A friend and I got into a private concert of an artist that I really wanted to see. You couldn’t buy tickets. You had to win them or be given them, and we had done neither…
This reminded me of 3 very important life/business lessons that I want to share with you.
1) Showing up is half the battle.
2) Being kind pays dividends.
3) You appreciate things that you work for more than things given to you for free.
You may or may not have heard of this guy – they are blasting this brand new guy all over our local radio – and since I live in Alabama, you guys probably already own his second album.
Andy Grammer, if you’re listening, great show – you’re song is catchy, positive, and instantly transforms me into a happier mood – you should All have a listen!
Showing up is half the battle.
95% of people would have said, “Oh well, we didn’t win tickets, too bad.” But we didn’t – we showed up. We thought that tons of people would have had the same idea that we had. They didn’t – we showed up. Since this was in a downstairs section of a cool restaurant on our bay, we decided that our worst case scenario would involve having some food, a good time, and heading home. But we got in!
Being kind pays dividends.
We arrived and scoped out where the show was going to be held. We walked up to the ticket booth and said “Hello!” They said, “What’s up guys, here for the show?” We responded with, “Absolutely, but we don’t have tickets, so we’re just gonna’ eat and try our best to overhear.” He told us that he didn’t think it would be a packed out show. After some friendly conversation he asked us our names, said it was nice to meet us, and then added us to the bottom of the guest list. We thanked him and went upstairs to grab a meal before the show.
You appreciate things that you work for more than things given to you for free.
When I caught a glimpse at the guest list there had to be at least 100 names on it. This show was intimate with only approximately 50 people. People received a FREE ticket and couldn’t even get away from whatever TV show they were watching in order to come listen to some great live music. They didn’t appreciate it because they didn’t have to do anything in order to get it.
Show up, be kind, and appreciate.
About Andy Grammer – His story behind the song was pretty cool. He mentioned waking up early to load up his mom’s van in order to race out to get one of the best spots in LA to sit and play. After a day of earning like $15 he came home and wrote this song. He said, “I’m sure glad I did.”
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great story, Brooks! You’re right. I don’t think even 99% of people would have been willing to take the chance and actually make something happen instead of waiting for something to happen to them.
Danny, thanks for the comment! I bet your right with the 99%! (was staying conservative for the statistic police out there who would tell me that was too high) — I would be lying if I said that I don’t battle complacency/donothing/relaxation myself — I wouldn’t be human — but this was a good reminder for me of what a simple action can do…