By; Ken Boone I just finished editing, mixing, and scheduling a brand new episode for a client, and I have to admit the shows are getting better. As Celia always says, "practice makes progress". And I'm getting better and faster at my craft as well. I'm not yet ready to advertise my services, but I'll be able to respond to the call if asked. I was given a tight deadline, which required me to work over the weekend. I never wanted to do that, but the increased workload requires it of me. Weekends were when I would devote a lot of energy to the creative pursuits of the residents of my humble abode. But to date, our endeavors don't yet translate to cash in a significant way. So, I'm still on the clock -- reluctantly. While the economy is on a bumpy ride through fiscal quarter after fiscal quarter, some segments have experienced an uptick in demand. Fortunately, mine is one of those segments. In my past, I've never been that fortunate. Although not always the first eliminated, I always seemed to get caught without a chair when the music stopped playing. Except when I put myself first. Getting accustomed to a new way of doing business requires adjustments from everyone. As for me, I have to make the conscious effort to prioritize the needs of my business to at least be on par with those of my clients. I want to win at Musical Chairs occasionally. And because I'm finishing this blog post one day before publication, I'm slipping on the job! So what am I going to do about it? I will not be falling for the "be lucky you have a job" implied threats. Been there, done that! Through multiple economic downturns, I've been able to keep the job that I had at the time. I will continue to fulfill my fiduciary duties to my clients, but now I'm treating myself as a valued client as well. I've already adapted my podcast business to include a new show that shines a spotlight on the gig workers out there and what they're doing to cope with this uncertainty. To be honest about it, that topic does more for the public good than any of the work done by my paying customers. Sorry guys. My wife, Celia, was more forward-thinking than all of us. She geared the content of her podcasts toward coping, self-soothing, and adapting to change. The response to her messages has been overwhelmingly positive. That's why she's the brains of this operation. And she has to record an new episode for release this Friday. Now, back to my new show. Celia graciously agreed to help me produce, write and host it. I'm excited to get started, and although many states are beginning the process of re-opening, I do believe that the show will still have relevance for foreseeable future. However, I still have to pick up the pace or I'll miss the boat. Again! Paying clients are great. They provide me with the resources to pay my mortgage, buy our medicines and groceries, and help us maintain a decent quality of life. But our work is equally as valid as theirs. So today I vow to no longer neglect or short change our mission and ministry just to make a buck. I can both support my work as well as that of my clients -- as long as I remember to pay myself first! Now, back to work!
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About the AuthorAs owner of the Descant Music & Media Group, Ken is a creator and producer of several podcast shows. He is also a music producer, as well as a writer and an accountant for small businesses and nonprofits. Archives
June 2020
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