Consistency

​Any teachers reading this post will probably agree that we tend to say the same things over and over.  One statement I find myself often repeating in percussion lessons and master classes is “Consistency is going to get you a gig and it’s going to keep you in a gig.” By that I mean a variety of things: 

• Practicing consistently will help you to improve as a musician. Keeping a set practice time and avoiding the temptation to gloss over mistakes is a good start. Purposeful activities such as recording yourself and listening with the score in hand is a methodical way to practice that will pay dividends in the future.   
• Performing consistently will help you to become a reliable performer. It’s not only about being comfortable when performing, it’s also about being a consistent communicator with collaborators, contractors and personnel managers.  That will inspire them to want to work with you again because they know you will be prepared. 
• Teaching consistently will help you improve as an educator. Your students will more easily understand concepts you’re relaying, as well as your expectations.  Plus, your colleagues will view you as a reliable collaborator when working together on projects.  

​To modify the above statement for arts entrepreneurs: Consistency will get you customers and partners, and it will keep them coming back. Consider answers to these questions: 

• Do you allocate consistent time to work on growing your business instead of only working in your business? 
• Are you a consistent and reliable partner who does what you say you will do? That is very attractive to other entrepreneurs since they know their time and resources won’t be wasted.
• Are you consistent in your policies and how you treat your customers? If not, the result could be damaging to your brand or even invite legal consequences. 
• Are you consistent in your creative output? Many artists we’ve interviewed say that’s the best way to hone one’s craft.
• Are you consistent in your pricing strategies or are you leaving money on the table?
• Are you consistent in your goal setting, and do you have plans to achieve them?
• Are you consistent in meeting deadlines?
• Are you consistent in planning and prioritizing activities that will be most beneficial to your business, or do you find yourself reacting to the most recent emergency?
• Are you consistent in your branding and messaging? 
• Are you consistent in how and when you post on social media? 
• Are you consistent in your demeanor and do you treat everyone with respect and empathy? 
• Are you consistent in how you communicate with others both personally and professionally?

How else might you benefit from greater consistency? 

​Thanks for reading,
Nick