Tim Basa : Music

As a birthday gift for my wife, I bought great tickets to go see Uncle Kracker, Billie Currington, The Zac Brown Band and Kenny Chesney and at Ford Field.

But, I have to tell you you’re more likely to find me at a Metallica, Jay-Z or Neil Diamond show than country.

Because, for a longtime I believed in the bumper sticker: COUNTRY SUCKS!

However, that all changed at this show. Not only did I have a blast with my terrific wife. But, I learned 7 lessons we can apply to our everyday life.

Here are my; 7 Lessons From the BIG Country Music Show:

Be totally authentic: I don’t care if your Meg Ryan in Sleeping in Seattle, people know if “faking it”. So don’t. The Zac Brown Band is a bearded band of country “rock stars”. These knuckleheads played their asses off. They are not trying to be pretty. They ain’t try’en to be perfect. They are proud country boys. There authenticity makes them real. It connects them to the crowd. Whatever you do – Be authentic.
Make the most of the opportunity. The first act was (Michigan native) Uncle Kracker. Being the opening act is tuff. Especially at Ford Field. Even if there are 10,000 people in the stands it looks empty. But, Kracker did great. He sang his hits and (his Buddy) Kid Rock hit “all summer long”. Kracker made the most of his hometown appearance.
If you’re charming, be charming: You know if you got “it” or if you don’t. If you do have a charming personality. You have to use it in your communications. Writing, sales presentations and public speaking. Billie Currington was having a blast. His happy-go-lucky personality had the crowd (including me) won over.
Tell good, relevant stories: I tell my sales team and the audiences I speak to: “features, benefits and numbers tell. But, its stories that sell. There is no better way to get attention than to tell a great, relevant story. A great story will help close sales, build relationships and create a memorable moment at the dinner table. Zack Brown songs where so well told; I could feel my “toes in the water and ass in the sand”. What’s your story?
Have some fun already. When you’re enjoying yourself let others see your happiness. In your smile, words and actions. I am not saying act, foolish. But, show that you enjoy your profession. Others will feed off your energy and share in your excitement. Billie Currington has a record called, Enjoy Yourself. Take his advice. Plus, share your joy along the way.
Let them see you sweat: Each act left the stage sweating like a farmer who put a 12 hour day in the Georgia sun. Nothing beats hard work. In life we get what we put in. Each act left the stage tired. They gave it their all. You should do the same. Give maximum effort to achieve maximum results.
Work the crowd baby: Performers did not stand in one spot or high-five just one fan. They “networked”. Striding around the edges of the stage, talking, laughing, shaking hands, and high-fiving the crowd. We all need to work the crowd, expand our network and circle of influence. Tell stories, add value to relationships and create new connections within our networks. Our crowd may not want autographs. But, they will definitely appreciate the value of a new friend.