Comments on: Rock Stars, College, and Communication

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:17:54 +0000

Hey Jeffrey,

I wanted you to know that I enjoyed this article and I featured it on my weekly link round up.

-michael

By: alternaview

alternaview — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:28:30 +0000

Great Post. This is such a common roadblock and I think that everyone needs to figure out an approach to navigate around it. It is easy to get discouraged because you feel your goals aren't being realized quickly enough. However, you do have to find a way and always be willing to give everything you have to where you are trying to go. I really thought your recommendation to start at the end, and then work backwards to figure out what you should do now was right on point. When we know where we are going and we make a plan that provides us direction and guidance each day, it is easier to effectively direct our efforts and always remember what we are working toward.

By: Walter

Walter — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:30:02 +0000

I will remember those two skill sets Jeffrey. Perhaps that's what I've been missing in the pursuance of my goals. :-)

By: Opinion@Large

Opinion@Large — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:00:40 +0000

I'm always wary about talking about things with “should”. “Should” means we are comparing something to an ideal that has no direct connection with reality. Should talent=success? Of course. But thinking about what should be is just a waste of time. its better to think about what is. I think the two skills you mentioned are key, but i think the bigger one, especially for musicians, is networking/connections. It doesnt really matter how good you are because there will always be someone better. But what does matter, and what will shape your career, is who you know. There is just too much talent for us to spend time searching out the best. So we consume what is put in front of us. Talent is secondary, and ironically only relevant after you succeed in networking and connections.

By: Ilham

Ilham — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:32:51 +0000

Very nice post Jeffrey, and I agree with those two basic skills.

I do not think ability should always bring success, although the type/form of ability sure should. If you are an effective speaker then why not. But if you know how to mix two substances together and get a third, heck anyone can do that...

I think disconnection from the real world though is something that is connected to educational facilities and outside of them. Most people are educated growing up thinking that finishing a Masters/PhD. will get them the job of their dreams or an MBA as well. The fact is most schools do not teach the necessary skills, and I think in my own opinion because their is a generational gap between the professors and us.

Most Professors grew up in a time when there was no technology, only face-to-face contact, and so developing good communication/advertising skills was easy for them. The new generation is sadly lacking this vital skill as we are all constantly tweeting/IMing/text messaging etc... and thus are losing these vital skills.

Would love to hear others thoughts on this.

By: qconklin

qconklin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:59:24 +0000

Good stuff as usual Jeffery, as this is my first day back to collage in about ten years the title struck home for me. Your thoughts about taking advantage of opportunity and learning how to find an audiance goes so far beyond rock and roll. Any of us who want to be more then a drive shaft rather then a cog need to get noticed and find the right people to listen to our ideas. Thanks for the reminder and putting it so clearly.

By: Melissa Gorzelanczyk

Melissa Gorzelanczyk — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:35:18 +0000

Why don’t talent and ability always lead to success? I like this question… I know a lot of talented people that aren't following their dreams and here's what (I feel) is holding them back: everyday life and responsibilities, laziness and feeling stuck.