"No" is not an option
Last night I was watching The Big Idea on CNBC. They had a segment on not letting people tell you what you can/can't do. It was fascinating listening to stories of triumph because "no" was not an option.
It reminded me of one of my consulting clients, 3 Kisses out of Texas. They received a great opportunity to appear on ABC's Wife Swap last year. But they ran into a few hurdles. Now most people would have given up. What was so awesome is that they did not let "no" become an option. They stayed in touch with the producers. When something cool happened with their band such as a new endorsement deal, they would email it to the show's producer.
They did what I call "being persistent without being a pest." And let me tell you what, it paid off! Last November they got the call and before long a film crew was at their house taping. The show aired in February of this year and the episode had one of the highest ratings.
I love telling their story because it shows that when you change your mindset to "no is not an option" you will see things happen in your favor.
What are you doing to rise above the "no's" you hear? I would love to hear your comments.
Copyright © 2007 Madalyn Sklar, IndieMusicCoach
Madalyn Sklar is a music business coach, consultant, blogger, social networks expert and author. She founded IndieMusicCoach and has spent over 12 years working with a wide range of independent musicians all over the world. Her goal is to help indie artists achieve greater success in the music business by working smarter not harder. She is also the founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, the oldest and largest online community of indie women musicians, with a vision of bringing together and empowering musicians from around the world.
Madalyn is available for one-on-one consulting and coaching at affordable prices. Check out www.indiemusiccoach.com for more info.
Labels: motivation
I have had many hurdles, like last year I was asked to open for Al DiMeolas at the Coach House, due to family problems, I was not able to do that..BUT, I am keeping in contact with them. One never knows. Being persistent, like you said, without being a pest, really works. Many good things are going on because I am being persistent.
Posted by TeamCar | 12:05 PM
Madalyn!
Thanks for the reminder. I spend all-day most days booking myself and here a lot of know and I'm now at the point where I keep talking past the "no" to get to the real reason they are saying no. In some cases I've turned a few "no's" into YES!
Gloria Miller
www.gloriamillermusic.com
Posted by Anonymous | 12:48 PM
Thanks for your comments, Kori and Gloria.
And you're right, you never know.
One thing I do is keep a post-it note on my desk that says, TURN EVERYTHING INTO AN OPPORTUNITY. It has helped a lot!!
Keep rockin',
Madalyn
Posted by Madalyn Sklar | 3:34 PM
Madalyn, thanks for all your inside tips, inspiration, and resource info. While I don't typically comment, I do consistently read and pay heed.
Posted by Carol | 9:17 AM
Thanks Carol. I really appreciate that!! It's always nice to get feedback. ;-)
Posted by Madalyn Sklar | 9:26 AM
i have been homeless for 4 months and also placed in jail for 3 days and those were just recent reasons to give up my dreams. I take pride in my ability to say yes to everything that I know that I can do. I can create my own reality. I am now a senior at Belmont college, and I have a record that is selling like hot cakes and I had a fundraiser for the homeless shelter I was in. I give with both hands open and am always rewarded. Next in line is a movie about my life I already have the music for it. No is just a mindset that people can get stuck into. My mindset is yes to productive ideas.
Posted by lois berg | 4:10 PM
Great comment, Lois. You are truly an inspiration!
Posted by Madalyn Sklar | 6:03 PM