Consider the source. We’ve all heard that expression, but do we execute that when evaluating opportunities? I’m really starting to wonder.
Musicians, podcasters, creators, it’s time for a little warning.
Quite honestly, I was thrilled to see a highly respected figure in the podcast community raise, in a Facebook post, the issue of all the inexperienced people out there who are offering lessons on podcasting. Consider the source. Do you really want to learn from someone who has only been podcasting for, say, six months? How many episodes have they done? Guess what? They’re still learning themselves. They are still the student and shouldn’t be the teacher.
Have you ever heard the expression, “I taught him/her everything he/she knows, but I didn’t teach him/her everything *I* know”? That’s what I’m talking about here.
It’s not unlike how much the word ‘masterclass’ gets slapped on every course, webinar, or other class that someone is trying to sell you these days.
If someone is offering you voice lessons, do your research first to see what their background is. What are their accomplishments, sure, but, have they, themselves, been classically trained in voice? If not, that’s not the singer you want to learn from. There are lots and lots of vocal coaches out there. Consider the source. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘masterclass.’
Dictionary.com defines it as, “a small class for advanced students, especially a class in performance skills conducted by a distinguished musician.”
Ya’ gotta love that ‘distinguished musician’ part.
| Related posts: |
| Promoting and Preparedness: Some 'How To' Notes |
| Are You Creating Content Consistently? |
Consider the source. Does the person offering the class, the seminar, the course, the webinar, the ‘masterclass,’ have a website (about themselves, not about what they’re trying to get you to register for)? What is their social media presence like? Meaning, how many platforms are they on? What’s their following like? Do they post regularly? What kind of engagement do their posts get?
Again, do some research to find out what they have done. It’s not unlike the checking around that you do before you purchase a TV or a computer or plan a trip. You look at price, you look at what you’re getting, you look at reviews. And, of course, you’d rather purchase through a reputable retailer like, say, Best Buy, than an eBay seller who has four ratings.
Nowadays a lot of people can manipulate photos and leverage tools like Canva to make a good-looking Facebook ad or social media post. Looks can be deceiving. Are you buying/registering because of a well-designed ad or is it because this person is qualified?
Consider the source.
Continue the conversation with me through Twitter via @NHT_tweets. Alternatively, use Facebook or LinkedIn or even good old-fashioned email.