This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Success

If you have friends, students, colleagues, or family members who are musicians, why not give them a present this holiday season that helps them achieve greater professional success?  Or maybe these ideas can be added to your own wish list: 

1. Success-Oriented Books.  This inexpensive and helpful gift can range a number of topics: music business, entrepreneurship, marketing, money management, time management, personal happiness.  To search a collection of books helpful specifically to musicians, click here.  (Naturally, I highly recommend The Savvy Musician, and would be happy to inscribe it with a personalized message!)
2.  Trade Magazine Subscription.  As musicians, it is imperative we stay current in our field. Following trade magazines is a great way to do this.  For a list of music magazines, click here.  Journals focusing on non-musical issues such as marketing, money, or entrepreneurship, also make great gifts.
3. Trade Association Membership.  Trade organization membership unlocks resources and provides access to a network of like-minded individuals.  For a list of music organizations and societies, click here. 
4. Conference Dues.  Professional conferences and conventions allow for networking and the acquisition of new ideas/information. And, if you choose a good one, great fun.
5. Music Festival Tuition.  Summer music camps and festivals provide intense playing experiences in addition to networking opportunities, access to new teachers, and more.  For a list of music camps geared towards aspiring musicians, click here. 
6. Career Mentorship.  Arrange an appointment with a music career counselor or mentor to address a variety of professional concerns, from “What should I do with my life” to creating additional income streams, marketing talent and products, distinguishing yourself, etc.  (For information on my work in this area, click here.)
7. Consultation.  Give a gift certificate for a meeting with some kind of professional consultant: an accountant, marketing advisor, music manager, attorney, publicist, entrepreneur, etc.
8. Promotional Item.  Purchase a promotional item that will help spread the word about your musician friend: business cards, brochure, website design, bumper stickers, etc.
9. Software.   Financial management (i.e. Quicken, QuickBooks) and task/project management (i.e. Things) software can be extremely beneficial for savvy musicians.  Or look into an e-mail marketing service like Constant Contact (the company through which this newsletter was created), helping musicians stay connected with fans.
10. Career Fund. Make a contribution to a career fund, which can be used to buy an instrument, make a recording, hire a publicist, or help realize some other professional activity. 
11. Your Time.  Donate a little of your time, energy, and expertise to helping with some aspect of their career.  
12. Great Music.  There are few experiences more energizing than attending a great and note-worthy musical event!  And in addition to personal fulfillment, an interesting show can provide inspiration about how to best approach our own projects.