EDM Biz Academy
Founders of Lunar Armbands on How to Start a Successful Business in the EDM Industry
“What 3 pieces of advice would you give to an emerging EDM clothing/accessory designer looking to set-up their own business?”
by Lunar Armbands
This is a tough one. Both of us are seldom outspoken when it comes to advice. We will use some of our favorite quotes and a moving scene from The Pursuit of Happyness sprinkled with some personal knowledge bombs and rants. Here it goes!
1) Define Success
Success, just like failure, has a different meaning for each person. Our first piece of advice would be to define success for yourself and for your business. Many businesses are set up under false pretenses. A mission to “make money” or “be known by many” or “being appreciated” is a dead end. Those examples are not goals. They are effects, not causes. If you know exactly what you want and you work for it, nothing will get in your way.
“Leaders keep their eyes on the horizon, not just on the bottom line.” ~ Warren G. Bennis
Love what you do and who you do it for. Keep your mind leveled. Your competitors are not your enemies. In most markets, the goal is strictly profit. Find competitors with a higher goal in mind. Work with them. Converse with them and connect with the talent and goals they have. We are all chasing fireflies around. The ones with more than profit on their mind will prove to be some of the most beneficial relationships during your journey. Work together. Do not avoid eye contact with anyone. Be full of ‘hello’s’ and ‘how are you’s?’ Strangers give the best advice.
“Happy people plan actions, they don’t plan results. ” ~ Denis Waitley
2) Create Motivation
Keep moving. Adaptation is a prime characteristic of success. Create a schedule and routine for yourself and remember that every minute can be invested in moving forward. Listen to motivational podcasts, cancel your cable, limit your netflix account, drink coffee, set your morning alarm for an hour earlier than you want to. Push yourself to be self disciplined and we promise you won’t regret it.
“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” ~ John C. Maxwell
3) Find a Good Team
Surround yourself with the right people. Some of the best ideas for our brand were thought of by a pool at 2 in the morning. Work with people that inspire you and play with people that support your dreams and believe in what you are doing. You will have to miss a few parties to meet deadlines, there is no way around that. Some will understand, others won’t. The ones that stick around while you are building the brand will be closer to you than anyone you will meet after it is already chugging along.
“The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.” ~ Charles Du Bos
Watch clips like this:
And listen to music like this:
What are you waiting for? Get on it!
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. ” ~ Chinese Proverb
Signed,
The Lunar Team
http://lunararmbands.com
Enter Coupon Code: sfravearea to receive $2 off your order.
PS – When it comes time to name your company, read this: Building the Perfect Beast.
