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Despite being one of the most well-renowned drummers in the world, Mike Johnston always had a fear of doing drum solos. This fall, he was asked to do a solo in front of 1000 of the most educated and accomplished drummers in the world. Preparing for this challenge not only changed his drumming life, but how he views business as well. Listen to this episode to learn what a drum solo can teach us about being a Solopreneur. To hear more about Mike’s background, check out episode 20.
In this episode Mike and I talk about his passionate commitment to his personal brand, the lengths he recently went to to maintain the integrity of his brand while being featured on the cover of DRUM magazine – and why it’s important for ANY solopreneur to embody that same level of commitment.
We also get into tackling and overcoming fear: there’s the proverbial 900 lb gorilla that EVERYONE faces wherever they are in their lives. For Mike it was doing a live drum solo for the elite crowd of PASIC. And there are many lessons woven into his drum solo tale that all of you can take to heart:
- No matter how successful someone is they too have a 900 lb gorilla: it could be leaving their comfortable 9-5 to strike out on their own or giving a speech in public or performing a drum solo for their peers.
- The steps to take in facing that gorilla and successfully defeating it.
- Why you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to be a success.
- Why it works when you find what you’re comfortable with and follow it.
Throughout this episode you’ll hear Mike’s commitment to not just drumming but to personal excellence in all he does. You’ll hear how deeply passionate he is about providing value for people that helps them and not focusing on how much money something will bring in. He genuinely cares about making a difference for others in their drumming and their lives. It’s clear his commitment to others’ success has been the key to his success.
As you listen ask yourself: how can I relate this to my business? Then hear the invaluable wisdom Mike drops. This episode features stories about drumming: those stories provide lessons about life and business as a solopreneur.
One of those lessons is something we talk about here A LOT: find what you love, learn everything you can about it doing it and surround yourself with people who will support you every step of the way. And once you’ve mastered your craft, give back and show others how to do the same successfully.
After you listen and enjoy, connect with Mike Johnston on Youtube, Twitter, and Facebook
https://www.youtube.com/drumteacher76
https://twitter.com/mikeslessons
https://www.facebook.com/drumteacher76
Links mentioned on the show:
https://www.mikeslessons.com
https://solopreneurhour.com/20
https://www.drummagazine.com/lessons/post/10-day-plan-for-faster-hands/
https://www.gretschdrums.com
https://www.pas.org/index.aspx
https://www.pas.org/pasic.aspx
https://www.aheadarmorcases.com/
Mike’s PASIC Drum Solo
Talking Funny:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKY6BGcx37k
Mike J’s signature model?:
Another great episode and show notes are amazing. I like the longer podcast, the more great info the better. Waited up till the early am for the SoloLab lol see ya at noon.
I will pass along to Lara that you love the show notes. Me too. 🙂
I got the memo, thank you both! 🙂
Thank you Ron!! I can’t take all the credit; I gather and write the info but Michael puts the finishing touches on the show notes so it’s a dual effort. And if you’re enjoying those notes then it’s worth every minute. 🙂
That drum solo was incredible. Absolutely insane! Enjoyed this episode. So many nuggets of inspiration.
So glad you guys got something out of my journey. Please feel free to post any of your questions for me here and I will check back in frequently to post answers 🙂
Thanks for coming back on, @drumteacher76:disqus. You are an inspirational dude.
There is nothing more scary in life than the thoughts we have that root us to the spot. To hear someone who is at the top of their game talking about sweating, fear etc is inspiring. I remember the first time I spoke to a crowd of about 500 live, I could only get through it by playing a part. I pretended that I was someone really used to it, just to get through the gig. It gave me comfort to get up there. And guess what the fear of doing it was worse than the actual doing. So long live the two Mikes for putting this one together.
Mike, that was incredible! Congratulations on an amazing performance! Seriously, I agree with @disqus_5QnLOUOJB8:disqus this was one of his best podcasts yet! I have been wanting to start teaching in 2014 but have been a bit terrified at the thought. Now I realize, I just have to perfect my performance, by doing & doing & doing again. That will give me confidence over fear! And, I am making my 10 year old son listen to your solo when he gets home from school. He wants to play the drums, but I am having a hard time motivating him to take the action needed…that might push him to where he needs to be! Do you teach younger students on your website? Thanks again to you both!
So awesome! All the drum stuff is killer. I’ve always been an artist and composer, and it’s so neat to hear an artistic entrepreneur’s thoughts behind this kind of creation.
BTW, you mentioned marines and others in the military coming out of service and entering the workplace. Last week, a friend launched his podcast on that very subject; it’s called “Lead Like a Marine” and is worth checking out.