Buddy Up

In January, I sent a colleague a half-silly, half-serious text:“Let’s start a podcast?”   

I wanted to talk about how hard it is for independent artists (my clients) and the people who champion them (my colleague and I) - especially right now!   

And I wanted to talk about it with a buddy.

We have a lot in common: we went to the same college (at different times), both built careers centered on helping artists get the financial resources they need to make their work. 

And we both make work that goes straight our deepest fears.(Her story is also in my book!)  

In recent years, we’ve each been grinding in our lanes — doing meaningful work, but feeling like the outcomes (especially financial ones) just haven’t matched the energy and care we’ve been pouring in. 

I know you feel me on that!

When we finally got on the phone, we really listened to what each of us was wanting.   

And within 24 hours of that exchange, we were off:

Me: “Hey, I think you should apply to ACA.

That’s your kind of conference.”

Her: “Yeah, but I don’t think my work fits their categories  … ”

Me: “Yeah, that's why I didn't apply too." "Hey, they also invite proposals of original ideas, what do you think?" 

A few hours later, we had co-created a proposal — blending my signature talk with her brilliant performance-based process. 

I hit send last night. 

It feels alive. Energizing. Like something is moving.

You know how I roll, ladies.I’m all about collaboration.

I buddy up. 

And when that chemistry is right - it's so much fun to take a risk!

With renewed energy I'm excited to share another recent development that came from, well, a similar despairing moment . . .And resulted in a another buddy system strategy! 

A one-day, live, virtual summit - The Resourced Artist Revolution. 

It's coming this August!I can’t wait for you to meet the women I’ve invited to be part of it. 

How did I get YESSES from these incredible humans who care deeply about your creative success? 

I've been buddying up for decades - and the secret to true success is this:You have to start from the heart. 

From a desire to connect for the sake of connection. 

Nothing more, nothing less.