Hard Work Really DOES Pay Off

By now you might have already seen this news on social media, but how could I not write a blog about it too?

The news that I received just under two weeks ago is so big that I not only posted about it all across the various platforms that Now Hear This is on (social media-wise), but on my personal Facebook and Instagram accounts too, even though it’s business related.  After all, I would say that it’s more a statement on my professional career.

In fact, throughout my excitement I’ve been trying to determine whether or not this is THE top highlight of my professional career.  That’s how big a deal this is.

Dare I even say that this is a life highlight?  (Let me give that one some thought.)

And I want it to give you hope and inspiration that your hard work will pay off too.  I’m rooting for you to get noticed and for someone to see all that you’ve been doing on your professional journey and give you a similar level of recognition.

As I texted to a dear friend and respected colleague in the music business, “I know we shouldn’t look for validation, but to me this is a meaningful acknowledgement of my body of work and all my years of hard work in the music community.”  I had led into that by saying, “Needless to say this is a career highlight, and I am super excited and proud.”

On July 9, 2025, I received an email I’ll never forget.  The subject line read, “You’re invited to join The Recording Academy.”  Wow.  I filled out the exhaustive application back in February, along with getting the required letters of recommendation from two current members but could only wait nervously for the decision to come.

Those of you in the music business can appreciate that the fact that it was a Yes more than makes up for all the No answers I’ve gotten over the years (or the absence of a response in many cases) from opportunities I’ve pursued on behalf of myself, my Now Hear This agency, or, of course, a client.  I would liken this to an indie artist who has toiled in bars, restaurants, and clubs finally getting an arena show.  That might sound extreme, but we’re also talking about The Recording Academy, the very body responsible for the GRAMMY Awards.

I remember writing a blog on this site a ways back where I referred to the people you hear about that get opportunities out of the blue.  Someone contacts them and says, “We’ve been following you closely for a while now and would like to (insert offer here).”  I remember saying in that post that you wonder when that might finally happen to you.

The first singer I started working with was back in 2004 and I believe that I actually incorporated my business in 2007.  Regardless, the implication is that I’ve been at this for a long time.

I’ve spoken at a young songwriters workshop that was held at the ASCAP headquarters in Nashville.  I spoke at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California.  I’ve done workshops at songwriters festivals.  I’ve gotten clients booked on notable stages such as The Hotel Café in Hollywood, the House of Blues (inside Mandalay Bay) on the Las Vegas ‘strip,’ the Rodeo Opry in Oklahoma City, and many others.  And the list goes on of services I’ve provided to performers – from high school age all the way up to men and women in their 70s – over the years.  Not to mention, of course, the “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast that I’ve hosted every week (without missing once) since February 2014, interviewing singers, songwriters, musicians, recording artists, and more from the worldwide music community.

I’ve logged countless air and road miles as well as logging lots and lots of room nights at hotels near and far, all in the name of serving the music community.

And where did it all get me?  I am a proud Member of the 2025 class selected to The Recording Academy.  I write that sentence with a big smile that won’t disappear anytime soon.

Keep pushing.  Keep your head up.  Don’t quit.  Your day is coming when you shout from the rooftops about the high achievement you’ve been striving for.

For more than twenty years I have been helping indie music artists, authors, actors, entrepreneurs, podcasters, filmmakers, small business owners, and more.  What challenges are you having in your creator career that I can lend some insight to?  Connect with me so you can take advantage of all my experience, and I can help and keep you moving forward.