Two quick things in the post.
First:
In the past couple of days, I have been having a lot of really great encounters with my friends, colleagues, and mentors. I just wanted to take a quick second and reflect on something that never ceases to blow my mind. It's something that is so obvious and simple, but often gets either overlooked or ignored by people because they're afraid to do it. What I'm talking about is when you have a question....just ask it!My partner and I have been putting a ton of work in to this upcoming concert we're putting on to promote the brand new concert series we're starting in the Spring (click here for info!). Since this the first time either of us have done anything like this, we both have oodles of questions and concerns as the concert draws closer and closer. It is absolutely amazing the amount of advice, encouragement, and resources that can be attained by just admitting you don't know everything and just asking a question.
One of the biggest challenges we're facing with this new project is getting the community to come out and support our event. I decided a few weeks ago that I was going to need a lot of help from members of the community to make this event a success. So we started by asking people we know in the community for advice on where to start and got to it. We took a stack of flyers (which were free and professionally printed because we asked for help) and hit the streets. Together we probably hit about 15-20 local businesses and go to talking with the owners and people we met in the process. Some people hung the flyers in the windows, some took them pass out, others totally blew us off (bummer), and one person even donated to the concert series on the spot!
This "just ask" approach has worked for me every single time I've needed some advice or guidance. Whether it's audition tips, fund-raising advice, or just trying to figure out directions in a new city, it almost always works (or at least gets you comfortable asking!). We all secretly like when people come to us seeking advice, so don't hesitate to reach out to others for help!
Second thing (it's short, I promise):
Starting next week, I will be doing a regular interview series with exceptional people that have created their own unique careers by doing things a little bit off the beaten path. I'm super excited to announce that my first interview will be with the conductor, educator, speaker, and best-selling author Benjamin Zander! If you're not familiar with him, I highly recommend you check him out. Information about him can be found HERE.
And by the way, I got this interview scheduled by just asking. He will be speaking at the El Sistema Symposium next week here in Philly (while I'm linking things, here's that info). I'll be interviewing him on Monday morning before he delivers the keynote address at the conference. So look for that sometime next week.
Anyways, I'll close it up now. Just remember if you've ever got a question or wonder how someone got where they, don't be afraid to just ask. Connecting with people is an awesome thing. After all, the worst thing that can happen is that they'll say no, or just blow you off. It happened to me like 10 times last week as I was hustling around town promoting this concert. If I can take the rejection, so can you. It's not so bad, I promise.
Until next time...
-Seth
Maybe have a logbook at the concert for the audience to sign including their email for announcements of future performances. I think people will avoid signing it on the whole, so perhaps you could think of something else, such as the visitor card as they do in many churches. I wish I could hear the concert! Good luck!
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