If you don’t know Bob, you should read the stuff he’s saying!

A few months ago David Meerman Scott turned me on to the extraordinary music industry blogger Bob Lefsetz.  Since then I’ve become a die-hard fan of his brilliant observations, biting wit and a keen understanding of the profound ways digital has transformed the music marketplace and 21^st century life.  Whether it’s live shows, radio airplay; streaming music, breaking new artists, whatever – Lefsetz commentary on an industry rife with uncertainty and change is entertaining and thought-provoking.

A warning: Bob can be a kvetch (and if you don’t know that Yiddish term, look it up!).  He can rant, too.  But he’s also right on the money most of the time: about talent, about how to stand out from a crowd, about how to put your craft first and be – an artist.  The reason I am drawn to Bob’s commentary is there are incredible similarities between the business of music and the business of speaking.

Too much has already been written about how technology has transformed both industries.  Both are drowning in content and choice.  The result is it’s difficult in both arenas to build a career because with so many people competing for attention.  And with a marketplace that is not as focused as it used to be – the chance of making a mega-impact is very rare.  As proof, I was just thinking back to the last Olympiad.  I can’t think of one athlete who came out of those games and went on to become a successful force in the speaking world!  The public consumed the Olympics and was off to the next thing.  There was no traction.  With anyone!  Contrast that with an era of less choice where people like Mary Lou Retton, Bruce Jenner (before he became Mr. Kardashian) and others became dominant forces in the speaking world and sustained a long career afterwards.

Just for fun I suggest that you make Lefsetz part of your regular reading. I think there’s much to be learned by the similarities between the music business and the lecture industry.

Here’s his website: http://lefsetz.com/wordpress. Two interesting commentaries that might get you thinking:

http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2014/10/03/amateursprofessionals-2/

http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/archives/2014/09/29/lena-dunhamfree-work/