These days I’m spending time on the FedEx and USPS websites, using their tracking features. As you would assume, it’s because I’m trying to keep up with incoming packages, especially those that might require a signature, not to mention just a general awareness of the timing of each of what I’m getting.
At Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando, which ended six weeks ago yesterday, I had a conversation with someone I’d spoken to in the past about possibly sponsoring my weekly “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast. Due to budgets, fiscal year, and related reasons, the timing wasn’t right back then. But I’ve kept it on my radar and thus resurrected the discussion a month-and-a-half ago. That same individual was to be at the NAMM Show in Anaheim one week later, giving us a chance to keep the conversation going.
Fast forward to the first package that I was tracking that arrived here three days ago. Another from them is showing as on schedule for delivery the day after tomorrow.
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When you sit and take inventory of the opportunities that you’re NOT getting and comparing them to what others around you ARE getting, maybe it’s because you need to improve your follow through. If someone tells you to “call (or email) me on (date)” and/or “give me some more information about (what you’re doing,” ARE you, in fact, taking those next steps?
Don’t let an opportunity die on the vine.
There was someone that I was speaking with at the NAMM Show who was talking about something that his company had, and he said, “I’ll send you one.” As the conversation was winding down, he said, “Stop by our booth later.” Not only did I take him up on the latter invitation, but that only complemented the conversation we’d had earlier that day, and so now the offer expanded beyond “just” the item he’d earlier offered to send me. He even went so far as to say, “Be sure to send me your address.”
Upon returning back from California, I sent a couple emails and when they went unanswered, I immediately assumed they were winding up in his Junk (or Spam) folder. Fortunately, I was able to put my hands on a phone number for him and was successful getting in touch with him that way. Now, that shipment is currently being put together by his company for me.
Yet another company had landed on my radar because of a (come see us at NAMM) email they’d sent out, with my attention being caught because of a problem that they could solve for me (a big buzz word, er, phrase, nowadays). When I visited them, we had quite an eye-opening discussion that very clearly pointed us towards a logical collaboration.
Fast forward to having just now checked the USPS website before starting this blog, and what that company is sending me is out for delivery today!
These opportunities will only go as far as you allow them to. Meaning, you get out of it exactly what you put into it.
Of course, there’s the whole other side of this, which is being a good partner and not just having your hand out. But you can’t even get to that point if you just sit back and wait for everything to come to you and everyone else to take care of all the details for you.
I have been helping independent artists from around the U.S. with management, promotion, and booking since 2004. I even have author clients as well as entrepreneurs and podcasters. Book time with me now for a private, online video consultation and let’s talk about the challenges that you’re having. Just like the blog above, don’t let anything hold you back from keeping your career moving forward. Our discussion is completely confidential and is aimed at helping you make progress. I look forward to seeing and talking with you.