You don't have to play the game the way it's always played.

A few days ago, I had occasion to speak with a talented soloist. She was sharing the struggles she and others were experiencing as they were navigating a new market.

The challenge is that the new market is tightly controlled by a few chokeholds - agents and an industry organization similar to the Tavern League.

Artist: "I either have to get an agent to represent and show me, or I need to pay a ton of money."

Me: "Who says you need to play by those rules, why not start your own agency with other soloists?"

You don't have to play the game the way it's always been played. This artist has a shared experience with others like her... others who are frustrated by the chokeholds. So, instead of complaining about the chokeholds, get rid of them by creating a cooperative of others like her - the economy of scale.

I hope they move forward with the idea. I know it would work. If she got 4 or 5 other artists together, their investment would be less than $200.00, compared to $1,000+ if it was just her. Also, because they would operate as a cooperative the customary 10-20% commission could go back into the general fund and be used to help other artists. It’s a win-win.

Next time you're stuck by the way the game is traditionally played, see if there's a way for you to leverage others, bring them together, and change the game.