Hello, everyone! The wait for Santa Claus is quickly coming to a close, but before he slides down your chimney we wanted to share one final Advice column. This one is a bit simple, but it is fitting for the season. If you have any questions about the content of this blog, or if you would like more information on the services offered by Haulix, please email james@haulix.com and share your thoughts.
We have covered a lot of territory in this column over the last six months, but today’s post is one that could only run in the final days of the year. We know many of you are spending time with those you care about right now, and to be perfectly honest we believe that is far more important than spending your time online. So, in hopes of informing you without pulling you away from holiday festivities, I’m going to dive right into this list and save you 3-4 paragraphs of my rambling. Feel free to add your own tips at the end of this post.
1. Reflect on 2013 and learn from everything that did (and did not) work.
As the final days of the year begin to wind down it’s easy to get caught up in sharing your victories from the past twelve months with those you love, but it is important to reflect on things that didn’t go as planned as well. Make a list of everything you attempted in 2013 as an artist/group, the victories and losses, then discuss what you can do to improve your efforts in the new year. This will help with the next tip, which is…
2. Make a list of goals for 2014 and outline what needs to happen in order to achieve them.
Every artist I have spoken with in the last month has told me they believe 2014 will be their best year yet. While I hope that is the case, it’s certainly something that is much easier said than done. By creating a list of goals for the new year, as well as outlining the steps needed to achieve them, before January 1 arrives you and your band mates will have a leg up on the competition. While others are trying to plan their next announcement/tour/album/etc. you will already be knee-deep in the battle for career progression.
3. Spend time with those you love and remember to thank those who have supported you.
We mentioned in the opening paragraphs that we feel family is far more important than life on the internet, especially when the holidays come around. With that in mind we want to encourage everyone to spend as much time with the people who mean something to them in the days before 2014 arrives. Further, it’s imperative that you take the time to thank your supporters both locally and abroad. Fans feel a connection to you and your art that is wholly unique to each individual, and taking the time to release even a generic ‘ Thank you and Happy Holidays’ message over social networks can be a good way to keep that bond strong while the music industry is on vacation. They’re excited for the new year just as much as you are because they too have seen your struggle over the past twelve months and believe you will do great things in the future. Don’t take that for granted.
