If there are any fellow Bill Hick’s fans out there you may know this one already.
Bill Hicks was an American comedian with strong views, especially on marketing.
But rather than paraphrase the great man here’s the quote itself directed at a packed audience.
“If anyone here is in marketing or advertising…kill yourself. No Joke here, really. Seriously kill yourself, you have no rationalisation for what you do, you are Satan’s little helpers. Kill yourself, kill yourself, kill yourself now.”
And that’s the abbreviated, less graphic version!
Pretty clear where Bill lands on the marketing debate.
To a certain extent I agree.
Massive corporations spending millions upon millions to subtly, or not so subtly, manipulate us to buy their product that we don’t really need probably doesn’t make the world a better place.
I think this view is held by a lot of creative types, especially musicians.
They don’t want to be associated with marketing, advertising or business in general for fear of being a sell out.
So should you feel this way about the business of teaching guitar?
When you advertise your guitar lessons are you becoming Satan’s little helper?
I don’t think so.
We are not pushing sugary drinks or cigarettes.
You are teaching people how to learn an instrument.
Learning guitar has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.
If you teach adults you’ve probably heard your students say they wish they had started younger and I’m willing to bet a huge proportion of the non-playing public would love to play an instrument.
When you advertise well and you have lots of students you are helping a lot people to do something cool!
The better you advertise the more people you help.
And you are helping yourself too…
You can quit your day job.
Work the hours you want.
Choose the people you want to work with.
Control how much money you make.
All pretty cool stuff!
If you want help with any of this, let me know