“Franchising” for Weddings and Parties

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Sometimes I feel like this fellow.  .

Not because we each began our future careers as hobbies while in elementary school.  Not because we each held a variety of apparently unrelated jobs before finally settling into our successful careers.

But because Michael Gerber is a favorite business author of mine.  In his series of remarkable books about “The E-Myth”, Gerber systematically outlines attitudes, exercises, and disciplines for building a successful business.  Practical ideas like this always catch my attention, and I follow his advice carefully.

Gerber urges us to model our business after a franchise in significant ways, and he cites Ray Kroc, founder of McDonalds, as the ultimate good example.  I believe he easily could have named Colonel Sanders, instead, and why I think so is the subject for another blog.

Let me get back to “Franchising”.   I’ve been thinking about Colonel Sanders’ career.  A few friends recently asked me if I’m starting to “franchise” the band, because just last Sunday afternoon, with three of our favorite associates, the trio entertained at two wonderful Easter Sunday brunches.  And we’ll be playing at three on Mother’s Day.

But the band is the band, and not a franchise. The people we serve are either companies or individuals, but like most of my colleagues, I’m in business myself, not a franchise of someone else’s business.  Unlike Straw Hat Pizza or PakMail, I’m not under contract to operate under someone else’s guidance, using their “Operating Manual”, products, and brand name.

Sure, this arrangement has some pluses and minuses for me, but I’m very happy with it.  However, from another perspective, and following Gerber’s advice, it can be useful to regard myself as a franchise of one.  That is, create and implement a thorough, comprehensive business plan, balancing my responsibilities as entrepreneur, manager, marketer, and technician.  Yes, I’m learning valuable benefits from thinking systematically about managing the band, but according to my own “Operating Manual”, standards, and practices.

You might benefit from thinking about your own career from this same perspective.  In fact, no matter how you make a living, or whatever you’re doing, I believe that a systematic approach will surely make you more successful.

Here’s where it’s at for me:  I became a manager to enable me to work as a musician, not the other way around.  From the start, I aimed my career at creating music to help people enjoy their celebrations.

What’s your plan?

Some of my colleagues in this biz began working as musicians years ago, and then became caterers, entertainment agents, event planners, or wedding coordinators.  That’s not for me.  I love being right there in the midst of every party.  Clients quickly become my friends, and I’m personally involved every minute, making sure our music provides the absolutely best atmosphere for their festivities.

Every day I wake up thinking that sooner or later, everyone will have something memorable to celebrate.  Right?  Maybe a private anniversary, a corporate milestone, or a wedding.

How about you?  Whenever a party is in the works, you can have us set the right mood to help your guests have a great time.

If we can ever help you, please call us at 408-245-9120.  Visit MagnoliaJazz.com for testimonials, music samples, videos, photos, and our public schedule, and catch us at an event soon.  Our next PUBLIC appearance is on May 9th, Mothers Day, where the trio will be entertaining at three locations on opposite ends of Silicon Valley — at the Mountain Winery, in Saratoga, the Hilton Newark/Fremont, and The Toll House, in Los Gatos.

So it sounds like the band is still the band, and I’m still me after all.  We’re not a franchise, just a few friends helping their friends, and that’s how I like it.  I hope to see you soon, and in the meantime, please join my Facebook “fan page”, and you’ll get a reminder for each of our public events.

Thanks for reading my blog.  Please take a moment to share this post, subscribe, and send me a comment.

Related posts:

1. How Music Customizes Weddings and Parties
2. Wearing Uniforms for Weddings and Parties
3. Fundraiser Jazz Band, not just for Weddings and Parties
4. “Searching” for Weddings and Parties
5. Walking the Talk for Weddings and Parties

Tagged as: Colonel Sanders, Michael Gerber

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