I write these kinds of articles as therapy for me, to remind myself of how fortunate I am to be in the position I’m in. But that fortune doesn’t come without a price. 12 years ago I dedicated every second of my life to a dream, that dream was to build a company (Audio Animals) into something incredible. To be honest I have surpassed all expectations at this stage. I set out to create a job where there wasn’t one. If you are in the position where you are trying to find a job in the music industry but no matter how hard you try there just isn’t any available, create one yourself. Ok, you won’t instantly get a good salary, but give it time and everything will come together.
That’s often the issue when someone looks to create a business, they don’t have time or they don’t have the option of failure. And you will fail, time and time again you will. But those that get back up and go again will eventually succeed. Prior to having success with Audio Animals, I ran 2 other businesses. Both of which did Ok, but where never life changing. What I did find was that with each failure I learnt something that I could take on to the next business. I am confident now that if I started a new business from scratch I could have instant success, and this is because I know now what it takes to be successful.
Hard Work
If you work hard you will succeed. Of course it sounds obvious doesn’t it. We hear this all the time. But what is your idea of working hard. If your idea of working hard is working 8 hours a day, that’s not enough. Try 16 hours. 8 hours sleep and two work days. Whilst everyone else is playing playstation or going out, you are laser focused on the end goal. And you will get to that end goal twice as fast as the guy doing an 8 hour shift. Now here’s the thing, you and I both know the thought of doing 16 hours work all day every day is most peoples idea of hell. But we are built different. We love what we do, on our days off all we want to do is work on music. We often work on music with zero intention of every doing anything with it. Working 16 hours doing what you love, it isn’t work. When someone asks me “Paul when do plan on retiring?” I always reply “I retired the day I started Audio Animals.” This isn’t work, I get to go sit in a studio every day doing what I love. Of course at times things can be stressful but ultimately, I get to work doing what I love.
Get Yourself Out There
Put yourself out there into the audio industry. There’s two types of people in this world. Those who consume and those who create. Be the one who creates. Create content that others can enjoy. One of the most enjoyable things I do is create content. This is all part of my job. Of course I don’t have to do it. But it has major benefits on me as a person as well as major benefits for my business. As a person creating content has made me more confident to the point where I am asked to do talks at schools and universities and I jump at the chance. I love it. But had you asked me to do this 10+ years ago I couldn’t think of anything worse. This is partly due to growing up, but also massively due to practicing the art of communication on a daily basis. This is highly noticeable even if you watch my YouTube content from a few years ago compared to now.
Get The Bug
Trust me on this one, when you get your first order in for your business, you will get a fire in your belly. It’s a bug, and you will want more. Get that bug and run with it. To this day I still get excited with every order I receive. Watching your business grow is like watching your child grow from a baby, to a toddler, to a teenager and then to an adult. Things may start off slow, this is totally normal. But the ball will start to roll, and when it does run with it.
Cut Down Your Expenses
Material things mean nothing. We all want a flash car, I mean I could sell my studios and buy a couple a Ferrari and a Lamborghini and still have change. But what’s the point. Buy those things when you sell your business and retire. Get your priorities in order. If you cut back on all the expensive things in life that mean nothing, you will have more money to invest in things that matter and progress your business further. I see people in bars drinking champagne wearing expensive clothes, with their leased white Audi parked out front. They look like they are balling. These people aren’t balling, they are falling. Falling deeper into a cycle of debt to keep up the pretence that they are making something of their lives. When in fact they live month to month blowing all their money on the first weekend of the month. Be better than them. Why wear expensive designer clothes. To impress someone and make them think you got money? Why care. Wear your own brand. Limited edition one off t-shirt.
A Final Word….
Life is hard and it will only get harder, don’t fall for this victim mentality that is constantly pushed on the younger generations. You think you’re a victim, you will stay a victim and continue in a never ending spiral of blaming the world for why you aren’t successful and living your dream of being an audio engineer. Instead get your head up and power forward, you have little control over what is happening in the world. Focus on you. Set a goal and go and achieve it. Many people around you will want you to fail. Leave them watching you from afar as you move forward. Keep your circle small, you surround yourself with successful people you too will become successful. Successful people wish success on those around them. Surround yourself with 5 millionaires, you will become a millionaire. Surround yourself with 5 bums you too will become a bum. They hold you back.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this article. I feel the greatest gift I can give the people of the audio industry is the inspiration that if I can do it, so can you.
