Few people understand what truly motivates me. In fact, I’m still learning myself. Close friends and family know that I’m a passive aggressive competitor with relentless fortitude. Simply put…I just won’t quit until I get what I want. The more adversity I face, the stronger I become.

If you are getting to know me through the posts on this blog you may have a different frame of reference. Many times I’m billed as a seasoned expert with all the answers. In some instances this is true. Through trial and error I have learned things about music, marketing and business that can’t be taught in a classroom environment. In reality, I am merely a student who is still learning and working harder than ever to share my experiences with you.

Last July when I flexed my newly formed blogging muscles on Music Think Tank, I was challenged by an avid reader, commenter and bullshit detector by the name of Justin Boland. Some of you may already be familiar with his no nonsense commentary on the new music industry or have heard music from his handpicked indie hip hop label, World Around Records.

Justin doesn’t know this, but if it wasn’t for this comment on one of my original blog posts, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am today.

Instead of getting angry, I decided to take this as constructive criticism and created what Justin had recommended; A Template for Writing a Music Business Plan. Since then, my site’s traffic has skyrocketed and my salary has doubled. I’m grateful to him for that.

If that wasn’t enough, Justin asked to interview me recently and has now posted the unedited interview on his DIY Promotion & Marketing blog, Audible Hype. Here is an excerpt from our chat:

Justin Boland: What’s the biggest change you’d like to see happen in 2010?

Me: I’d like for all of the smart people to stop talking about what the new industry will look like and get out there and try some shit out. We’ve discussed things in theory for long enough. I want to see more artists plan out their businesses, implement strategies, learn from it and move on. That’s the only way we’ll have real change in 2010.

Motivation is often times disguised as a personal attack or negative feedback. It’s up to you to take these criticisms and flip them on their head. Now I can thank Justin, instead of cursing him. His words have inspired a new generation of artists who now view their music as a business and manage it as such.

You’re Welcome!