Last night I dropped my girls at the P1Harmony concert in Auckland.
Anticipation for it has been brewing for months in the Milham household.
My wife now feels like she’s lost hearing in her left ear — a certain vocal daughter sitting beside her was rather excited.
But I didn’t go.
I’m just too cool. 😎
Actually, I came for the trip to hang out with the family for a couple of days. But this is their thing.
We say our goodbyes. And I stride off up Queen Street towards the movie theatre. There’s a comfy seat with my name on in for the 7:15pm screening of the latest Mission Impossible movie.
Busy walking along with intent, my ears suddenly prick up to something carrying on the wind. More than the usual car and people noises.
Aaah… music! And… what’s this? Good music!
Unfortunately, despite people’s enthusiasm. Sometimes busking just ain’t that great sounding.
But THIS is good.
And it’s loud.
Where’s it coming from?
I arrive at the next corner. Then I spot the guitars.
As I stop and watch… along with a growing crowd… each strum arrives like a carefully wrapped delicacy for my ears.
One playing rhythm. One burning a trail all over his fretboard. My jaw drops seeing how high up he goes — a place where my short fingers fear to tread.
Now, I rarely watch buskers.
Usually I’m running late and rushing along.
Plus: I never have coins or notes. So I kinda feel bad listening and not paying
Hey, what’s this?
I feel a coin jingling in my pocket beside my keys. That’s right. It’s left over from the high school school talent show snacks table.
Maybe this time I can enjoy listening AND say “thanks”.
So I stay.
And the more I stay the more I realise I don’t recognize any of the tunes. (My Gen-X-itis striking again perhaps?)
But the couple beside me?
I step aside to give them more space. Looking like they’re having the time of their life dancing and singing away beside the overflowing street garbage cans.
They are hearing their tune. And loving it.
So I enjoy the music for a while. Toss my coin into the open guitar case. Feel warm inside as I hear it “clink”. Then power walk up the street.
2 hours and 44 minutes of action awaits!
As strange as it is to think…
These street buskers are great freelance business tutors.
You see…
They’re doing 3 things. Not necessarily easy things. But things that are definitely bringing them business.
Simply…
Playing loud… Playing good… Playing a tune people know.
Normally, loud things are somewhat annoying. But because what is being broadcast is so good… it doesn’t bother me.
Being loud means they attracted people from a way off. And the tunes they play can be heard and enjoyed — even with all the street noise.
And they played good. Wow, they were good!
I’ve played with guitarists before. And these two had it. These are: “Watch out, Brian May, we’re coming for your crown”-level skills.
And:
They play a tune that their audience knows.
But Chris, you say they didn’t play your tune!
Right.
While I appreciate their guitar skill. And the delightful notes coming out. They’re not grabbing out with an emotional connection that draws ME in.
Because I’m not their true audience. Their true audience will pay more than my lowly coin. And will want to keep coming back again and again. And be boogeying away on the side of the street.
So… uh… Chris… are you saying freelancers should learn the guitar and stand out on the side of the street busking?
How about…
Play loud. Do what you need to attract attention from clients. We’re talking lead generation here.
Play skilfully. Be a master so you can forever put a smile on the faces of the clients you serve. This is the learning your craft bit.
Play a tune your audience knows. Show you can solve your clients’ problems… then solve them. This is finding your audience… your people… your niche. The ones who will dance when you play.
And when you put energy into these things… perhaps you’ll be surprised how much change ends up in your open guitar case.
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Chris Milham