes how they perceive it.
It’s impossible to fail if your mission was to see what happens.
Once something is explained, it stops captivating your curiosity.
The essence of marketing is looking at everything from the other person’s point of view. So it’s no surprise that musicians find it hard to switch into that mode.
Constantly ask what others really want.
People send business to people they like.
Think how you can help someone – ask them what’s the hardest part about their job.
Don’t be afraid to ask for favors. People like doing favors!
If someone doesn’t get back to you, it probably wasn’t intentional. Everyone is busy, and their situation has nothing to do with you.
When companies create a new product, before they try to release it to the world, they want more proof that it will be a success.
Be resourceful https://sive.rs/res
Ask for help, but never wait for help.
When you don’t know your next step, get specific about what’s needed.
Don’t wait for permission. Never let anything stop you.
You don’t get extreme results without extreme action.
When they ask what kind of music (this applies to anything) you do, give them a reason to care.
Proudly exclude most people.
The more people do something, the less valuable it is. Don’t try to beat them at their game. Play a completely different game.
The more people you know, the better.
Money is nothing more than a neutral exchange of value. If people give you money, it’s proof that you’re giving them something valuable in return.
Focus on making your music more valuable to others.
Some people like to pay. Let them.
What ways can your music earn income while you sleep? keep trying ideas
Releasing is the starting line in a race. Spend hours a day pushing, promoting, and selling—reaching new people by any means necessary.
Whatever scares you, go do it.
Focus on what doesn’t change:
• People always love a memorable melody
• People always want an emotional connection
• Writing lots of songs increases your chances of writing a hit
Thoughts on the book:
Great book with many counter-intuitive ideas, no fluff. You can read & listen to the whole book on his website. Mandatory reading if you’re an artist.
If you like this, you’ll probably like: Anything you want, Hell yeah or no, How to live, 4 hour work week, Atomic habits, Derek Sivers, books
