A couple of years ago I got an email from a client who wanted to book me for her wedding. They had a live band playing at the reception and when she inquired about the guitarist in that band playing some music for the ceremony they were told that he didn't play solo and that they should ask me. I saw the band leader about a week later and thanked him. Several weeks later I ran into the guitarist, thanked him, and offered to buy him a beer.
Last week a friend called me looking for a band for a civic function. My friends band was not the appropriate act, but I have other friends in other bands. I spoke with a couple of people that afternoon and by evening a band had been booked. I was properly thanked by both parties and briefly felt like a superhero.
The best part of these anecdotes is that they are common. I've been involved in transactions like this for most of my adult life. And I've been witness to many, many others. Friends helping friends. Although musicians (and other artists too I suspect) tend to be quirky, they are also generous. They value their friendships and are eager to help out when they can.
When I first got into this business I honestly didn't know anything. I thought I did, but I was so wrong that it's painful to think back on those days. I was fortunate to have met and been befriended by some "old" pros who took pity on me and showed me the many opportunities that were right under my nose. They taught me that, although there are a few super stars making millions of dollars, most musicians are "blue collar" folks who live a modest life doing what they love. They helped me find a few gigs, but mostly they introduced me to people. In business, any business, your success is gauged as much by the quality of your network as it is by your net worth. Friends helping friends.
I know this sounds rather cold and calculating, but it's not. I honestly like and respect these people. And they always return this admiration. It's one of the things that make the world go 'round. When I watch TV dramas that show professionals in a workplace slitting each others throats I wonder how a business like that can survive. Okay, it's fiction. I get that. But in my mind it's easier to suspend disbelief and watch superheroes fly through the air than it is to watch some of these train wrecks. At least the superheroes don't pretend that this is normal.
It's been said that the key to professional happiness is to discover early in your life what you like to do and then figure out a way to get paid to do it. I would add to that...."in the company of the people you like and admire". I am fortunate to work in a field and a geographic area where this is abundantly true. Friends helping friends. And we're all friends.