Show notes: Welcome! - my name is Tom Rockwell, aka Devo Spice - I do comedy rap, but don't let that throw you. This blog is for anyone working as an independent musician, full time or not. Why? - Lots of podcasts promise to help, but all seem to be from outside looking in. - Strength in numbers. If enough people get involved we can all help each other out. Hopefully we can learn from each other. My weak spot is promotion and marketing. Experiment - If it works, I'll continue. If not, I'll stop. - No set schedule for now. - Why video? So I don't spend more time than necessary on it. - If it was audio I'd feel compelled to polish it. I already spend roughly 10 hours a week on Manic Mondays. Can't afford another 10 hours a week. Today's topic: Time Management - This is something I'm good at. - 3 kids, wife, dog, house, full time job, weekly podcast, run The FuMP, freelance. Where do I find time for music? Wherever I can. - All those things I listed come before my music. The trick is simply to prioritize and do a little at a time whenever you get a chance. - Tell jar story from college. - Big rocks - family - Marbles - job, house, freelance - Sand - music - If something is important to you you will find the time to do it - May have to give up or cut down something else, like TV, video games - Used to do it in my head, but things were slipping through the cracks, and then I'd be up late as deadlines approached. Now I have a to do list- simple google doc divided into 4 sections: 1. Do now - the current priority 2. Ongoing - weekly or monthly stuff: podcast, accounting, etc. 3. Active jobs - things I'm actively working on 4. On hold - things I can't work on because I'm waiting for something Tips 1. Delegate when possible 2. Invest more time now to save more later 3. Do a little at a time whenever possible (lunch break, etc.) 4. Prioritize - quick/easy things first to get them out of the way, then look at deadlines 5. Learn to say no - Even to yourself. Really evaluate the value of a project before you undertake it. Will it be worth your time? If not, don't do it. Feedback - time management tips, tools, or any questions, future topics, whatever - send feedback to workingindiemusician@gmail.com
