Read time: 1 minute, 275 words. The rock band R.E.M. was at a crossroads in the mid-1990s. The band had defined the alternative rock sound of the 80s & early 90s. But they were in a creative rut. Their signature sound, built on jangly guitars & introspective lyrics, began to feel limiting.So they tried something unexpected.Which led to a creative breakthrough.๐๐ฝ Here's what they did.You can take this approach when you get stuck. -KabirSeven Point Sunday - October 27 ๐ผ Portfolio Career Meet...
11 days agoย โขย 1 min read
Read time: 1 minute, 331 words. I've written this newsletter for 177 consecutive weeks. Let's do some math.177 editions x 7 ideas a week = 1,239 total ideas that I've shared over ~3.5 years. I've talked about my music or books ~62 times or 5%.I'm not trying to convince you that I'm holier than thou (I'm not). This newsletter earns ~200 signups per month.Folks aren't joining to learn about my projects.People don't watch TV for the ads. The key to growth is creating value. If you're trying to...
18 days agoย โขย 1 min read
Read time: 1 minute, 259 words. My dad arrived early for his 9 AM doctor's appointment. But the doctor made him wait until 9:45 AM.Dad didn't like that he had to wait so long.๐๐ฝ So, this is what he did. Now when dad arrives, the doctor waits outside to greet him.(You could try this with service providers.)Hope it helps.-Kabir Seven Point Sunday - October 13 ๐ผ Portfolio Career Meet Marion Keisker. She was first to record Elvis Presley. She was a radio show host and later joined the US Air...
25 days agoย โขย 1 min read
Read time: 1 minute, 311 words. When I worked in banking, everyone was a quick call away.If my New York-based client had a problem with a deal in Indonesia, I'd call my colleague in Jakarta.My colleague would pick up.We'd solve the problem immediately. Money never sleeps.Years later, when I worked in corporate strategy, sometimes my manager would reach out:"This is an emergency. We need to talk."I'd write back: "Sure, anytime.""Find a time in my calendar in the next 2 weeks..." ๐ฎThat's when I...
about 1 month agoย โขย 1 min read
Read time: 1 minute, 259 words. The Chief Marketing Officer of a Fortune 500 company called me:"Whom would you suggest to write music for our commercial?" I had 3 ideas.1. An established composer.2. An emerging composer.3. A student composer.I called all three. ๐๐ฝ Here's who got the opportunity. (And what clients love.) -Kabir Seven Point Sunday - September 29 ๐ผ Portfolio Career Meet Archie Roundtree. Lawyer, writer, speaker. "It is through the performing arts that I found a calling within...
about 1 month agoย โขย 1 min read
Read time: 1 minute, 299 words. I don't watch TV.I don't scroll social media.I don't join boards.I don't go to parties or events.I don't have dinners with friends. (well, I've had 2 this year) I sit in my cave studio -- and read, write, & compose. I walk a lot (while on many unscheduled calls).I don't have FOMO - The Fear of Missing Out.I embrace JOMO - The Joy of Missing Out.๐๐ฝ Here's why - and how to go about it. This approach isn't for everyone. Perhaps aspects will speak to you. -KabirPS...
about 2 months agoย โขย 1 min read
Read time: 1 minute, 302 words. When it comes to social media, I'm an early adopter but late bloomer. I joined Facebook in 2004 - weeks after launch. I infrequently used it.In fact, I only "got serious" about social media about 12 weeks ago. Now I post every day on LinkedIn.So, why did it take me 20 years?I finally embraced the paradox of how to grow on social media... without feeling yucky like I'm self-promoting. ๐๐ฝ Here's how I grow on social media (while still being able to look at myself...
about 2 months agoย โขย 1 min read