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WHAT ABOUT YOUR FRIENDS July 13 2011
I feel compelled to write today. Besides, taking pictures of everything I do kinda gets redundant…
I stay busy. More recently, I’ve been busy building a business from the ground up. You’ve heard me mention it several times here on the blog without much of an explanation. That business is Rick & Ray. A little background before I get into it. I started Rick & Ray last October because I needed a viable name to represent my management position with the Rhythm Natives. And that’s all it was, a simple representation. But as time passed, the ideas of what it could be came into play. My original model has in effect grown into what I call a movement. But this entry isn’t about providing you with a company profile, it’s about my support system.
The beauty of building a brand is that I’m constantly learning, constantly moving. I’m in meetings all week, with people both in and out of my circle, and I’m gaining knowledge at every corner. My mom used to say, “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.” Ok, so I’ve got musician friends, producer friends, designer friends, photographer friends. Does that make me all of the above? Nah, it means that I learn from each of those industries and apply their creativity and gusto to my own.
The point I’m trying to make here is that if you’re in my position - hustling to develop something (which I’m sure most of you are; I regularly hear a lot of “next big things”) - you need to surround yourself with those who will inspire, encourage, and push you. Build with like minded people. As I mentioned, I’ve got friends across various industries, but at the end of the day, we’re all in them to create and communicate. Hard work is required, and so is a support system. Face it, one person doing the job of ten isn’t effective. Have a good squad around you, with each team player offering unique value to the table. Don’t mess with too many “yes men”. Your friends should be able to tell you when you’re slippin’. Be about your work and make sure they are, too.
I’m sorry if it seems like I’m preaching. But after spending the last two nights talking with the most hard working people I know, I feel like there’s still room for me to step my game up. At the bottom of the Rick & Ray splash page it says, “The journey is the reward.” I’m in this for the long haul, and I need good folks along for the ride.
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