You know, I think that's probably the most insightful things that has been said in this thread.
I haven't quite gotten the success that I'm looking for. I measure that success in influence, I measure it in independence from other entities, I measure it in deals and partnerships...And of course I measure it in revenue.
I haven't reached the level of influence that I want. Yes, I understand it's a work in progress. But up until now, that level of influence has been dependent on other entities (going into #2)...Artists...A&R's....Label Execs...Other Companies...Magazine Execs. Right now, while I'm dependent on THEIR SYSTEM, I can only do what they allow me to do, when they allow me to do it.
And of course, there's completed business dealings. There needs to be more business deals going on. More strategic partnerships. More of the things that make business happen, and continue to happen.
Revenue...of course that's a measure of any businesses success. All of the residual revenue I have coming in is based on other people's ventures....not my own. If I piss off the wrong person at Viacom, my tracks get pulled, and there go my checks. If I piss off the Chris over at the Ad agency, no more of my tracks get submitted for advertising campaigns. And if I get on the wrong side of a label person, my tracks stop going to their artists.
At any given moment, someone could STOP my money, and I'm completely screwed.
THAT'S A PROBLEM FOR ME. That means that OTHER people are controlling my success, and not me.
The success that I'm looking for allows me to be independent of other business entities. Allows me to make the moves that I need to make, when I need to make them. Establishes for me a reputable and recognized brand, who's reach and influence grows.
That's my success. I've achieved those things on some level, but not the level that I would deem success.