Hi There!
I’m continuing the series I started in the last issue of Christian Musician Magazine. I’m covering topics that are important to success as an independent artist. As you may or may not know, I’m the founder of Indieheaven.com, and have worked with thousands of indie artists since 1997.

I think I know what makes indies tick, and have witnessed the same patterns over and over again. Most bad patterns can be avoided with some common sense and realistic expectations.

I often tell indie artists, “Be an engine, not a caboose.” That means making sure you are creating momentum in your mission. The worst thing you can do is to sit and wait for something to happen. Most times nothing will happen, even if you read the “Prayer of Jabez” book that was so popular a few years back. That is not a guidebook for a marketing and promotional campaign.

Unfortunately, some artists I run into seem to want it all right now, and on their terms. If they don’t get what they are after, and get it fast, they stop revving their engine and sit like a caboose on a track. They end up waiting for something to back up to them and pull them down a track. That is a serious mistake; waiting for something to come along that lines up with their own will. It appears the Lord’s will may not quite fit in with their game plan.

I also see artists who produce a CD before they are ready, thinking that once they make a CD, they will be a household name and play main stage at a major festival for thousands of screaming fans. They use their CD like a very expensive worm and cast their bait out into the sea we call the CCM industry. They throw their line out hoping to catch a “big one”. After the first cast, they reel it in, see there is nothing, and cast once again. They reel it back in and may have a minnow on the hook, but they were hoping for a whopper. Some give it one more try, but many end up putting their bait into their garage or basement closet and never cast again.

That is sad because artists you hear on the radio or see at a large concert rarely catch a whopper after a few casts. Repetitive action is key to producing results. What does the word “perseverance” mean to you? The other day, the CEO of Indieheaven (chief encouragement officer) Tim O’Connor shared with me that the word perseverance means “severe persistence”. Pretty strong wording, but it made perfect sense to me. See, in my mission, I’ve had many opportunities to put down my rod and jump out of the river. But I didn’t do this. I stayed in the river and continued to fish. Don’t give up! If you know the Lord has called you to share your gifts and talents, then keep fishing!

The term “All or Nothing” kept coming to my mind as I thought about this article. It saddens me to see young musicians and minstrels with the mindset that they have to be a success in the world’s eyes to be useful to the Lord. That simply is not true. I believe it is a lie from the enemy meant to discourage us. Discouragement is the main reason many discontinue in their mission. Every worthwhile undertaking in life has a beginning, followed by a process as we make the journey. An artist recently shared with me that success is like rungs on a ladder. Each small success adds another rung onto the ladder, and soon you can reach heights never imagined! Now that is encouragement!

I asked my wife to compose a poem with the title, “All or Nothing”. I hope it challenges you to continue on in your mission, and encourages you as you run the race to the finish line.

All or Nothing

Between All and Nothing
there is a place called Process.

In Process there is
grappling and growth,
trial and triumph,
humility and hope.

In Process I learn
that Life is not a destination, but a journey,
and that offering the best of myself
to each moment along The Way
is the only legitimate goal.

In Process I realize
that in order for my art to be blessed,
I must make blessing others my primary artform.

In avoiding Process,
I miss the journey.
I miss the blessing.

Waiting for All,
I experience Nothing.

Cheryl Anne Mohr
12/06/06

Until next time, may your field of dreams be lined with work down first and faith down third.
Keith Mohr