I walked into
an old room
Does this ever happen to you?
Then I remembered, I actually WAS there years ago.
Hard to forget that visit.
That visit could have ended in a disaster, and
it taught
me
a great lesson
for how to begin
planning anything.
More about that lesson in a minute.
That old room is now a small theatre, and
I recognized the little stage in the corner.
But about 30 years ago, it was just a run-down
hotel ballroom.
I was there talking with an eager young entrepreneur.
He'd asked me to meet him there, and we were
dreaming big.
He wanted to convert this old room into
a fine
supper club, and book the Magnolia Jazz Band
to entertain there.
Oh, the prospect thrilled me! Mainly because
he was so energetic.
Full of confidence and big ideas.
Also because he hinted at a great steady engagement
for my band.
He told me he'd worked at DisneyWorld, in Florida,
and he
planned to re-create some of their success
here
in San Jose.
We talked about which features to keep in the room
and
which
to change.
His enthusiasm impressed me...
...until he asked
"When does the big tourist season
begin around here?"
WHAT? YOU'RE KIDDING, RIGHT?
What big tourist season?
Sure, people love visiting
the San Francisco Bay Area
year-round. But as far as
I knew, there's nothing here
like the "spring break"
or the annual "summer vacation"
season that Florida
tourism enjoys.
He had no idea! Hadn't he asked anyone before?
Poor guy. His plan was doomed from the start.
He needed lots more help than I could give him.
Sadly, I don't remember hearing about his supper
club again, and I never had another opportunity
to talk with him.
But I still get a lot of mileage from telling his story.
And I tell it often. To people like you.
Why?
Because these days I help people plan the music
for their weddings and parties.
Celebrations where my band will
entertain,
c
reating the elegant, upbeat mood they want.
I LOVE helping people who have realistic ideas
of what they want.
REALISTIC -- that's the secret. Not at all like that fellow
from DisneyWorld.
So here's that tip I promised you:
Start your plan with several REALISTIC ideas.
Usually I help people begin planning music by having
them focus on practical ideas that could pay off big.
We start there, by answering a few questions like
"What would you like your celebration to sound like"
and "What kind of music will create that mood"?
Realistic ideas often come from "word-of-mouth"
recommendations from friends. Or from catching
us in action
at a friend's wedding, or at a party,
or at a
business reception.
Valentine's Day and St Patrick's Day are just ahead,
and you might be involved with planning an
exciting holiday celebration.
