Books are great, but most people use them the wrong way. The
real value in the information within a book comes when you do
something with it.

I recommend approaching books by going through them one chapter
at a time…and possibly even one sub-chapter or idea at a time.
Instead of just reading through everything, when you see an item
that you can put into action, stop and write it down.

So let’s say you’re reading a book like Music Business Success
and the section is all about how you can built rapport when
meeting people… Instead of just reading through it, or even
highlighting it, take out your pen and note pad and actually
write the action down.

Each section you read will probably have several action items
you can take, so make a list like, “How to Build Rapport When
Meeting Somebody” and start listing everything that you can do.
The next time you have a meeting or need to make a phone call,
you’ll be able to pull out that list and go through steps you
can take to make everything go smoothly.

Then, when you get to the section on “How to Sell More CDs from
the Stage,” write down action items to do that. And the next
time you’re playing a gig, you’ll have steps to follow which
will allow you to sell more merchandise from the back of the
room.

You get the idea…

What you don’t want to happen is that you’ll finish the book
simply knowing more stuff. Knowing things is fine, but it’s when
knowledge meets action that things really start to happen. And
if I had to have one of the other, I’d take action every time.

There are plenty of intelligent musicians who know what they
should do, but don’t do it…and where do you think those people
are? Working dayjobs, living with their parents, and doing
things other than making music for a living.

Successful musicians take action.

Books to check out:

Music Business Success: Better Networking Skills and Creativity
for Musicians and Songwriters

CD Release Party Strategies: How to Have a Major Label Event on
a Shoestring Budget

How I Make $100,000/year in the Music Business (Without a Record
Label, Manager, or Booking Agent)

And if you really want to get into writing things down and see
how far it will take you, try Music Business Goal Planner (52
Weeks to the Record Deal, Publishing Contract, and Income You
Want)

David Hooper
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/getting-more-from-books-1257.html

Filed under: music and merchandise

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