Hey Everybody,
I was reading a book last week called QBQ (The Question Behind the Question) by John Miller. In the book he told the story of a little girl and her daddy. Her daddy was a pilot and they went out for their weekly airplane ride.
About 20 minutes into the flight, the engine quit. The dad, in all calmness turned to his little girl-knowing that he could make her panic or give her comfort all by what he was about to say to her.
“Honey, the engine has quit and daddy is going to have to fly the plane a little bit differently.”
He then set up the plane to fly differently… changing switches, testing things until the engine came sputtering and then running without any trouble. They landed not long after that and the little girl was able to tell her story.
I’ve noticed that the music business and ministry has been changing steadily for the past 10 or so years. I guess you could say that our engine is sputtering and is about to quit.
My question to you is this: Are you still trying to fly it as though the engine is running the way it always has?
In my training as a pilot, the instructor always tells the student that when something happens, “FLY THE PLANE”. You may have to compensate for the lack of an engine, but the plane has wings. The plane will still fly. The people who try to fly the plane as though it is still powered will stall and then crash.
Don’t lose hope in the music business and ministry. We may never have the same kind of engine that we’ve had in the past. FLY THE PLANE. The new engine will be better than the old one.
EmPower Your Ministry is a great place to start to learn to use the “new engine”
Love this story! Not only applicable with our ministries, but with our children, as well. A good reminder. (Kevin – are you taking notes??!!)
Kevin, thanks for reading my QBQ! book and loving the Stacey/airplane story! That story has a message for each of us for we are each in the cockpit and can make better choices! Flying the plane differently in changing times is the right thing to do. Hope you check our my other two books: Flipping the Switch and Outstanding! Email me at John@QBQ.com … Blessings!
Wow. What an honor John. Yes the story of Stacey and her dad rang a bell with me. I will definitely check out your other books too. Feel Free to comment any time.
Kevin
You bet I am Fawn. [Note to self: must buy airplane so I can take my daughter on frequent airplane rides]
Nice application could also be the one who will respond, “God will take care of it”, & really meaning, I don’t care, I have no responsibility in this situation, that’s why I never paid any attention to the instructor concerning procedures in an engine failure, I knew, God would take care of it.
This pilot proves preparation, application, & attitude will determine your outcome in difficult situations. This is different than planning for failure, it is planing to succeed in the face of difficult situations.
Now Kevin, let’s hear the nuts & bolts applications to music ministry, we’re still gliding & need a runway or a new engine fast.
Hey Wes, Sounds like you are familiar with “emergency procedures”. You a pilot too?
As far as nuts and bolts and how this applies to the music industry. The frustrating thing that I see is that:
-creating a 10,000-20,000 CD and expecting to make your money back on sales (usually) doesn’t work
-Going to a big convention and expecting to be “discovered” (usually) doesn’t work
-Getting signed by a major or minor record label (usually) doesn’t work
Building authentic relationships with your fans and supporters through being who God created you to be WORKS.
What we teach in EmPower Your Ministry is how to set your Ministry up to be able to gather, communicate and minister to those people. We have case study after case study of bands, ministries, and even businesses that this is working for on a VERY high level.
The “old” model is phasing out, and yet people are pouring money into strategies that have quickly diminishing returns.
Thanks for your comment Wess. Did that help?
Kev
Yes Kevin, everything that “Empower Your Ministry” has written is truthful, relevant & helpful.
I either figured out by others or my own experience that the above, usually did’t work. Been there done that & have the T-Shirt (no that’s not true I never sold T-Shirts), expenses to prove it.
No I was never a pilot except on the railroad, I was a locomotive engineer, mountain grade even, as well as a railroad officer. So “emergency procedures” I have followed, taught, and followed-up on the permanent devastating consequences when ignored.
I was contacted the other day by a protege, (who is a Singing School instructor, promoter, syndicated radio producer, vocalist, choir director & presentation coach), who was asking me if I thought your coarse might be of value. First I wondered why he might ask little ol’ me, then I realized all of us present a real world value in everything we do, we are being evaluated, studied, critiqued for genuine authenticity most times more-so off stage than on. Hum, their must be some value he see’s in me, & I hope that it is the Eternal Light & Power that is shinning through.
Wess
Thanks Wess. Well, are you and your protege’ gonna go through EmPower Your Ministry together? We’d love to have you guys. As of right now, there’s still room available for you.
I really appreciate your kind words and your replies, Wess
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