Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor
Music marketing tips and self-promotion ideas for independent songwriters, musicians and bands.
Bob Baker's Indie Music Promotion Blog
News, notes and ideas on music marketing, self-promotion, artist empowerment and more
August 01, 2005
Positive Thinking: The Ugly Truth
I first met Madalyn Sklar at the 2NMC conference in Nashville about two years ago. She's the founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, described as "the oldest and largest online community of indie women musicians." I immediately liked Madalyn and her positive vibe.
A recent visit to her IndieMusicConsulting.com blog made it clear why I sensed I had met a kindred spirit. Madalyn considers herself an optimist and is unapologetic in wearing the label. Check out one of her recent posts:
Madalyn has a great attitude. Sadly, it's a frame of mind that seems to be in short supply -- especially among aspiring musicians. Too many creative people prefer to buy into the struggles of the "real world" and discount all the "positive thinking stuff" as delusional mumbo-jumbo.
Here's my philosophy on this: I choose to believe that every human is born with an innate ability to live effortlessly, happily, abundantly and creatively. But, too often, people lose touch with their natural connection to this positive flow. Through fear, worry and other negative thoughts over time, they get disconnected from their true potential.
(I know all about this, because like most people, I've spent a lot of time in that disconnected mode throughout my life.)
One way to reconnect with the flow is to regularly remind yourself of more empowering thoughts and ways to process the world around you. It took a lot of pessimistic thinking effort on your part (not to mention discouragement from others) to block the connection, so it usually takes a little work to unclog it and get back to your natural state of living life to the fullest.
Is it worth the effort? Absolutely! And that's my reality -- whether someone wants to call it mumbo-jumbo or not. And I'm sure Madalyn would agree with me :-)
A recent visit to her IndieMusicConsulting.com blog made it clear why I sensed I had met a kindred spirit. Madalyn considers herself an optimist and is unapologetic in wearing the label. Check out one of her recent posts:
I live my life being an optimist. Do you? When you are sitting down, writing your goals for your music career, are you thinking in a positive light?
Positive + Goals + Focus = Success! That is what I believe. Be positive. Set goals. Stay focused. Achieve success. Yeah, it's really that easy. But, are you an optimist or a pessimist? Do you take responsibility or do you blame others?
Stay strong. Stay on track with your goals. Have fun. Inspire someone. Inspire yourself.
Madalyn has a great attitude. Sadly, it's a frame of mind that seems to be in short supply -- especially among aspiring musicians. Too many creative people prefer to buy into the struggles of the "real world" and discount all the "positive thinking stuff" as delusional mumbo-jumbo.
Here's my philosophy on this: I choose to believe that every human is born with an innate ability to live effortlessly, happily, abundantly and creatively. But, too often, people lose touch with their natural connection to this positive flow. Through fear, worry and other negative thoughts over time, they get disconnected from their true potential.
(I know all about this, because like most people, I've spent a lot of time in that disconnected mode throughout my life.)
One way to reconnect with the flow is to regularly remind yourself of more empowering thoughts and ways to process the world around you. It took a lot of pessimistic thinking effort on your part (not to mention discouragement from others) to block the connection, so it usually takes a little work to unclog it and get back to your natural state of living life to the fullest.
Is it worth the effort? Absolutely! And that's my reality -- whether someone wants to call it mumbo-jumbo or not. And I'm sure Madalyn would agree with me :-)
posted by Bob Baker @ 4:32 PM
6 comments
Feed Me
What About Bob?
Bob Baker is an author, indie musician and former music magazine editor dedicated to showing musicians of all kinds how to get exposure, connect with fans, sell more CDs, and increase their incomes. Find out more about Bob and his live events.
Bob's Books
Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook:
201 Self-Promotion Ideas for Song-
writers, Musicians and Bands on a Budget
MySpace Music Marketing:
How to Promote & Sell Your Music on the World's Biggest Networking Web Site
- Indie Music PR Bootcamp
- Killer Music Press Kits - Deluxe Edition
- Guerrilla Music Marketing Power Course
- 70 Ways to Promote & Sell Your Music on the Internet
- Music Marketing Crash Course CD
- Online Music PR Hot List
- How to Make a Living as a Full-Time Musician
- Do-It-Yourself Internet Music PR & Publicity
- How to Use Video to Promote Your Music Online
FREE Ezine
- Get Bob's Free Music Marketing Tips by Email. Find out more.
Reprint Rights
- Click here if you'd like to run some of Bob's posts on your own blog, web site or e-zine.
Insiders Club
- Get 25% off every title Bob offers, free access to monthly teleseminars, and more as a member of the new Indie Music Marketing Insiders Club. Get your free Quick Access Guest Pass here.
Previous Posts
- Build Your Music Brand Online
- How to Boost CD & Merch Sales
- Top CD & Merch Sales Tips
- Connecting With Music People Who Matter
- It's Like Complaining About Gravity
- One Kick-Butt Music Web Site: Look & Learn
- DIY Books (and Bob) in the News
- Artist Empowerment Podcast #3
- Why Settle for the Slow Track?
- Help Me in San Francisco in August
Favorite Music Blogs
- David Hooper
- Andrew Dubber
- Music Think Tank
- Ariel Hyatt
- Musicians Cooler
- GarageSpin
- Bob Lefsetz
- Gerd Leonhard
Contact
Bob Baker
PO Box 43058
St. Louis, MO 63143
Web: TheBuzzFactor.com
Phone: (314) 963-5296
Email: Bob AT TheBuzzFactor.com
Copyright 2004-2007 Bob Baker
hmmm...
I absolutely couldn't agree more. It's all about staying true to what you beleive in and then eventually being awake in your dreams. Love, passion, patience and perseverance can take us a long way if we stick with it and not give up and remember to live with an open mind and an open heart. It's alot easier to smile than it is to frown.
Chastity of Outlett ;)
Madalyn is one of the few for sure :) I enjoy reading your articles too Bob. Sometimes we get caught up the negativity and second guess our own inner values because negative people are just that good at what they do!! It's valuable industry guides like yourself and Madalyn that continually inspire me to drive by the shooting and not stand still long enough for a bullet.
Sahra of Sahra Indio
I know we're capable of giving more than we've been delivering!
Everyone of us influences another and so, it is important that we
live fully, positively...start each day with gratitude and look for good to happen...My debut CD is entitled "good's gonna happen"
and with the addition of stickers
we're creating the new mantra/anthem...GOOD'S GONNA HAPPEN
so, everybody, don't give up!
One Love
Sahra
I think this couldn't be anymore true, and no matter what other people say its up to us possitive people to be any example....cause every one more person we get the world becomes one step closer to harmony.
Its you people that keep me going....thank you and good luck
Thanks for this great post. You've got some really good info in your blog. If you get a chance, you can check out my blog on
{items promotional} at http://www.itemspromotionalcenter.com.
Mary Anne Martin
http://www.itemspromotionalcenter