Articles
In this crowded environment of media channels, we have to compete with a lot of noise. It’s everywhere you go. Some of it is promotional, some of it is entertainment, and then there’s the 24/7 news cycle that can often seem like both. Social media adds yet another dimension to the noisy landscape. So, how do you slice through it all and motivate your target audience? In the end, it comes down to words.
Continue reading “Why Do Words Matter?”
We are reluctantly evolving beings. Creatures of habit. But, there comes a time, even with the most stubborn among us, to shift gears and turn the wheel. Sometimes, that new direction feels dramatic and revolutionary – into unfamiliar and uncertain territory. Other times, the change is subtle and feels almost “corrective” – like staying in your lane. And, of course, there are all points in-between. For me, I felt the need to re-invent myself. Nothing major, just a slight update . . . Mike Pascarella 2.0, if you will. Cool, right? Well, sometimes new versions attempting to fix bugs and introduce features can introduce new bugs – or worse yet – crash the entire system.
Continue reading “Reinventing Yourself”
The process of creating music is often not an easy one. The relationship between musician, gear, and the creative process, can sometimes seem complicated, even elusive. In the end, it’s all about creating art through inspiration. But what fuels this inspiration? And why is it so difficult to re-tap the magic time and time again?
Continue reading “The Mysterious and Elusive Inspiration”
From Novelty to Usable
Over the past two decades, virtual instruments have evolved. Originally, these instruments were designed as pseudo software versions of pianos, synthesizers, drums, horns, and other traditional instruments. At first, these virtual instruments (VIs) were stand-alone applications with high-latency and high-CPU usage, making them difficult to play and integrate into existing workflows. We could see the future, and it looked promising. These VIs evolved into plugins that could integrate directly into our Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). And as our lowly computers became more powerful, it became possible to use multiple instances of these VI’s . . . in real-time. The future was here, and it was good.
Continue reading “When is virtual no longer virtual?”
In the last two weeks, we’ve seen mask mandates lifted, people getting out more, and businesses attempting to “get back to normal.” And, more people are getting vaccinated every day. Considering where we’ve been, these are better times indeed. But as entrepreneurs, we need to be cautious of our approach and considerate of those around us – including our clients and other business associates.
Continue reading “The Re-assimilation Transition”
Remaining in one place somehow feels anti-progress. As business people, we have the need to keep going. Remaining static is too close to stagnant, right? But what drives that motion? Once we get going, how do we keep going? And is that always the right direction? Are we being driven by an intellectual trajectory or simply by momentum?
Continue reading “Intellectual Trajectory or Just Momentum?”
What is it about us humans? Can we convince ourselves of just about anything? Let’s look into one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves: “we are great multitaskers!” Before we get going here, let’s define multitasking as more than just walking and chewing gum, or listening to the radio while driving. What I’m talking about here is the attempt at juggling important tasks – each deserving our full attention – and maintaining the fiction that we can do them efficiently and effectively. We can’t. And as a result, all of the tasks in question suffer.
Continue reading “Multitasking and Believing the Lie”
The most successful people I’ve met in the business world seem to share one important quality – the ability to leverage the talents and experiences of others. This applies to businesses of all sizes. But for sole-contributor entrepreneurs and small companies, that quality can sometimes be elusive. I’ve heard many reasons, or excuses for it. The most common being a rather limited resource pool. But is it? What’s the real problem?
Continue reading “Leveraging Resources – or Moving Beyond the Confines of Ego”
So, it’s 2021 . . . why am I about to talk about podcasts? Even though podcasts have been around for a while, they are more relevant than ever. Why?
Continue reading “Are Podcasts Retro?”
Hindsight may be 20/20, but 2021 will be all about forward thinking. How many times will you hear a slogan similar to that over the next year! LOL! Headline philosophies aside, let’s take a closer look at what the new year can represent for business, and all of us.
Continue reading “The End of An Era – Good Riddance 2020, Hello 2021!”