A Legacy Evolves
We’ve all said 2020 was going to be “the year,” the most successful yet, the one where we finally hit our business goals. But as I speak to so many of you and even look within myself, even with the insanity that was COVID-19 and a global shutdown that many of us are still struggling through, we’ve had so much more time to do the things we’ve always wanted to do.
When I first started my company almost 10 years ago, I remember seeing the Disc Jockey News paper being passed out at conventions. After reading it and following along for years, it was one of the things that helped me fall in love with our industry. I thought to myself, “I hope I can become a valuable asset to the DJ community so that I can contribute one day.” John has truly been an inspiration to our community and it’s an honor to watch this legacy evolve.
While I sit here reflecting on all the changes this year has brought, I want to encourage you to evolve. And as we wrap up this season, I’d like to share a few lessons that I will carry with me.
Recognize Your Assets and Allies: I thought that my team and industry couldn't be any more close-knit, but I was wrong - 2020 reminded me that teams can feel like family, and that industry partners can be your biggest asset and allies in the storm. You definitely don’t have to do it alone. As Jamie Bodie said, “we are all in the same storm, just different boats.”
Remember Your WHY: No matter what you build and how big it gets, it could all be wiped off the calendar in a matter of weeks; so stay focused on your WHY.
Find Your Voice and Use It: I’ve learned that we are all in this together, but some of us have a voice of influence bigger than others, so choose and use it wisely. I recognize now that I, too, have a voice to help, but sometimes I’m not sure what to say or where my piece fits in this puzzle, so I’m listening, learning, reading, and figuring it out. And I’m relying on those that I trust the most to guide me.
Focus On What Matters Most: I have learned that some of the things that used to matter so much, don’t really make a difference in the big picture after all. If you remember the why, you’ll always be able to refocus back to what truly does matter.
Words are Power: When asked “how are you doing?” my answer can be very complex. I don’t want to offend anyone, so I simply reply “surviving, yet thriving.” And each time I say it, I actually believe it a little bit more.
Get Lost in the Things You Enjoy: Have you ever heard the phrase, “work hard, play harder?” If you’ve ever met me, you probably know I am a workaholic. I absolutely love working on my business, the systems, and the people in it. I’ve spent late nights and early mornings and weekends (sorry if I’ve texted you at 2am!) building. But what I stopped focusing on for a long time was the core of what I do: DJing. With the gift of time that COVID has given me, I am working on my talent and craft, and never thought I could do the things I’ve done this year. I’ve enjoyed getting lost in the music and remembering why I started all this in the first place.
We Are All a Work In Progress: At the end of the day, I’m human and only one person. There’s no doubt this year has challenged us all, but it’s okay to be human. It’s okay to make mistakes, so long as you learn from them and grow.
Remember that the end of one thing leads to the beginning of another. Spring comes at the end of Winter. Harvests come from the ended growth of plants. The end of the Disc Jockey News brings more opportunities to start a new season of inspiration and education.
It’s not goodbye forever. It’s farewell until I see you on the next platform my friends. We may not see each other in writing, but through the evolution of innovation to come. Continue to push forward and not rest on your laurels. And may you continue to do all those things you’ve always wanted to do.