by David Hooepr

Created on: May 12, 2008

If you want to get a record deal, get people to your shows, or sell music like crazy, the answer isn't some kind of "magic pill" website that you post your music on, blindly sending out a bunch of demos, or anything to do with having good music...although good music certainly helps - the answer is to develop a "mindset" that naturally attracts people to what you're doing as well as an understanding of how the music business game is played.

As you develop as a person, your music career will develop with you. Sounds crazy, but it's true...and I've seen it time and time again, with thousands of acts that I've worked with, from garage bands, to the guys selling out arenas. Check out these ten common music business mistakes:

10. Being Too Difficult (or Too Nice)

First of all, let's get this clear... Just because you wrote a few good songs and recorded them, doesn't mean that the world revolves around you. Lots of people write and record good songs, so get in line.

Contrary to what the online rumor mill or media would have you believe, people in the music business are involved because they love music...and they're not making enough to deal with jerks. And they won't deal with jerks. If you're a pain, they're just go to the next guy, who also writes good songs, but has a better attitude.

With that said, don't be too nice. You don't have to say yes to everything. Pick your battles. If there is something you really feel strongly about, don't settle for anything less.

Bottom line: Keep your ego in check and behave with courtesy and respect. At the same time, don't let anyone treat you any less.

9. Trying to Convince People of Anything...

You play music; you're not in the convincing business. Either people get what you're doing or they don't.

So, some reviewer, booking agent or manager doesn't like your new album. Let it go! Don't try to convince him he'll like is better after a second listen. He won't. And the more you press him to give your music another shot, the more he'll remember how annoying you were. This means he'll be far less open to ever listening to you again.

There are a lot of people who won't "hear it" when you approach them. So what? Move on. There are plenty of other people in this business who can help you. Go find the people who do "hear it" and put your energy into building good relationships with them instead.

8. Looking for Industry Approval

There was a time when the "industry" had a lot more pull when it came to breaking an artist, getting them distributed,

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