I love opera music. Actually, what I really love is singing it. I feel so lucky because when ever I want, I can pull out music from any composer that strikes my fancy and sing til my heart’s content be it Mozart or Verdi. It’s one of the perks of performing in my living room. Aside from the sheer pleasure of singing the most beautiful music ever written in the whole wide world spanning all of history (no bias here), the other reason I love yodeling a casa is there is no one telling me what I can and cannot sing. You see in opera, there are a lot of RULES.
Some of these rules make sense and are actually in the best interest of the singer. For example, if a score is written for a very large orchestra, the singer must have a very big voice to carry over the instrumentation otherwise they risk shredding their vocal chords in an effort to be heard. However, a lot of the rules seem to be somewhat arbitrary and very restrictive. Certain voice types simply “should not” sing certain roles. If you are too tall, you will probably never be cast as the ingenue. In an audition, you should not wear anything too sexy, wait, no it’s that you should not be too conservative. Hmmm, no I think it is that you should never wear a turtle neck…
On one hand, I understand rules have a place. In opera they preserve tradition and honor the structure of the art form. However, an individual performing within a specific medium can be limited in their ability to express themselves fully because of all the RULES. What if you are 5’10” and want to sing Mimi? What if you have the soul of Carmen and the voice of Adele (a high, light role)? It ain’t gonna happen, not in the world of grand opera. So what is the artist to do?
Ok, dear readers, I know most of you out there aren’t opera singers. You are business people, entrepreneurs and small business owners. If you are wondering what the heck this has to do with you, here it is. We are ALL artists. Yes, you in your business are an artist. You are bringing your talent to the business stage, to the marketplace and your theater is filled with your target audience. Many of you also feel a sense of restriction in your business, you just might not recognize it or know what to do about it.
How many times have you gone to do something in your business and thought “Oh, I shouldn’t do that, that’s not what a ___________ should do?” “A professional should not use bright colors on their website, be too personal in their copy, call themselves a unique title….” We tell ourselves all kinds of things about what is an is not appropriate. And while there are some rules it makes sense to follow, that are in your best interest, that will protect your brand voice, Dear Reader I say DITCH the rest!
Why did you go into business in the first place? You wanted control over your schedule, your ideas, even your destiny. So why hang on to the rules that made you feel constricted in the first place? I say, as long as you are not hurting anyone or breaking any laws, make your own rules! You want to call yourself a coach instead of a consultant, go for it. You don’t want to offer writing press releases at your pr firm, hey guess what, you don’t have to! You are the boss.
The beauty of being an entrepreneur is you get to craft the exact kind of business you want. Why not customize your business for YOU? Tailor it to optimize your strengths and outsource the rest. I guarantee you will be a lot happier if you do. You’ll probably make money as well since you will be operating from your core brilliance.
Owning your own business also allows you to fully express your unique talents and personality. This is a gift. Take advantage and find the ways which feel most comfortable and inspirational to you to do so. Things get really exciting when people, whether they are artists or business people, take old paradigms, turn them on their heads and spit out something new and truly original. This where your zone of genius really lies. It’s also what will attract your passionate, loyal audience.
My wish for you is to break a few rules and have the business of your dreams. As for me, I am off to sing some Madame Butterfly. My house, my rules.
I love hearing from you!
What rules are you willing to break to create a truly authentic brand?
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Heather Poduska is a Reach certified personal brand strategist, image consultant and business coach who helps women entrepreneurs create client attractive brands, polished brand images and brand communication strategies to increase their visibility and impact in the marketplace and grow their businesses. To learn even more about Heather and the Clear Voice Branding System click the link. www.clearvoicebranding.com
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