Thursday, September 10, 2009

5 Lessons I Learned About Building a Home Based Business While Watching a Master Violinist

Have you ever been in moment where you realized that your perception of something would never be the same? Well that's exactly what happened to me when I attended BB Kings Restaurant to hang out and listen to a violinist for an upcoming CD release.

Much to my surprise I walked away with 5 lessons that I could use to take my home based business to the next level. Within moments of world renowned jazz violinist Karen Briggs (formerly with Yani) taking the stage the quote from Tony Buzan rang my head.

"Whatever your discipline, become a student of excellence in all things. Take every opportunity to observe people who manifest the qualities of mastery."

Here are lessons I walked away with that you can use to
successfully create a business you can work from home.

1. Change an idea or business by 10% and you can be a leader in what you do. Ms. Briggs is not the only violinist but she is one the first to become known as a "Jazz Violinist." She took traditional classical music and put a jazz twist on it and made it her own. She created a fortune by doing so. You can do the same thing. Find a work at home business you love, add your unique slant and become an expert.

2. Give your customers more than you can expect and you will create raving fans. We were told the concert would go 90 minutes. However, when Ms. Briggs surprised us with an additional 45 minute jam session it blew everyone away. When you under promise and over deliver you will create screaming fans that will tell others about your business. The ultimate form of flattery is a referral. (By the way, I highly recommend you see
her).

3. When you are operating in your unique gift it will appear effortless to others. Ms. Briggs was one with her instrument. As a former violinist myself, I know first hand that it is not an easy instrument to master if you don't have the aptitude or attitude. However, when the talent or gift is innate your presentation appears organic and effortless to others.

Most people spend their life looking for the "magic bullet" to create wealth. And the truth is if you were to look at the gifts and talents you have, your million dollar idea is innately a part of you. If you are not sure what it is think about what are the things you do that appear easy for you and difficult for others. Your unique talent harnessed with discipline and commitment will be unstoppable. Unleash your talents and discover how to turn it into a profitable work at home opportunity.

4. When you are a master at your craft people will pay for it and you can name your price. Being an expert in business is much like a top paid artist. When you have specialized knowledge or a skill people are willing to pay a higher price to have access to it.

5. Surround yourself with talented and supportive people and you all can go to a higher level of success. Ms. Briggs had a band around her and with their support her talents were showcased even more. No one creates success by themselves. Make sure you have people around you who support you in your business. Consider a Mastermind Group.

If you are starting or currently building a home based business
take one or all of these lessons, implement them in your business and watch it grow. I am always amazed how lessons about
being successful are always around us if our mind is open and
our ears in tune. These lessons if implemented will sound like
music to your ears.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Fitting And Care For Your Violin

In order to be the best musician that you can you need to shop for the right violin and take good care of your violin and bow.

Before you can shop for your violin you need to be fitted in order to figure out what size of violin you need. Once you figure out which size you need, you can begin your shopping. If you are just beginning to play, then you might want to start out on a violin that is made for beginners. These are newer violins that are made just for beginners. Once you decide that you are going to play the violin for a long time you will want to shop for a good violin. The better the violin, the more expensive they will be.

After you have bought your violin, you will want to take proper care of it. Keep your violin out of the humidity and out of extreme heat and extreme cold temperatures. Wipe off your violin daily to get the dust and dirt off of it and to keep it clean. Monitor any cracks on your violin. If they are bad, you need to take it in for repairs. Keep an eye on the bridge, tailpiece, saddles and fingerboard. Make sure that your violin looks like it did when you bought it. If you are questioning something then you can consult a violin maker or an orchestra director.

You also need to take good care of your bow. It is not difficult to take care of a violin bow. Every time you use your bow you should loosen it before putting it back into the case. You should also have it restrung at least two times per year.

Find a violin that suits your needs, keep it and the bow clean and in good condition and your violin and bow is sure to last for a long time to come.