My wife and I are BIG fans of going to see live music and live theater. Ohh yeah, we love seeing the really big acts, but we also thoroughly enjoy discovering those artists who aren’t quite as famous or who are on their way to the big time.
You can find these artists on small stages, as opening acts for larger and more famous musicians or even on the street corner playing their instrument and singing their hearts out. We will often seek these artists out, but most of the time we get lucky and discover them by accident.
Let me give you just one example of an occasion we discovered great and unknown musicians. We enjoy visiting New Orleans from time-to-time to experience the culture, the food and yes… the music! Now we try to stay away from the party part of town and go right to a street that is filled with clubs, stages and great street corners.
Our usual M.O. is to start at one end of this particular street and make our way down to the many venues to experience all it has to offer. We will start around dinner time and before you know it, it’s the wee hours of the morning before we realize we need to leave and get some sleep!
I remember one particular occasion probably 10 to 15 years ago when we were walking past one of these small clubs and we heard this amazing sound and this incredible voice coming from the front door. We just had to go in.
We were expecting to pay a cover charge but to our delight and surprise it was free to get in to see the act. We found a table in the corner and started listening to this amazing voice. This woman was singing a jazz song in a low, raspy voice that was almost hypnotizing. I asked my wife “who is this person?” She had no idea. I asked the staff at the venue who she was and I did not recognize the name. After several songs I turned to my wife and asked, “why isn’t she famous?”
We left that club and walked into another establishment right next door where there was a man and his band singing the Blues. It was incredible and moving. One could tell that not only was his heart in the song but he was in the song himself. Again, I looked at my wife and said, “why aren’t they famous?”
A few doors down there was another stage that had a band playing traditional New Orleans Horn music. There was a trombone and a saxophone and a trumpet and a tuba and there was no singing. This group was just playing their instruments with much gusto and energy. It was becoming redundant, but I asked again, “why aren’t they famous?”
After several more stops, we decided it was time to go back to our hotel. On our walk to our hotel, we came across a group of young and passionate people singing and dancing on the street corner. It was truly a sight to see and we stayed for a while to enjoy and experience their music. I was happy to drop a few dollars in the tip bucket next to a guy playing the drums and keeping his group in sync with the music. Again, why weren’t these performers famous?
Since that time, we have encountered a lot of entertainment from artists in several cities that are not well known. As I said earlier, we will seek them out. Oftentimes they sell their music and I am happy to support them by purchasing their art. These artists are fantastic and their performance is a gift to all who are privileged to see and hear them.
They may not be famous, but don’t tell them that. After a few songs on stage they are famous to those who get to see and experience their craft. I have no doubt that many of the artists that we see will become famous. I also have no doubt that many of the artists that we have seen will not become famous but will continue to produce and perform for those of us that long to see them.
So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!
As I have mentioned in my previous blogs, I am starting to dabble in opportunities to monetize through the TikTok platform. As I started to watch videos, I see these content creators produce what I would consider pretty good videos and some of these videos have gone viral.
As I researched this opportunity more, I have also found that many are doing quite well financially creating and posting their content. Some of these content creators have tens of thousands of followers and yes, they are TikTok famous. Then there are some of those content creators who don’t have very many videos or very many followers but are doing their best.
Some of these content creators are pretty good and produce high quality videos. Some of these videos are actually better than the viral videos and I ask myself the question “why aren’t they TikTok famous?” Why don’t they have thousands and thousands of followers?
Then I look at my silly videos and wonder the same thing. I must be honest and admit that I am just starting out and don’t have the content and the skill to be viral worthy quite yet. But with some practice, I do believe I will get there.
As I continue to do research, I am finding that some of those people who do not have a massive following are still making a very good income on the platform. I am also finding that there are many people on the platform producing high quality content without a lot of views that really seem to enjoy what they’re doing.
And it hit me, one does not need to be TikTok famous to be TikTok good or to be successful on the platform.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love to have a huge following and to be somewhat of an influencer online. But just because I’m not famous yet, does not mean that I can’t be successful or at least have a lot of fun with my efforts. I’m like that band on the street corner or in a very small club doing the best I can and putting out a fairly decent product, while enjoying myself each and every time I “perform.”
One day many more people are going to see me and follow me. I will move into having a bigger presence online. What’s hard is being patient! I want it all and I want it now. But if I can learn anything from those performers who are not the headliners in a stadium, I will keep grinding and practicing and getting better so that when I’m given the opportunity to perform on a bigger stage, I will be ready.
Yep, I’m not famous. But I do look forward to the opportunity to showcase what I can do.
I’m curious, how do you get past being impatient for quick success? What do you do to prepare yourself for when you begin to make it and become bigger and whatever you have chosen to pursue? I’d love to hear your comments and your thoughts not only as an encouragement for those reading this blog post but so that we can all learn from each other.
All this talk about music has got me interested in finding that next non-famous person to go see and experience. At a minimum, I’m going to dig into my music collection and find some of those songs and have a listen so that I can relive those memories. And the funny thing is, those people are famous, if only to me!
“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” – Napoleon Hill
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford
And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:
What do you call a group of musical whales? An orca-stra!
What’s a drummer’s favorite type of vegetable? Beets!
BONUS!
What’s a pirate’s favorite instrument? The guitarrrrr!
Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!
**If you are curious about this process and wish to know more about an affiliate marketing business, please subscribe to my newsletter here to learn more. And please continue following my blog. My hope is not only to create the freedom I so long for but pass on what I have learned to others who have similar aspirations.
Years ago, a friend encouraged me to pick up my fiddle again and play with a group he was in. The great part was I always wanted to learn to play by ear. Up to that point, I could only read music. I’ll always remember playing a raucous rendition of “Go tell it to the mountain,” when we all heard clapping on the other side of the fence. It was a thrill!
Hi Kate – I would have loved to hear your fiddle playing. Somehow, I imagine that you are pretty good at anything you try based on your nature. Thank you for visiting my blog post and for your comment! Have a great weekend!
Another amazing blog Ernie. Ste and I loved going to concerts too, I didn’t really go before I met him but his family always say nothing can beat live music.
Your comparison to content creation is spot on. Just because someone isn’t “famous” (yet) doesn’t mean they aren’t putting out incredible work. Success isn’t always about the biggest stage; sometimes, it’s about connecting with the right audience at the right time.
I’ve found patience is the hardest part, but staying consistent and improving over time is what sets people apart. Keep putting yourself out there—your “stadium” moment is coming!
Hi Sarah – Thank you for your very nice and encouraging comments. Yes, live music is just so different and so raw and real. And it’s different every single time which makes it unique and special. We are both working our way up to that big stage, aren’t we? You are correct and I agree with you that patience is the hardest part. I’ve come too far to look back and am still thoroughly enjoying myself. Have a great week and thank you for your visit to my blog post!
I love this analogy between finding hidden musical gems and building an online presence! It’s so true—sometimes it’s not about instant fame but about consistently improving and enjoying the process. Your experience with TikTok reminds me that success often comes quietly at first. For me, the key to staying patient is trying to have fun with it, and not focusing on how many views, likes or clicks. Keep grinding, keep improving, and when the big stage comes, you’ll be ready for it! Thanks for sharing these insightful thoughts.
Hi Alison – Mastering anything, including content creation and posting it on a platform, is a process. I marvel at those who have instant success and wonder how they got so lucky. One thing I’ve seen over the years of doing anything is that hard work makes success that much sweeter. Thank you for your constant encouragement and for visiting my blog post!
Hi, Ernie!
Someone suggested I give my content as a gift; I shouldn’t expect anything back. I could give freely without needing any validation. Easier said than done! But I’ve tried to implement that strategy. I even got a little bow ring to remind myself my content is a gift. Like anyone starting, I’m guilty of putting something out there and checking back to see how well it was received. What I like about the artists you describe is that they enjoy their work and give their all, no matter their small audience. I want to adopt the same attitude! Let’s enjoy our craft!
To your success,
Nakina
Hi Nakina – This is really good, my friend! If done with the right intention, content is really a gift to all who consume regardless of what it cost. I, too, am guilty of constantly checking to see how my content has been received. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as long as I put it in the right context of learning rather than expecting. I’m in complete agreement with you that we should enjoy this craft and enjoy the fruits of our labor as we progress. Thank you for your visit to my blog and have a great week!
Hi Ernie,
I love how you connected music with the journey of building an online presence. It’s true, so many talented people go unnoticed, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t successful or doing what they love. The same goes for content creation. Just because someone isn’t viral doesn’t mean they aren’t making an impact.
I really appreciate the reminder to be patient and keep improving. It’s easy to want fast results, but the real magic happens when we keep showing up and doing our best. Thanks for sharing your experience and perspective, it was inspiring and fun to read. Thanks, Ernie, and I hope you have a great week!
Meredith
Hi Meredith – As we build our online presence it is hard not to be envious, or dare I say jealous, of those creators who have gone viral. I am sure many have endured the learning curve and now are enjoying success from hard work. Being patient is so hard sometimes, right? I want it all and I want it right now it’s a mindset that I need to get past in order for me to truly appreciate my future success. Thank you very much for your nice comments and for your visit to my blog. Have a fantastic week!
Hi Ernie!
Yes! Finding those out of the way places that feel so warm and inviting with amazing unknown talent is the best! Although they may not be famous to many, they have touched the hearts of those they encounter and are finding success in their own way.
The same is true for affiliate marketers, bloggers, and content creators. We all choose what platforms best suit our personalities and make it what we can. We must commit to time, effort, and consistency to grow and be recognized on those platforms.
It is difficult at times, though, when you are trying to build a business. Wanting and waiting for that first comment on a blog, that first commission email, that goal of a follower count, or to be accepted in an affiliate program.
One way that I have developed to pass the time on this journey to fame is to continuously learn new things about being an online entrepreneur. There is always something to learn! Keep learning! Keep believing!
All the best!
Milissa Neirotti
Hi Milissa – You have just summed up my blog post and a much more concise way :). One of my biggest challenges right now is really trying to discover and communicate exactly what I want to say and how I want to say it… especially when it comes to a platform like TikTok. I just find it so difficult sometimes to not get in my own head and speak from the heart and with the attitude to add a little levity. Thank you very much for your visit to my blog post and for your very nice comments. I truly appreciate this encouragement and I wish you a great and productive week ahead!
Ernie, This really speaks to the journey of putting in the work even when the big stage hasn’t arrived yet. I’ve been building my presence on TikTok, creating content daily, and sometimes wondering why certain videos don’t take off while others do. But just like those incredible musicians you discovered, I’ve realised that success isn’t just about fame—it’s about consistency, passion, and showing up every day to improve. The key is to keep going, so when that bigger stage comes, we’re more than ready for it. Keep going my friend.
Hi Atif – Yes, it really is about putting in the work to get where we want to go. My problem is not work ethic … my problem is patience. I want it all and I want it now. I am changing that mindset to having fun when I’m doing with my posts and learning about many opportunities. As I have fun, I find I want to do it more. You are so correct that the bigger stage will come if we just keep persisting and moving. Thanks for your visit to my blog post and I wish you a great week!