Be Early, Be Prepared, Be Successful

I’m still out in Anaheim, California, having wrapped up yesterday what were four busy days at the annual NAMM Show out here.  There will end up being eight new episodes of my weekly “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast from all the interviews that I did this past weekend.  In addition, there will also be a video made from the time spent at the massive event.

There’s a facet of the NAMM Show that focuses on education.  After all, we can all learn something new (every day) no matter how long we’re in the business – or, for that matter, any industry, not just music and entertainment.

Some of what I saw, heard, and experienced made me think of a couple of the tips I gave in my eBook series and deserve a closer look here.

I advise people that, when you can, traveling the day before an event is ideal.  You don’t want to risk being late and with the way that things are nowadays in terms of air travel, there are almost no guarantees.  In fact, when I was in the airport where I was making a connection, traveling here last week, they were asking for volunteers to give up their seats since the flight was oversold.  When I inquired when the next flight out would be, they said, “Tomorrow.”  No chance, what with the NAMM Show waiting for me.  The lesson again is, plan accordingly.

Someone I was going to be interviewing sent a message that they were hoping their flight would be on time and would send word if that wasn’t the case.  No.  If you are booked somewhere, you travel in such a way that you don’t put yourself in a position to have to send that type of message.

Arriving at the Media Center each day I was making sure to get in position an hour before the scheduled interviews.  This allowed plenty of time to get my podcast recording setup put together and even test things out to make sure it would be a smooth recording experience for me and the guest each time the next interviewee showed up.

On the topic of timing, though, there’s also something in my Bruce’s Bonus Book series where I caution performers not to arrive somewhere TOO early.  The example I use there is that if you show up at a recording studio and word gets to the control room that you’re already there, they’re going to lose focus on the session that they’re in and be distracted because there’s still, say, 25 minutes left with the present client, and now you’re out there waiting.

Similarly, I experienced this with guests who showed up too far before the scheduled time of our interviews and it puts me off my game because of a routine that I might be in, whether that’s something like a final review of what I’m going to talk about during the recording or even routine tasks such as going to get a refill of water or heading to the restroom.



I was surprised at someone who told me at a recent event that we’d both attended that they were disappointed that they couldn’t check into the hotel yet.  This is where I tell you that it was morning time and it’s logical that the rooms aren’t ready that early for guests who are just starting their stay.

At NAMM, the performances were on a very strict schedule.  You start at the top of the hour.  You play for 40 minutes.  You tear down and the next act sets up and they begin performing at the top of the hour.  There’s no room there for being late.  Word travels fast if you’re not adhering to the parameters that are set, which could hurt you if you want to be considered for another future booking.

Be early, but not too early, and then be ready to go with your performance, your interview, your presentation, or whatever business you have, and be positioned for success as a result.

I’ve been helping indie music artists, authors, entrepreneurs, podcasters, and small business owners from around the U.S. for more than 18 years now.  Tap into my experience via an online video consultation and let’s work through the challenges that you’re having.  Our discussion is completely confidential, and your business, your career, and your success deserve taking action to get advice on moving forward.