Now there’s a thought.

It’s actually a quote from a blog post on Hugh Hollowell’s A Politically Incorrect Entrepreneur blog, but if you think about it, it’s just as relevant to independent musicians as would-be entrepreneurs.

You see, it’s all very well being a better guitarist than Brian May, or having more balls than Mick Jagger, but if you don’t get out there and maximise your potential, who’s gonna give a damn? Who’s gonna know you even exist?

As an independent band or musician you absolutely have to get out there and make it happen. And I’m not just talking about gigging either. Yeah, you need to be gigging, but are you for example…

• regularly sending CDs to possible new venues? To radio stations?
• working your fan base, keeping them interested, up-to-date and eager to find out what you’re upto?
• practising and rehearsing regularly?
• working on new material so your hardcore fans (and yourselves!) aren’t getting bored?

These are all things you should be doing on a regular basis to maximise on your potential.

Being independent is hard work, but it’s also very rewarding. If you put the effort in and give it your commitment, then the answer to your equation won’t be zero.