(02-27-2015, 05:00 PM)Tusk Wrote: Apparently not a 'mini vacation' perhaps a private party as they are in the British Virgin Islands (the next 4 days), closer to the US than Europe. Casey snapchatted very picturesque beach and Island images ("I might be in heaven"), ending on a pic of a stage surrounded by tropical vegetation with a comment "Tonight's Gig"

Quote:The Tap Factor ‏@TheTapFactor 6h6 hours ago
somewhere over the Carabean - take us to the gig! #pmjtour https://instagram.com/p/znVMADBiz5/

Quote:morgan james ‏@morganajames 12m12 minutes ago
#NeckerIsland on the #pmjtour: pool, trampoline, ping-pong, lemurs, merriment. It's a tough job but… https://instagram.com/p/zoDw-uNeYS/

Quote:Necker Island
Island in British Virgin Islands
Necker Island is a 74-acre island in the British Virgin Islands just north of Virgin Gorda. The island's land is entirely owned by Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group and is part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio of luxury properties. The whole island operates like a resort and can accommodate up to 28 guests.

...When Branson bought the 74-acre (300,000 m2)[5] island, it was uninhabited. He purchased the island at the age of 28, just six years after starting Virgin Group. [1]

(02-27-2015, 06:01 PM)john Wrote:

(02-27-2015, 05:00 PM)Tusk Wrote: Apparently not a 'mini vacation' perhaps a private party as they are in the British Virgin Islands (the next 4 days), closer to the US than Europe. Casey snapchatted very picturesque beach and Island images ("I might be in heaven"), ending on a pic of a stage surrounded by tropical vegetation with a comment "Tonight's Gig"

A tweet by the Tap Factor also refers to the "gig."

Quote:The Tap Factor ‏@TheTapFactor 6h6 hours ago
somewhere over the Carabean - take us to the gig! #pmjtour https://instagram.com/p/znVMADBiz5/

(02-27-2015, 11:58 AM)john Wrote:

Quote:mykalwitha_y
9 minutes ago · Necker Island
I agree with #JanetJackson...The Magic Hour is my favorite time... #DamitaJo #living #pmjtour #islandlife #breathe #happiness #thesearethemoments

Quote:morganajames
10 minutes ago
Amazing snorkeling adventure with @arianasavalas & co. #pmjtour #virgingorda

Quote:Scott Bradlee @scottbradlee · 1h 1 hour ago
Day 3 on this beautiful island, and I'm just wishing for some decent wifi. What has technology done to me?!?

Quote:scottbradlee
48 minutes ago
Are you following @caseybassy? You should - amazing musician and super cool dude #pmjtour

(03-01-2015, 01:47 PM)Himm2 Wrote: Great Comments left here:
https://www.facebook.com/scottbradleemusic/photos/a.598247693544753.1073741827.223399304362929/854733641229489/?type=1&theater
Looks like us Chicago H-PMJaliens have the Chicago & Milwaukee PMJ concerts covered.

Quote:David Sherman Edinburgh gig inspired me to write a business blog! https://www.linkedin.com/.../music-lessons-3-business...

Quote:Music Lessons: 3 Business Tips I Picked Up At A Gig
Feb 17, 2015 74Views 3Likes 0CommentsShare on LinkedInShare on FacebookShare on Google PlusShare on Twitter
I didn't expect to go to a gig and learn about entrepreneurship - particularly a gig that featured a tap dancer and copious amounts of jazz piano.

But I did. And going to see the outstanding Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox in Edinburgh last week got me thinking about how much entrepreneurs can learn from people like Scott.

I was lucky enough to meet Scott and the gang after the gig, but what follows is completely based on my own musings. Here are the 3 business tips I picked up:

1) Surround Yourself With Excellence

During the gig, Scott told the crowd about how he'd started making videos alone in his room and posting them on YouTube. Now he's touring Europe with a full band and having a blast.

So what happened? Well it's pretty simple - Scott immediately began working with outstanding singers, dancers, and musicians to enhance his repertoire and broaden his appeal. With the best will in the world, I'd imagine Scott can't reach the notes that singer Morgan James can. And just like any great entrepreneur, he's happy to let Morgan and other members of his time use their skills to take the lead and shine.

No entrepreneur can do it alone - the sooner we surround ourselves with excellence, with skills we lack - the sooner we're able to climb the next mountain.

2) Feed Your Community

Scott Bradlee is a prolific YouTuber - new videos and songs are uploaded online every week - even when the band is on tour. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are filled with thousands of fans and Scott takes time to reply, retweet and share their posts.

As I said, Scott got his start on YouTube and he's made sure to remember the hand that originally fed him. However a community gets going, it's vital that entrepreneurs nurture and reinforce the people that got them to where they are.

Regular content, genuine interest and continual engagement are what reinforce and grow a community.

3) Find Your Niche And Build On It

When people asked me about the gig I was going to, I said "it's a band that plays jazz covers of pop songs". That may sound unusual, but that's Scott's niche - and it's one that's working incredibly well.

New songs, videos and albums are always fresh but "on brand". I watch Scott's videos (and went to his gig) because I like what he's done and what he continues to do.

Too many businesses try too hard to continually reinvent themselves, their niche or their offering. If you find a little corner where things work and your customers respond well then don't up sticks and leave! Build on that!

If Scott started posting videos about the weather in Peru, I'd probably switch off. But if he continues to offer fresh (but familiar) content, then I'm going to keep championing him to anyone that'll listen.

So that's what I learned about business at a postmodern jazz gig. Visit Scott's website to see what inspired me, or join them on tour while you still can!

I currently work at Sporting Chance Initiative - helping sports-related start-ups to grow and develop. I'm also building my own business - Jelicatessen - a jelly business that's putting real fruit back into jelly. Get in touch if you'd like to know more!