Tip of the Week Archive: 2008

By Jeffrey P. Fisher

January 14, 2008 --I was approached to sell another product alongside my existing line. I do this from time to time, but under strict guidelines. The product must be complementary, not competitive to my own products/services. It must be very strong, and not thin and useless, . Most of all I must have seen, used, and profited from the product myself before I will lend it an endorsement. Period. Anybody can recommend a product -- and many do -- but I will only recommend the best that I know you can benefit from immediately! So, if you approach anybody with a business proposition, do your homework first.

January 21, 2008 -- This week, I'm sending you elsewhere for tips. Read this important article about the the music loudness wars, a personal pet-peeve of mine. And check out this great article on film sound.

February 4, 2008 -- Responding to a tip on making prudent sacrifices (December 10, 2007 available at www.jeffreypfisher.com) Nic Brouwer wrote "Hey Jeffrey, I recently did just that. In fact, that's why I'm responding to this so late. Because of the move, I didn't have internet access for awhile, and even after I got it connected, I was using it to line up gigs, and didn't have a chance to read through my old emails until now. I moved from the city, where I was working a regular office job during the day and trying to build a career in the evenings and weekends; to small town Saskatchewan (Canada), where I am now making a living from my music. This was a huge step out of my comfort zone, and an even huger step for my wife and kids, who, only by the hand of God, graciously agreed to come with me. But one that is already paying off, and, I'm sure will only continue to do so as time goes on. Thanks again for the encouraging words, your wisdom is greatly appreciated. Peace."

February 11, 2008 -- I received an e-mail inquiring whether I could help out putting together a basic home studio. I quoted my consulting fee and received the reply: "I didn't know you were going to charge me." Well, I am a generous person, and do regularly take calls and answer questions via e-mail gratis. I'm happy to do this as I firmly feel we should all help one another to the best of our abilities. However, when retained for more extensive work far beyond providing a quick answer or two, I expect to be paid. Consulting is one way I put bread on my table. You have to draw the line somewhere between being a good person and keeping that roof over your head. We all face the "free" phenomenon and the way to deal is to stand your ground. You provide professional services. Charge accordingly and let the freebie seekers go.

February 18, 2008 -- Last week's tip generated a lot of e-mail. Dave C. summed it up best: "Great tip this week! I for one certainly appreciated the couple of answers to my questions via email and would certainly expect to pay a consulting fee for more in depth analysis or answers. I find myself in this situation often - younger guys asking me how I got a certain sound or mixed something. They have been very polite and appreciative of my time and I have been glad to provide them help and have listened to their songs and given feedback. Those type of things, when respect is mutual is great. And I don't mind sharing a 50,000 foot overview, but for anything beyond general information I expect some type of compensation. I helped a VO artist setup somethings and in trade - he's given me access to his voice when I need it - fair deal in my book. I hope enough people who get your Tips understand that time is money and while most people in the industry don't mind sharing tips or even some more advanced "forum" type help, one-on-one consulting isn't free; someone has to pay, whether it's me or you."

February 25, 2008 -- Fisher's Philosophy: (1) Do what you want to do and love to do, and do them in your own way. (2) Achieve success in your own way and on your own terms. Don't be concerned over your progress or fall into traps imposed by other people. You are unique; your career will be equally unique. Never forget that it's the journey that's important (not necessarily the destination). Focus on the search. Stay on the path. Never give up. And never have any regrets.

March 3, 2008 -- Fresh from the SEA Conference, and I'm once again energized by the inspiring and practical ideas shared by the many artist-entrepreneurs during their presentations. Though I pulled together a segment on building a slash career (musician/composer/producer), I had plenty of time to hear other speakers. Even after all these years, I still found sound advice that was pertinent to my career. Three keys came from one of my favorite authors, Raymond Benson, who said, and I paraphrase: "Network, never burn bridges, and be prepared to reinvent yourself." Keynote speaker, Matt Boresi expanded on the networking theme with his elegant thought: "Networking isn't closing (a sale) but opening an opportunity." And long-time music marketing genius, Bob Baker, delivered a fantastic presentation that was simply too full of useful advice to share here. Students left the conference knowing what it takes to make it making art, and hopefully many will pursue their dreams. I sure have, and have never regretted the decision. But I sure wish there had been a SEA when I was in college!

March 10, 2008 -- I suffered a major computer issue last week. Thankfully, I'm rather fastidious when it comes to backups. I did lose some works in progress, though. And I blame myself for not taking an extra few seconds to back those up the evening before the crash. A few seconds then would have saved me hours of valuable time. Of course, it's the little things that add up, too -- y'know all those updates, software tweaks, and various things that you do in daily work/life that you rarely or never backup. The major consequence of this crash is all the time wasted getting back to speed. I've logged nearly 20 hours getting back on track -- and I didn't have 20 hours to spare. Plus, who needs the added stress? So, my advice is BACKUP EVERYTHING! ALWAYS!! Don't take a chance on losing important data. Hardware fails; files corrupt. With proper backups and good documentation, you can get up and running reasonably fast (and stress free!). BTW: my backup strategy is three-fold: 1) CDs and DVD data discs, 2) USB external drives, and 3) Off-site file storage via the Internet.

March 17, 2008 -- I'm big on working your strengths. Unfortunately, too many people focus on their shortcomings. They spend a lot of energy trying to overcome their weaknesses instead of honing their existing skill set, and taking that to the next level. I'm not against improving yourself -- far from it, I've built my career on a constant pursuit of knowledge and experience. However, I know where I can have success and therefore push harder in those directions. I also know my weaknesses, but I don't dwell on them or lose sleep over them. I guess it's the glass half-full/half-empty mindset. Optimism is important, but you can't live/eat hope. You can eat/live on your ability to do something well, though. So the next time you find yourself contemplating your weaknesses, try to re-focus your mind on your strengths AND how you can use them to better your situation. If you don't know your strengths, grab the book StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath. The book is useless until you break the little seal in the back, grab the code secreted inside, log on to the Website, and take the 20-30-minute on-line test. The results will have an uncanny ability to show your particular strengths. You'll also get valuable advice that you can immediately put to solid use. I just wished I'd have had the test a couple of decades ago. (BTW: make your older children take the test, especially college-age students; they'll thank you twenty years from now!)

March 24, 2008 -- This week brings a couple of success stories from two long-time supporters. (1) Thaddeus Rex just became a Grand Prize winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest! His song, co-written with Alan Gershwin (George Gershwin's son), "I'll Always Follow You," goes head-to-head with one other children's song and the winner is awarded the 'Lennon Award.' Voting runs through April 26 and you can only vote once a day. Click to hear "I'll Always Follow You" here. (2) Mary Shaw has just released her first e-book, "The Mommy Track: How Live A Full Time Life On Part Time Income," available for sale as a downloadable .pdf file. This book is for aspiring part-time work-at-home moms who want to empower themselves and overcome their fear of quitting the full time corporate grind so they can spend more time with their families. It lays out an 8-week program of how to make it happen without breaking the bank or burning any professional bridges. Congratulations and kudos to both of you!

March 31, 2008 -- Took a little Spring Break this week as I'm knee deep in preparing for NAB. Here's an article about some of my current activities that I hope will provide some insight for you instead.

April 7, 2008 -- "The College of DuPage Outstanding Faculty Selection Committee proudly announces that Jeffrey P. Fisher is the student-nominated, College-wide Outstanding Part-time Faculty member for 2008. Jeffrey is an Instructor in the Motion Picture/Television (MPTV) program in the Fine and Applied Arts sub-division of Liberal Arts." This recognition is quite an honor for me and I'm quite proud to share it with all of you who have supported me over the years.

April 21, 2008 -- Back from NAB where attendance was down 15-20% over last year. I'm not sure if it was the economy, a generally off-year, the lack of Avid and Apple on the show floor, the Internet making it easier for people to see new products without having to attend, or a combination of all these forces that conspired to reduce the numbers. Training was busy, though, and up a bit over last year. There's no doubt that training is the big industry of the near future. These products -- hardware and software - are more sophisticated and require the help that experts can give you. Unfortunately, as is typical, audio sessions are always less attended (and less respected) than their video counterparts. I'm used to it. Of course, I keep telling the video people that audio is the easiest, cheapest, and fastest way to make a video LOOK better. Some get it, but most would rather invest in a Red camera than a decent speaker monitor system. Oh, well -- I guess that keeps people like me employed -- here, Fisher, you fix the audio for us! And I do ... even as I wish that more video pros would take a more active role in the other 50% of their projects. (Of course, this does open up some opportunities for you. Expanding from music production into audio post-production for video can let you use your skills in a new way. I added these services a number of years ago and have never regretted that decision.)

April 28, 2008 -- Music business success guru, Bob Baker, hosts his first Indie Buzz Bootcamp this June 20-22 in St. Louis. Attend and you will spend the weekend learning the practical, real-world, and immediately applicable techniqwes for today's indie music success. Bob knows his stuff (I've seen him speak and always learn something) and he's surrounded himself with a who's who of music insiders. All the details are on this link. And as a special favor, just for you, he's knocked 33% off the regular price to attend, but only if you follow this special link. Sign up today as the space is VERY limited.

May 5, 2008 -- There is a phrase that should be stricken from our language. It's this: "That's good enough." I hear it all too often in my life's travels through creative circles. And it saddens me. Often, rather than do what's necessary to make something bigger or better, some people throw in the towel and just get by. Now I'm not saying everything need be perfect. Just that you MUST push yourself to be sure that this is the best work you can do under the circumstances (deadlines, resources, and such). Don't settle. Make your art all that it can be. Always.

May 12, 2008 -- Here is a nice article about me on the College of DuPage's (where I teach) Website.

May 19, 2008 -- I get this phone call. There's music blaring in the background. A mouse-like voice murmurs something like this: "D'ya blah go turn fur blink da week oh, mmmm?" Huh? I reply, politely. "I'm sorry I can't understand what you asked. The music is too loud." Noises on line, music turned down slightly, but sounds more like person turned away from speaker and cupped hand over the phone. "D'ya got any jobs opening?" My reply "Uh, no sorry we are not hiring, ri ..." Click! Mid sentence (they hung up, not me). I stare at my phone in utter disbelief that this has actually happened. I pinch myself. Nope, wide awake. It did happen. So, I wrote these words a few seconds later while it was still fresh in mind. Wow. Some people sure need training on phone etiquette and general politeness. I won't even go into their lack of job hunting skills.

June 9, 2008 -- Hope is not a legitimate business strategy.

June 16, 2008 -- Last week's tip was short and simple, so I thought I'd elaborate a bit here. Too many would-be artists live their professional lives waiting (and hoping) for something to happen. Some make the mistake of doing nothing until somebody "discovers" them and their talent. Others make the mistake of doing a lot but without a plan or direction. So they wander aimlessly. The smart people don't wait around and also don't get mired in "busy-ness" either. They formulate a plan with goals and milestones along the way. And then they do what's necessary to reach those goals. They don't live on hope or take too many detours. It's a concerted effort always in the right direction. Not that they aren't flexible -- all artists must be willing to change as needed -- it's just that they keep their eyes (and resources) on the prize.

June 23, 2008 -- As I returned from MadCity, WI after speaking on audio post for video at the Madison Media Institute, I recalled many summer weekends I took as a child. Those of you who have followed my travels through life all these years, know I have a Zen/Buddhist streak in me. And there is no greater illustration of this for me than the old adage: "It's the journey that matters, not the destination." My Dad would always pile us in the car, put the pedal down, and get to my Uncle's cabin in Minnesota, bragging all the way about how good of time he was making. "If we don't stop for dinner, we can get there in 9 and a half hours instead of ten. Pass the bologna sandwiches ... " As a youngster on those many trips, I spent the long hours looking out the window imagining the sites, sounds, smells, and experiences that zoomed by. "Dad, could we stop and see that? That water show looks like fun. Can we go? Can't we take a back road instead of I-90?" The answer was always no. For him, the destination was the thing. As for me, I suffered through the journeys and made the best of them. I'd look for the steepest hill that would be fun to soapbox derby down, imagine the fields and forests being explored for the first time by native Americans and European immigrants, wondered if some teenagers had run off to a secluded spot to take their love for each other on a discovery of a more intimate nature (O.K. that last bit was during my teenage years). But nevertheless, I like to go places, and more importantly, I like to enjoy the trip and getting there ... eventually. I -- to quote another well-known cliche -- like to stop and smell the roses. And though this little essay seems to be about vacation travel, if you read between the lines, you'll discover there's more in these words than just what's on the surface. Don't go through life on the Interstate. Often it's better to take a back road and discover something new. And maybe something better, too. It's this kind of experience that can make getting there all the more fun!

July 14, 2008 -- I was talking with another Jeffrey at my home recording for voice-actors workshop I gave in Chicago over the weekend. He mentioned how networking -- specifically making sure to tell other people what it is that you do -- was so important. He recounted a story of meeting with his insurance agent and mentioned to the man that he did on-hold messages. Unfortunately, the insurance agent had just hired another company to do the work. He added that IF HE'D HAVE KNOWN that Jeffrey did them, he'd have given the work to him. So, although he missed out on a job, Jeffrey learned a valuable lesson. You just never know when, where, or from whom you might get your next gig. So, the lesson is simple: spread the word. Always.

July 21, 2008 -- To write a 1-minute song every day for a year - now that's a lofty goal. I loved David Morneau's inspiring story and thought it was worthwhile to share it with you this week. Enjoy.

July 28, 2008 -- In Chicago, there are only two seasons -- Winter and Road Construction. So, a few days ago while in traffic, as road crews desiccated the best route to the school where I teach, I noticed something disturbing. As jackhammers, backhoes, and other mammoth machines toiled, the human workers all lacked proper ear protection. I saw no earplugs, headphones ... nothing. Even with my windows rolled up and a song playing I felt the machinery was too loud. Imagine the irreparable damage these workers are doing to their hearing. If you ask them a question a few years from now, you'll hear the same response: "Huh!?" You would think they would want to take some reasonable precautions and wear ear protection -- like their peers on airport tarmacs. Hearing loss is permanent; you never "recover" from it. So, don't be foolish with your hearing -- as this extreme example illustrates. Treat your ears well as they are indeed quite important to your livelihood.

August 4, 2008 -- Brian Tarquin (who was featured in my CASH TRACKS book) is nominated once again for a daytime entertainment EMMY award for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction And Composition For A Drama Series. Brian has previously won 2 EMMY Awards in 2003 & 2005, making this his fifth nomination. Congratulations to Brian. He works very hard and it's nice to see his hard work recognized. I hope he wins! Get more on Brian in my book and here. BTW: Brian shared this news with me in an e-mail blast which just goes to show that even when you're busy AND successful, there's always time to do a little promotion. Share your success with your clients and prospects to remind them of your work, too!

August 18, 2008 -- I received an e-mail recently from someone who just started out a few months ago trying to sell music for radio/TV/video/film and couldn't figure out why nothing was happening. I reminded this person a simple truth that just about the time you get tired of promoting, networking and the other tasks that comprise an active music career is just about the same time people start noticing. Don't give up now. Set goals and devise specific methods for achieving them. Trust you've made the right decisions (and be open-minded to changing circumstances and willing to adjust and adapt.) Few of us achieve any success without a lot of old-fashioned hard work. Let's face it, if all this was so easy, everybody would be doing it. It just doesn't work that way.

August 25, 2008 -- Last week I delivered an acceptance speech to the adjunct faculty at the College of DuPage for my Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award. Though not specifically music-related, I do hope you find a nugget of advice or two and some inspiration from it, too.

Thank you. It is truly an honor for me to stand here in front of you as the recipient of this award. This is a moment I shall cherish forever.

But this award is for all of you. And I truly mean that. I'm just the face up here this year representing you. You all deserve to be recognized for your outstanding contributions to the learning experience. We all touch the lives of those around us. And there are few greater rewards than enriching the lives of students who come to us for knowledge and guidance.

Give yourself a round of applause for a job well done. Really. I salute you all. Bravo!!

So for me, I guess it was the television show Room 222 that I saw as an impressionable youth. Or perhaps it was To Sir, with Love - the movie with Sydney Pointier when it would play after school on Channel 7 at least a few times a year. You know the story - bad students get inspired to be better people by a creative, dedicated teacher. I never wanted to be that teacher. But I sure wanted to inspire other people with my work - you know nothing fancy - just for another person to hear a few words of my wisdom and be inspired to turn their life around.

Wouldn't it be just grand to be THAT person who set them down their road to their personal success? It's not that you would be looking for credit, but just knowing that in some small way - however small - that you had a positive influence on another human being. That's good. That's really good.

That, for me, is what it's all about. Now I doubt that any students will be singing "To Fisher, with love' about me at the end of a term. Nor do I want or expect such recognition.

I just want to set a positive example and be a role model for them. For them to see in me, what they really need to see in themselves. To want to succeed - on their own level mind you, not copy or mirror another's apparent journey - but to be willing to take their own journey. In their own way.

I'm very Zen that way. It's the journey that matters, not the destination. My Dad would always pile us in the car, put the pedal down, and get to my Uncle's cabin in Minnesota, bragging all the way about how good of time he was making. If we don't stop for dinner, we can get there in 9 and a half hours instead of ten. Pass the bologna sandwiches …

I, of course being too young to drive, spent the long hours looking out the windows imagining the sites, sounds, smells, and experiences that zoomed by. Dad could we stop and see that? That looks like fun. Can't we take a backroad instead of I-90? The answer was always no. For him, the destination was the thing. Me, I suffered through the journeys and made the best of it … looking for the steepest hill that would be fun to soapbox derby down, imagining the fields and forests being explored for the first time by native Americans and European immigrants, wondering how many teenagers would find the perfect spot to take their love on a discovery of a more intimate nature (ok that last bit was during my teenage years). Nevertheless, I do like going places … and GETTING there … eventually.

There are two important points I want to share with you. 1) Passion. You have to have passion for the subject you teach. Your exuberance will be noticed by your students and some of it might just rub off on them. Now I teach audio and lets face it, it isn't the most glamorous pig in the poke. But I love it and I love to expose fresh minds to its possibilities. Passion helps students learn.

And 2) remember the one thing that I remind myself of everyday I step into the classroom. And that thing is this: Do it for the students.

It's all about the students. Period. No, make that exclamation point!

Challenge them.

Help them learn to learn.

Provide information.

Create opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills.

Give real-life advice. Be relevant.

Be a mentor. A coach. A leader.

I'm sure when many of you started here at COD, people would ask what it is that you do. You probably responded something along the lines of "I have a job at COD." Maybe after a few semesters, you'd be asked the same question and your reply may have changed to "I teach part-time at COD."

The thing is, once you continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those who step into your classroom, you start to realize that the answer to what do you do is this: "I AM a teacher."

I owe my success to so many people. Some were teachers who pushed me. Some were teachers I thought were the worst (and therefore vowed to NEVER be like them - so I guess I still owe those bad apples a thank you for they did show me a way. Sorta.).

I've had many mentors, most in absentia, and I have a loving, supportive wife -- I hope everybody has such a wonderful soul mate in their life as I have been fortunate to have. And I have a son who makes me so proud I could just scream his name from the top of the Art Center building every day.

I must thank my long-time friend, Brian Holmsten as he was the one who recommended me for my first teaching assignment here at COD. And I have to thank Jeff Curto, 'cos he's the one who hired me, so you can blame all of this on him. Also, shoutouts to Jennifer Piehl who is the best department coordinator an adjunct can have and to Anthony Venezia for his support at MP/TV. And I have to thank all of my fellow adjuncts in MP/TV - Ann, Sid, and Kevin in particular.

Now Jennifer said I had to plug the Motion Picture /Television department so consider it plugged. We are doing some cool things there. Come on down and see it. Join us during Artlook. Stop by and say hi - I'll buy the coffee. Now I know you all say this about your departments, but really MP/TV is the best department in the whole school. After yours, of course.

And I must thank Chris Picard and everybody on the selection committee whom I'm sure had a helluva time picking from all the nominated candidates. Such riches here at COD. And of course, I have to thank that student, or students, who nominated me. I don't know who he or she is - and I don't really WANT to know - but they have my heartfelt gratitude.

Most of all, I simply must thank ALL of my students for they are the ones who demand I work hard in the classroom. This is for all of them.

And thank YOU! Have a great year and I look forward to seeing one of you up here next year.

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• Jeffrey's Tip of the Week Archive: 1997
• Jeffrey's Tip of the Week Archive: 1998
• Jeffrey's Tip of the Week Archive: 1999
• Jeffrey's Tip of the Week Archive: 2000
• Jeffrey's Tip of the Week Archive: 2001
• Jeffrey's Tip of the Week Archive: 2002
• Jeffrey's Tip of the Week Archive: 2003
• Jeffrey's Tip of the Week Archive: 2004
• Jeffrey's Tip of the Week Archive: 2005
• Jeffrey's Tip of the Week Archive: 2006
• Jeffrey's Tip of the Week Archive: 2007