Creating A Game Plan That WILL Lead To Success

Published: Tue, 09/23/08

Hi ,

When working towards a goal I like to create steps that I can systematically follow that I know will eventually lead to my desired outcome, or at the very least get me much closer to my intended goal. I think this approach is particularly valuable in the context of music licensing, and the music business in general, where a certain amount of rejection is inevitable. Last week I discussed the concept of how success tends to build on itself. Today let's take a look at how you can start to achieve initial success that will lead to greater and greater degrees of success as your move forward.

I don't talk a lot about the subjective nature of music and songwriting, because, well, it's subjective and sort of hard to write about. But let's assume for the sake of this discussion that your songwriting skills are fairly developed and your writing and producing material that's on par with what is considered mainstream and marketable. And between you and me, this shouldn't be that hard, but that's a whole other discussion!

Anyway, so you've written some songs that you feel really good about and you're continuing to evolve as an artist. Now what? Well this is where developing a solid game plan comes in. It's incredibly easy to get sidetracked in this business for a couple reasons: Number one, you need to be really self motivated to pursue music as a profession. A lot of musicians I know seem to lack this trait, which is ironic considering how challenging the profession can be. Number two, because of the nature of the business you will most likely face some rejection along the way. This can be hard for a lot of musicians who tend to be a little overly sensitive to begin with. Again it's easy to let a couple rejections slow you down or even cause you to throw in the towel entirely. Don't be one of those artists! I know the business can be challenging but overcoming the obstacles that present themselves is very rewarding and can actually be sort of fun, depending on how you look at things.

But let's get back to coming up with a solid game plan. I like developing strategies that are big picture oriented and that compensate for my own emotional reactivity. What do I mean by that? Well for example in the past I would sometimes get very discouraged by every little perceived rejection that would occur. I would send some of my music to one person for example, and if they didn't immediately like it I would get discouraged and really question whether or not I was "good enough" to pursue music professionally. Now I feel sort of silly even typing that last sentence because it's so clear now that that attitude was probably my biggest obstacle at that point in my career.

I often times have people who write me wanting me to give them feedback on whether or not their music is good enough to pursue music licensing before they buy my materials. I understand their logic but I think it's flawed. Here's why: if you want someone else to validate your decision to pursue writing songs professionally you're probably in the wrong business. Why? Because YOU have to decide that your on the right path. Not me! I understand wanting feedback but I tend to not respond to these inquiries. I hate the idea of someone not pursuing their dream just because I didn't happen to like their music!

Ok, let's get back to that game plan I was talking about. So YOU have decided that music licensing or some other related goal is something you're going to pursue and you're also able to keep your emotions in check as you move forward. Next you need to develop a strategy that you can implement and take actions toward each and every day. One of the ideas I talk about in my program, The A-Z Of Music Licensing, is something I call the 90 day challenge. The idea is simple, you submit your music to one new company in the music licensing industry every day for 90 days. It's so easy to put off moving forward, but when you start approaching things systematically like this you will begin to achieve small successes that will inspire you to keep going forward. Then you will start to see the kind of momentum building that I wrote about last week.

If you're interested in getting more exposure through licensing your music I offer a comprehensive program on the music licensing business called "The A-Z Of Music Licensing". I created this program based on everything I've learned about the music licensing and music publishing business over the last six years. I walk you through the exact steps I took to get started and I show you how you can do the same. I also cover the technical side of the industry. I go over things like how you get paid, how copyrighting works, how to present yourself professionally, how to record music on a budget and much, much more! The program also comes with an updated directory of WHO to send your music to. There are over 130 listings for publishers, supervisors, music libraries, etc... I've heard nothing but good things about my program. Here are just a few of the actual emails I've received from people who purchased "The A-Z Of Music Licensing":

Aaron,

How are you? My name is Tim Byrd and I purchased your online version of your program. It's great.

Hello Aaron.

I just ordered and downloaded your audio files and .pdf files and though I haven't put in effect any of your ideas, I see where you are headed.

I think this is some wonderful information and will soon be using it.

Hello Aaron,

I sent you an email a few weeks ago asking about your thoughts of pitching my music ( Mostly Blues & Jazz ....But also Guitar instrumentals, folk, French cabaret, Christmas and some Traditional Country )and actually making any money at the library thing. Your reply was that these genres were not yours and you couldn't really comment on that domain .

I appreciated your honest answer and went ahead and bought your repertoire of libraries, publishers etc...

Well here's the lowdown after 3 weeks of hard work sending emails and submitting songs online and via CD by mail.

I've signed deals for 27 songs and there's another 60 or so that are being screened as I write this email....

Out of all the addresses I've checked so far there wasn't ONE library that I knew ( that's good ), because through the other independent company I was a member of I had made connections with about 10 libraries and have signed in less than a year about 100 songs with companies in L.A., Texas, U.K. etc.and had one placement on The Everybody Hates Chris TV Show....So a total of 127 + songs...And 60 + in waiting...
Mike

Hey Aaron,
I thought I would pass on to you the fact that I also got my whole catalogue (47 tunes) signed to one of the libraries in your directory.
Thanks for your help!
Colin

Hey Aaron,
I'm in the process of signing two songs to a publishers thanks to your info! Thank you!!
Stacy

hi Aaron,
thanks for all your info and directory. such a great help!
Tracy

Thank YOU!!!
I must say I find your products extremely helpful....keep it up!!!
Tammy Hunt

Great, inspiring information....exactly what I was looking for in regards to publishing and the like. Much appreciated!!
Brian Thunberg

Yesterday I purchased your Film/TV directory and I must say it is a whole lot different from "Song Writers Market" book. It's great!
Mark

Hey Aaron,
I did purchase your 'A-Z of music licensing and the directory. I think they are great!
Mike

I currently offer two different versions of the program. They are both accessible immediately online:

1) The A-Z Of Music Licensing Online Edition With Email Coaching - This is my newest package. It has the A-Z Of Music Licensing in an online format bundled with additional coaching via email. This is great if you want extra support but can't afford the phone coaching package. I'll answer your follow up questions and give advice and feedback via email. $49.99 Get the online version with email coaching here!

2) The A-Z Of Music Licensing Online Edition - Access the program immediately online. $40.00 Get the online version here!

Happy Songwriting!
Aaron Davison