And the beginning is the best place to do it.
The more you look around, the more you see that everyone’s starting something — a business venture, a new hobby, maybe even a family. Starting things is fun. Super fun. So fun, in fact, that there are actually people that just like starting things and then don’t know what to do after it’s started. I’m not sure what to say about all that, but it is a real thing.
When I was in business school, I played in a few bands and worked at a large music gear retailer. Right around this time of year, it was crazy busy. Bonkers. Extended hours, lots of sales, and lots of regulars finally deciding to buy that thing they’ve been eyeing all year.
Harvest season
We worked on commission and we were getting after it. I loved this time of year because we were almost exclusively dealing with gift-givers — not the recipients — which meant that they didn’t know much about the gear and looked to us as experts.
These incredibly generous parents could be put into two categories:
- “Let’s go cheap because he/she may not stick with it.”
- “My kid asked for all the top-notch gear and we’re going to get it all for him/her today.”
This time of year always makes me think of “harvest season” at that store and all the conversations I had with parents about their kids wanting to start playing drums. I think about that a lot now because starting drums — or really any instrument — is like starting just about anything.
First, let’s look at parent category one.
“Let’s go cheap because he/she may not stick with it.”
Ok, I get this. I really do. You don’t want to blow a lot of money on a decent drum kit because if they don’t stick with it, you’re out a few hundo and you already have an expensive thing to lay damp clothes on to dry and it’s called last year’s treadmill.
Here’s the thing, though: It’s easier to start and love something when you’re not playing on junk. It just is. If you’re serious about starting something — with the true intention of sticking with it — then invest in it. You don’t need to go “all in,” but set yourself up with the right gear and the right tools to enable success, encourage growth, and maintain — if not enhance — interest.
Now, let’s look at parent category two.
“My kid asked for all the top-notch gear and we’re going to get it all for him/her today.”
I know what you’re thinking. Oh man, that second category is ripe for making those sweet, sweet commissions. That is true, but I rarely ever sold them everything they wanted because, well, I’m not a f***ing jerk.
Here’s the thing: Little Johnny doesn’t need a double bass drum pedal on his first kit. He just doesn’t. He needs to learn how to play a single pedal, then he can graduate to a double pedal later on when/if he wants to.
Shortcuts — before you even start — is a big, fat nope. Get good gear (see parent category one), and keep it simple to start. It’s what entrepreneurs call “running lean.” Do a lot with a little, then add bells and whistles (probably literally bells and whistles in a drummer’s case), later when you can, if you even need or want to.
Hmm, maybe starting is actually easy…
…and it’s the sticking with it that’s the trick?
No matter what you’re resolving to start in 2018, set yourself up for short-term and long-term success. Get good gear. Don’t take shortcuts.
And if you’re an awesome parent that is getting your kid his or her first drum kit, have the guy checking you out throw in a free set of earplugs. Trust me on that one.
#bewhatyoumake
