www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkLFX8JT7sE

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNUTYHJrutw

There I was, applying my music theory and social psych, and next thing you know, “IT” happened. During a particularly tough patch in my life, my brother shared some wisdom with me. I remember the exact moment he said it – italian restaurant, corner booth, Pammy’s birthday, Grandma was there. I will never forget those words. What he said was “if you can’t wake up and go to sleep every day with a smile on your face, you need to change something in your life.”

In an instant my life changed. Within a week I was hired at the company that eventually relocated me to Las Vegas, where I would eventually find PartnerWeekly, my wife, and the amazing life I have today.

It’s amazing how “IT” – one little moment – can change your life, huh?

I had another one of those instances this week. Two, actually. They happened on the flights to and from New York for Affiliate Summit. Again, my life was changed instantly and I will never forget where I was when IT happened. Here’s the story:

About a week ago, I noticed that one of my more blunt, type-A friends/clients had completely changed his approach with both his clients and vendors. The change was so drastic that I asked him about it. He told me that he read a couple of books that changed the way he thought about business and personal interactions and that he’d never be the same. He tried to explain the books to me.

They didn’t make a bit of sense.

Then he overnighted them to me. Just like he said, my life changed in about 5 hours. I’m not going to tell you what these books are about, but I will tell you what they aren’t about.

They won’t help you write sales copy.

They won’t teach you to be more influential.

They have nothing to do with anything ending in “.com”.

These books will redefine how you interact with the people around you. In fact, they have displaced Cialdini as my #1 and #2 picks for must read business books. (Unless you’re an affiliate marketer who works out of your home and spends your day chatting with AM’s. In that case, keep reading Cialdini.)

I’m going to make a commitment to you. Whenever I find a book that I really love, I buy a ton of copies of it to make sure I can give it away to my friends and loved ones. I’m so confident that these books are life changing that if you don’t want them I’ll buy them back from you. (You just have to ship them to my house so I can give them away. Hell I’ll even pay for shipping.)

As a final teaser, I will mention that when I finished reading the 1st book I picked up the phone and called my wife and a few close friends and vendors to apologize for how misguided my interactions have been.

P.S. Thanks to Ringo Dingo for the words of wisdom back in ’01 and to my anonymous friend/client for the read. Incredible.

Don’t let yourself get left behind by this sort of thinking. Instead of giving a litany of reasons why the project can’t happen, think about all the reasons it can. Or it should. Or it needs to. Write them down and repeat them over and over again. Sell yourself on them. Take what seems impossible and convince yourself why it is possible.

I remember hearing this man and wondering “why in the hell is this guy playing a gig in a casino restaurant -- this some of the best talent I’ve ever heard.” Me and my buddies couldn’t find enough money to tip this guy. Best vocalist in Las Vegas, easy.

What a story. What a voice!!!!!

Here he is on TV:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMvJw_TnyyU

Here he is playing a gig at Hank’s, a steakhouse at Green Valley Ranch casino. Not bad for a 30 year old kid.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTU3ZZYoDbQ

Vegas is proud of you Michael -- you’re an inspiration!!!!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGu8sRHzQnI

www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1opxYadwo0

This is the ongoing debate I’ve had with a friend of mine. He believes greatness (particularly in the political arena) is defined by being “the smartest person in the room.” I disagree.

It’s not just about being the best, smartest, or fastest, or knowing the most notes, or helping others. Greatness is also defined by your limitations.

Can you look at a situation, acknowledge that you can’t pull it off alone, and bring in the pros? Can you hire for your deficiencies rather than just employ people who think like you? Do you play with musicians who are better than you or strive to be the best musician in any project?

I am TERRIBLE at arranging music. I like to write tunes and noodle around a bit with it but when it comes to arrangements I’m lost. Back in Chicago I discovered an awesome piano player and arranger. No matter how uncomfortable I felt with his suggestions, I did my best to implement them because I knew he had a skill set that I did not have.

It is hard to stifle yourself when you disagree with an idea, but sometimes that is exactly what you have to do to grow and become great.

I met a new buddy on the boat. His name is Dave and he’s a music teacher in Mesa, AZ. We had a great time with terrible impersonations during a karaoke contest – he was the Elton John winner, while I attempted (and later withdrew) a bid to become the boat’s official Britney Spears. (pictures forthcoming)

Although I didn’t learn a whole lot about him, I respect the heck out of anyone who can ditch the self consciousness and hop on stage for a tune or two – particularly one that they haven’t practiced.

That made me think about this week’s tip: If you’re trying to make a career out of playing, being a great musician is really important. That said, being a great performer is just as important. If you’re new to performing, you will be nervous your first time…without a doubt.

The best way to get over those nerves is to practice, right? But how do you practice being on stage without actually being onstage at a paid gig? Simple. Karaoke. This might sound kinda goofy, but it will help you:

- Be on a stage in front of people.

- Learn to be ok with making mistakes during a performance.

- Get past your nerves and relax while performing.

- Deal with pre-performance jitters.

- Depending upon the venue, adjust to lighting, hecklers, bad sound systems, etc.

This one might not apply if you’re on stage regularly but should prove to be a simple (and free) practice technique for the newbies.

Anyways, thanks to Elton John from Mesa for this week’s tip!!!!