by Cari Cole

Are you getting tired of wondering when your music is going to finally take off? When you’ll get to that place where you and everyone else knows it? Tired of explaining to everyone why you’re not famous yet (or simply successful, who cares about fame?)

I know it. I’m with you. But here’s the thing. The game that you are playing, the race that you are trying to win — it’s a big one. Matter of fact, it’s so big, and there are so many people competing, that I bet there are times when you think you’re absolutely crazy and should just give it up. Hang up your hat so to speak and get a real job like Uncle John keeps preaching. Ugh.

Well, the good news first. If you have any sense in you whatsoever, you’ll thank Uncle John for his concern, but you’ll explain that while you understand his point of view, you’re not like him. Matter of fact, you’re one of those people whose lives don’t go down the straight and narrow. You’re not in it for the money, you’re in it for the love. And for better or worse, sink or swim.

But then, you burrow into your guitar or laptop for the next 21 days in a row trying to write something decent, something meaningful that could change the world and you come up — empty handed. Yep, that’s the way it rolls. Songwriting is not for the faint of heart.

I’m not talking to beginners here. You’re a music professional. You’ve had a song or two placed, you’ve played some killer shows and you’re trying to beat the odds – for real. And you know you’ve got what it takes. But how the heck do you create the momentum, the kind you need to get up that mountain top.

There’s a ton of talented musicians out there, but if everyone was good at this part there would be more successes. This is stuff even great teams miss, so don’t beat yourself up.

Just get real about the task and get smart.

Here’s how:

1. Your Hard Won Songs

It ain’t just about writing a good song. It’s about writing a signature song. One that introduces you to the public and “hits them like an iceberg” as one of my students so eloquently said ;). The one that fits YOU like a glove and speaks of who-you-are.

2. Your Signature Voice

It ain’t about having the greatest voice, but it is about carving a sound – your sound. And if you’re fundamentals are off, train your ass off so your voice is not limited physically. I’ve got the best training on the planet and the first part of it is on sale now through Dec 25^th.

3. Your Brand Building Muscles

If you think it’s about throwing up a quick website and some decent photos, you’re dead in the water. And if you think you can get away without participating in social media, you’re avoiding the inevitable. Don’t be stupid, get on board – it’s a huge part of your brand. And — most importantly build an environment that invites people in and speaks your truth. That’s electric.

4. Get Creative With Your Career Planning

Think of your career as a giant experiment. Brainstorm, get in a music mastermind (be on the lookout, we’re starting one in 2015). Build your career on the wings of people you admire in the industry and work with a music mentor (not just any ol’ business coach). Work with people smarter than you, and don’t think you’re reinventing the wheel. There’s a science to this.

It’s time to fall in love again, with who you are, with your story, your message, what makes your heart pound, tears stream down your face and your blood pressure rise.

Come work with me next year and together we’ll find who you are and knock your artist socks off (we walk around barefoot here at CCVM…. oh and by the way, we work with tons of artists by Skype with incredible results, you don’t have to be in person to do this)!

I love you. I believe in you. Never give up. No matter how long it takes.

Follow me on Twitter @CariCole. And I would absolutely love it if you’d “like” my Cari Cole Voice and Music Co Facebook

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