Is It Time To Get Help?
Last time, I mentioned that we get work through our connections. I hope my words helped you identify the people who do that for you. But how do you maintain the work you get through your connections? Today, I want to discuss one aspect of that.
In the early days of my music, I was on my own. I arrived to gigs on my own, I set up and pulled down on my own, I handled my gig enquiries on my own and sorted out my tax return on my own. I did everything myself, making decisions and only seeking advice when needed. Does that sound familiar?
This way of working was fine for some time, but as my music grew, it became unwieldy. I couldn’t keep up with everything. I worked long days and into the night to balance family commitments and work. I felt stressed with missed deadlines, keeping up with admin requirements was a nightmare and personal practise on my instrument was deteriorating. I felt like I was on burnout. It dawned on me that, in order to advance, I needed to create a team.
If you watch tennis, especially Wimbledon, you will often hear the commentator mentioning the players' teams. Their coach, their physiotherapist, their psychologist, family members; all there to do different jobs and motivate the player on centre court.
The fact is that your entourage grows as your professionalism grows.
At the top of my team is my husband, Michael. Visionary, driver, in my corner. My adult children who offer their technically amazing skills. Angela, my Community Manager & PR, Vince, my sound engineering consultant and I have other members in my team, especially when I put on my shows.
Do you have a team? Have you considered whether a team will be useful at some point?
Team members can help you in tangible ways – manage your website, your image, collect things for you, give advice on technical matters. Some may provide your emotional and spiritual support. Others may offer more visionary aspects to your planning and direction of your music, because they see way down the road and have a bigger sense of your vision even if you are slower on the up-take.
Don’t worry if you do not have a team now. As I mentioned, I did not start out with one. It developed over time. There will be individuals who come into your life, or who are already in your life. They believe in you and want the best for you. You will know who they are when they arrive.
On the other hand, you might prefer to work on your own. That’s alright. It depends on your destination as to whether you need help to get there. But do recognise the signs of when it’s time to get assistance so you don’t burnout trying to spin all the plates by yourself.
Who are the people who aid you? Who is your team? Perhaps this week you can reflect on that. Note those who are there. Make future plans to find people to do the roles that will soon become a little bigger than you.
Speak soon!