All of us want to be successful with our music, and few work as hard at being successful as musicians and singers. Still, many very important ingredients for sustained success in this business are often overlooked or ignored.

It takes more than talent to make it. Don't get me wrong - talent is a must, but its importance has been exaggerated. Talent alone will never make up for a serious deficiency in any of the following categories:

Reliability

Of all the necessary skills for success in the today's music world, reliability is number one. Time is money in the music business, and individuals that raise the cost or add stress because they are unreliable do not last long, regardless of their musical skills.

Make it a habit to be on time ALL the time. Be obsessed with establishing and maintaining a reputation for reliability. Never take on any project you cannot or will not finish on time. Start now. We are all creatures of habit. Good habits in this area will always guarantee success.

Ability to Get Along With Others

Sadly, many fine musicians are not working because thy're not good team players. They seem to stir up trouble and dissension wherever they go, or they do things grumbling and mumbling all the way. Most music projects are team efforts today. If you're not a good team player, you had better plan on making it a solo act.

Enthusiasm

The ability to be upbeat, cheerful and enthusiastic makes everyone's load a lot lighter and helps create and maintain a positive atmosphere. Negative emotions dampen enthusiasm and decrease energy and drive. It's no surprise that recent studies confirm that negative attitudes actually decrease productivity. Always be enthusiastic in everything you do. Not only will you get more done, but you'll be happier while you're doing it.

Ability to Follow Instructions

So many people simply do not listen. Did you hear that? Studies have shown that you have to tell the average person the same thing at least three times for it to sink in.

The pressures and demands of today's music world do not allow time for slow thinkers to hear instructions three times. It is critical to develop the ability to (1) concentrate on orders and instructions being given, (2) immediately ask questions about anything you do not understand and (3) get on with the task at hand! To say that you did not understand what was expected of you after the fact is not only unprofessional, it brands you as a rank amatuer. It is your responsibility to listen and follow through without errors.. If you don't, you have no one to blame but yourself.

Ability to Take Criticism

Are you thin-skinned? Insecure? Do you have low self-esteem? Do you always look for a scapegoat, blaming others when you're criticized? Do you pout and sulk when critical remarks are made about you? If so, do yourself a favor and stay out of the music business. It's no place for someone like you. The tremendous pressures that are part of this business often force others to criticize you bluntly and openly - and sometimes unfairly. Failure to be able to "take it" will force you out of the music business early on, regardless of your talent.

Image

Do you walk, talk, act and dress like those who are already successful in your chosen field? Psychological studies have verified that over 55% of our impact as singers or musicians in a live performance situation is visual.

A poor visual image gives you an immediate handicap. You may not get the opportunity to change someone's initial point of view. Most professional auditions last less than fifteen minutes, and many auditioners have already partially made up their mind about you before you sing or play a note.

Dress for success. Watch your weight, posture and body language. They all tell a quick and lasting story about you - often more important than your talent or resume. You will seldom be given a second chance to make a first impression.

Health Habits

So many careers have been tragically cut short because of drugs, alcohol and/or poor health habits. The stress that comes with success can kill. Watch you health habits! Exercise, eat correctly, get plenty of sleep and stay away from hard drugs and hard liquor. Practice moderation in all things. The benefit is obvious: success means nothing without good health.

How tragic to have finally made it and then to lose it all to poor health, addiction or even death. Remember this: Your physical and mental health is the single most important thing you possess.
Everything you've worked and sacrificed for means nothing without it.

Positive Attitude

This ties in with not griping, complaining or making sarcastic remarks. Many so-called young "artists" have developed an "artistic" temperment - touchy, sensitive, moody, difficult, always complaining. Negative character traits will get you thrown out of this business. Only in the movies will you see prima donnas succeed. Yes, there are are real prima donnas. However, they are usually world-class artists, having already established their skills and with enough clout to get away with certain eccentricities - but only to a point. Even the most talented artists jeopardize their careers with erratic, emotional and immature behavior.

Listen More Than Talks

Are you a compulsive talker? Do you feel anxiety if you do not constantly hear the sound of your own voice? Do you readily interrupt others, dominate conversations and go on and on about yourself?

Learn to listen! In any professional situation, say as little as possible. Offer your opinion only when asked. Also, never ever compliment yourself; wait for others to do it. Self-aggrandizement is always seen as a form of emotional insecurity.

Goal Oriented

In any of life's endeavors, success is only assured when you plan your work and work your plan. Do you even have a plan for your career and your life? Remember that there has never been a successful musician who was not goal oriented. There has never been a person who has ever achieved real success who has not dreamed their accomplishments first, developed a systematic plan on how to achieve them, then devoted themselves to that plan with commitment, dedication and, most importantly, determination and persistance.

The brain has an uncanny ability to act on the goals, desires and pictures that we feed it. What are you feeding your brain? Where do you plan to be one year from now? Five years? Ten years? How do you expect to get there? Your success - or lack thereof - depends on setting goals (both short-term and long-term) and doing what it takes to achieve them. "Talking the talk" is never enough. You have to "walk the walk."

The last public speech of Sir Winston Churchill was very short. He repeated one sentence ten times and then sat down: "Never give up!" Remember, you haven't failed until you've quit trying.

Summary

Talent is the sound of one hand clapping. Without wisdom, persistance, maturity and the other skills outlined, your talent will never reach its maximum potential - and you will always wonder why.