2 Things I Wish I Started Sooner!

Musician Life - REAL TALK: with David Shanhun

Today we're talking about scheduling as a musician, and making sure your gigs are a good fit - both for you and your client!

These feel like 2 techniques you can use to help you make sure you're both on the same page, but rather than treat them like techniques - I hope you'll understand the thoughts behind them. That way - you'll come up with your own versions that feel like you, and you aren't getting stuck on particular words or ways of doing things. As always - if it doesn't feel useful or right for you - chuck it!

1. Are you free on "______"?

For me the thoughts behind this is to simply slow down the conversation a touch - while the answer may well be yes (I am free that date) - this can lead to people feeling like you've basically already agreed to do whatever gig/event they are about to propose, and for me sometimes I need some breathing room to feel into whether it's a yes or not. More thoughts and detail in the podcast of course!

2 - If something you've already agreed to or booked in starts changing, becoming difficult, or no longer a match - say so!

The way I do this is always to still solve their problem. eg: "I won't be learning that tune for you sorry, but I'm more than happy to include it played from Spotify when I take a break, or at a certain time etc"

Or - "If you really want "_____" (some request/style/service that you don't really do), then I might not be the right fit for you. Here's what I can do (along those lines), otherwise it may be better I can help you find another artist who is going to be a really good match for that.

Thanks all for the comments and feedback as always - appreciate you all!

xoxo

David