Everything I needed to know about the business world, I learned in a rock band
Business is easy. I learned all about it on stage in the dingy 
haze
of rock clubs. Let’s picture a business personified as a rock band…
Sales reps are singers. They are your company’s
public face. They get (and take) most of the credit. They are prima
donnas, prone to tantrums when things don’t go their way. The rest of
the band kind of resents them, and likes to spout off that ‘anyone
could do that’, but let’s face it… if you could sing, you’d be a singer.
Marketing people are guitar players. They create the catchy licks, they establish the tone, and they give the singer something to spout off about.
Accountants are bass players. It’s not always apparent what they’re doing, unless you really pay attention. But the moment they stop, everything falls apart.
Engineers are drummers. They set (and keep) the
pace, and they determine whether you finish in time, out of time, or
early. If the show goes down to flames, you always blame the drummer
first.
Bosses are managers. They collect 15% of the
profits, contribute little of value, and if things head south, they’ll
skip out on you in a heartbeat and go work with another group.
Production workers are roadies. No disrespect
intended! They are the unappreciated VIPs whose efforts determine
whether the show goes on or crashes and burns. If it does flop, they’re
the first ones to get canned. Nothing happens without them; it’s not
like the singer is going break a sweat hauling amplifiers.
Your customers are the audience. It’s all about the
audience. They buy the tickets and pay for the whole shebang. If they
like you, you’re on your way. If they don’t, pack it in. You should
figure out what kind of a mood they’re in before the show, so that you
can play a few tunes they like. Maybe hold off on the Mr. Robato covers
until you get to Tokyo.
Coffee is beer. It lubricates the whole creative process. Have some more to keep the ideas flowing.
