JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Success Stories Forum Success is "Finding a Bigger Ladder"

Hello everybody! I've been trying to elevate myself into a larger playing field for years. (I'm sure nobody else here has ever tried to do the same thing! LOL!)

Anyway, while I don't wish to divulge the specifics of my present journey as of yet, I did want to share with you some of the successful actions I've been taking in hopes that you might benefit from this viewpoint.

I submitted a wonderful opportunity to a large company last month which included a huge campaign for their product. I created custom songs and a national PR campaign involving a reality TV show. Well, I never heard back from them even though I had a friend with contacts at that company.

Now, instead of feeling invalidated and withdrawing, I decided to find even bigger fish to fry. So, I got a meeting with an even larger entity to pitch this same idea on a bigger level. Well, the contact there liked it well enough to say she'd move it up to the next level, so I thought that was great. However, it's been a week now and I haven't heard a word back from her even though I've left numerous email and messages.

So, now I'm going after a major Manager to assist me with this project because I feel it's so big, that I need powerful representation. I found a contact who is now working on getting me a meeting with the perfect Manager. I feel this is the best next step for me because there are other doors I can easily get into to sell this project. Having a strong manager will make it safer and easier.

The point I am emphasizing here is NOT TO WITHDRAW, GET FRUSTRATED OR FEEL INVALIDATED when a step you take does not yield instantaneous success. LOOK HIGHER AND REACH FURTHER!!!!

I've been doing this now with this project every time a step I take doesn't pan out and it's brought me to bigger doors and opportunities. On this path, I will eventually find someone powerful enough to assist in manifesting my creative vision.

I'm in the big doors and that's a great accomplishment in itself.

So, THINK BIG and KEEP MOVING UPWARD! If you feel you are stopped somehow, then UNSTOP YOURSELF!!!

I don't feel like anything can stop me this time because for every WALL I encounter, I just find a BIGGER LADDER!

Best of luck to all of you in your journey toward success! I wish you short walls and tall ladders! (I think I'll write a song about that! LOL!)

Heidi

Heidi, "I wish you short walls and tall ladders" is a great line. Go for it.

Joe

Ladders are too old fashioned for my taste... I prefer jet packs!

I can't remember who said or wrote it, but these words are engraved in my mind:

What's the only difference between those who made it to the top and those who don't? Those who made it never gave up.

Don't give up.

When you get the top of the mountain, keep climbing

Go for it, Heidi!! Good luck

Emily

Thanks, Joe. I will.

Jim,
How often we find ourselves in a place of apathy where all hope is fading and our willingness to fight against the odds has dwindled. It is not easy to keep going under such a cloud but the alternative is what keeps us going!

Emily,
I just keep climbing toward the next highest ledge! I've seen a few mountain tops but they are rare. I will keep my eye on the next one, though, and keep on climbing!

Bless you.

you're awesome Heidi...right stuff, right attitude ! !

You're on to a great concept Heidi. Looking for larger ladders to climb is a consistent theme for people who keep finding one success after another.

Brian

Nothing worth doing is ever easy, but that's what makes it worth doing. So, yes, just keep going...

I'll see you up to up! Last one there buys the beer!

Hey Jim,
There's only one problem with your offer...I'd buy the beers to celebrate your success anyway!

Just remember, what you resist persists! Admire anything you don't like and it will turn around much faster!

Always,
Heidi

Here's a story for your reading enjoyment:

"I have a big ladder. You could say I "inherited" it from the guy that moved out before me. It's one of those kinds that is two sections, and you pull the rope connected to the pulley to make it go higher. It's a BIG ladder.

In fact it's so big, that for most things, I can't use it.
It's hard to move, it's hard to manuever, and frankly too heavy. But I didn't give up with it. I didn't set it aside and deem it unusable.

I took it apart. I found that half the ladder was all I needed for most things. I could easily manuever half the ladder, and I've used that half to accomplish many, many things.

Now I could have just given up on the ladder the way it was. It was too unwieldy. It's nice to have the full length available if I ever need to reach something incredibly high - but I found a way to get the ladder to work for me.

It's not the size of the ladder, but how you use it that matters. I figured out how to use it to my best avantage, and so can you. Step up and make an effort one rung at a time. When you need it, the bigger ladder is always there."

Thus endeth the parable of Brother Tom. Can I get an AMEN??

Love your attitude about all of this! You are already a success just because you are able to believe in yourself!

Good luck and keep us informed.

Brother Tom,
I loved your preachin'! For some people, a bigger ladder IS always there BECAUSE they inherited it or can borrow it from someone. But, for most of us, insecurity keeps us from climbing the next rung.

Security for me comes only AFTER I see that I can indeed create the effect I set out to create. However, in this world, there seems to be a lack on the part of others to cooperate with those of us who wish to create effects because everyone has their own game they are playing and it takes certain things to garner agreement to play your game.

Typically, money and sex are big draws to get agreement. I don't play those games. Second, you have the category of friendship or favors. Third, you have the category of games that are so powerful or aesthetic, that people are drawn to the quality of the game. I play in that last category.

But, even with games that have a huge potential, if you don't have the statistics to make you real enough for a big player to look at you as more than a person off the street, it can be difficult to get your product viewed properly.

So, there are many rungs to climb and too many disappointments along the way...even if you ARE climbing up the rungs!

The trick as I see it (if you are playing in the third category) is to REFINE your product to its highest level possible and then tuck it safely under your arm and just keep finding a way to keep climbing past any and all rejections, barriers, etc.

It's easy to step back down the ladder and blame circumstances for having done so. But, that doesn't get you anywhere except to swallow a good dose of "being a victim."

Maybe the "big ladder" is always there as you said. But, you have to be willing to climb it no matter what barriers come in your way.

Some people try to climb it with a product that they don't fully believe in. That in itself will make the climber back down easily. So, do whatever you can to get that product, song, painting, play, or whatever you've created to be at the top of heap of other songs, paintings, plays etc. BEFORE you start to climb. After all, you're climbing FOR that product...

Caroline,
I've been in showbiz for over forty years and most of my friends who started off in this biz have since gotten other types of jobs. I think I'd just die if I couldn't create some sort of aesthetic product, so I have no alternative but to keep on going!

This time, I have decided to focus on just ONE of the numerous projects I've created over the years and actually see IT all the way to being manifested out in the commercial marketplace. It's been difficult to choose just one thing and stick to it because I love to do various creative endeavors. But, it's time for me to make my big moves.

So, I made up my mind to go all the way with this one and I'm not stopping until it's done. It's taken decades for me to get to this point of high motivation. I wish I had gotten here sooner!

But, I'm off and running! It's amazing what one can accomplish when you are driven and focused!

Thanks for the kind words!

Keep in mind my preachin' wasn't directly specifically at you, but to the full brethren of the JP Folks congregation that might be scared to take that first step.

Now open your hymnals to #910 - that's the one after 909...

Tom,
My hymnal only goes up to page 57...

Anyway, taking the first step is awesome and one can learn a bunch from taking that all-important maiden voyage! However, unless you are all hooked up, it takes a nice chunk of effort and creative maneuvering to get into the doors.

For instance, about a year ago, I decided to embark upon a creative project that would take me out of my Vegas comfort zone and into the virgin territory of Nashville where I had literally no contacts at all. So, I needed contacts.

I started on the net. I found a record label owner (not one of the big ones yet) that I felt I should get to know and I initiated a nice round of e-mails with him. I found Bobbie Gallup on this forum and we became fast friends. I also met Sam Wilson via JPF. So, I bought a plane ticket, rented a car (with GPS), got a hotel room and began communicating.

While in Nashville, I was fortunate enough to have a friend of a friend introduce me to a graphic artist at a major company. This artist and I became very good friends over the past year and he was able to get me my first big meeting in Nashville a few weeks ago.

I'm now parlaying that meeting into other meetings and using every bit of artistic and communicative skills that I possess to keep on climbing.

Previous to my Nashville trip, I had sent my project to a major corporation for which it was PERFECT!!! I even did this via a close contact, but got NO response at all! So, instead of feeling invalidated and backing down, I aimed for a bigger fish. Thus, the meeting in Nashville took place ONLY because I reached for a higher rung.

Now, the Nashville connection is contemplating my deal, but it's moving slowly. So, I'm again reaching upward to garner more ammunition for the next step.

Meanwhile, I'm creating an entirely new business here in Vegas which corresponds to and will supplement the project I am creating in Nashville. It's all going hand-in-hand and I'm creating it DESPITE what anyone else can or cannot do for me.

It's funny, but the saying "Build it and they will come" is very true. People shy away from something until they SEE IT manifesting. Then, they are more apt to get behind a going concern. My concern is going.............Ha! It just took decades to build up steam. But, determination and creativity are great coals to put on the fire!

I'll let you know what happens next.

Heidi

Tom,
My hymnal only goes up to page 57...

Anyway, taking the first step is awesome and one can learn a bunch from taking that all-important maiden voyage! However, unless you are all hooked up, it takes a nice chunk of effort and creative maneuvering to get into the doors.

For instance, about a year ago, I decided to embark upon a creative project that would take me out of my Vegas comfort zone and into the virgin territory of Nashville where I had literally no contacts at all. So, I needed contacts.

I started on the net. I found a record label owner (not one of the big ones yet) that I felt I should get to know and I initiated a nice round of e-mails with him. I found Bobbie Gallup on this forum and we became fast friends. I also met Sam Wilson via JPF. So, I bought a plane ticket, rented a car (with GPS), got a hotel room and began communicating.

While in Nashville, I was fortunate enough to have a friend of a friend introduce me to a graphic artist at a major company. This artist and I became very good friends over the past year and he was able to get me my first big meeting in Nashville a few weeks ago.

I'm now parlaying that meeting into other meetings and using every bit of artistic and communicative skills that I possess to keep on climbing.

Previous to my Nashville trip, I had sent my project to a major corporation for which it was PERFECT!!! I even did this via a close contact, but got NO response at all! So, instead of feeling invalidated and backing down, I aimed for a bigger fish. Thus, the meeting in Nashville took place ONLY because I reached for a higher rung.

Now, the Nashville connection is contemplating my deal, but it's moving slowly. So, I'm again reaching upward to garner more ammunition for the next step.

Meanwhile, I'm creating an entirely new business here in Vegas which corresponds to and will supplement the project I am creating in Nashville. It's all going hand-in-hand and I'm creating it DESPITE what anyone else can or cannot do for me.

It's funny, but the saying "Build it and they will come" is very true. People shy away from something until they SEE IT manifesting. Then, they are more apt to get behind a going concern. My concern is going.............Ha! It just took decades to build up steam. But, determination and creativity are great coals to put on the fire!

I'll let you know what happens next.

Heidi

LOVE YOUR ATTITUDE HEIDI

as well as your looks and musical/showbiz talent.......you are so right-you just gotta plow thru the no's to get thru the yes'es......i had a widows love song that got shot down all over music row.....but i knew it had potential marketability in some way.....so i shopped the opening lyrics to the state of tennessee for its travel and tourism ad campaigns "In the mist of the morning,at the dawn of the dew,the tennessee sun shines from me to you".....did we win the ad campaign contract? hell no but we were close...and that showed me to think of anything i am a writer on from several perpectives........i really admire your long career and personal integrity......you are very inspiring....

Tom

Tom,
You are very creative to have submitted your song to the State for tourism! There are so many avenues for music other than that much sought after cut. There are jingles, TV and film, live stage productions and more. Well done for widening your sphere of opportunity.

Even though you did not get the contract, if you have the contact set in place, you can always find out what is needed and wanted in the future and try again!

I remember when I wanted to first get into the jingle business. I actually telephoned a restaurant here in Vegas and asked for the Manager. When he got on the phone, I told him I had written a jingle for the restaurant and then I sang it to him...

..."Recipes of days gone by.
Food fresh from the farm.
A pinch of this, a dash of that
good ol' country charm!

Our family invites your own
to come the Country Inn
and taste the memories of home!
Come to the Country Inn"

I got the deal. It was awesome to not only hear my "song" on the radio, but they also put a huge yellow banner in front of the restaurant with "Taste the Memories of Home!" on it. That was over 200 produced jingles ago.

Each success adds another rung on the ladder, BUT our ATTITUDE and WILLINGNESS to reach outside of our comfort zone is what gives us a BIGGER ladder! We are as big as our ability to reach out.

Many blessings to you,
Heidi

Great attitude --- Well done.

Tom

Hi, Heidi,

Great thread! And synchronistic for me - not to mention encouraging. Living and working in south Louisiana has its creative challenges...and it's easy to get frustrated.

My good friend and music partner Joshua (aka Bubba) has said the same thing often...."we need to reach higher." He jokes about a "bigger hammer" -- I like the "bigger ladder" idea myself!

And -- Brother Tom, AMEN! I like the idea of "it's there if I need it."

Heidi, good luck with your project! I'm bookmarking this thread to read whenever I'm feeling frustrated....

Brenda

Hey Heidi!
Thanks so much for this post!!
Sometimes I need a good kick in the butt .. i'm feeling the inspiration stir
thanks
Joanne

Hey Brenda,
Yes, you and Bubba are in a unique geographical area where the amount of contacts may be far and few between. So, the net is the next best thing to put out a larger area of communication potential.

Also, I know that New Orleans is on a creative upswing. Do you ever go there?




Hi Joanne,
You seem to be bubbling with creativity all over the place, so I'm interested to see what a little kick in the butt might manifest in you! Looking forward to seeing more great songs!

Heidi

like Joanne I felt the inspiration stir...

"Just Find A Ladder"
(c)2008 Lynn Orloff

When things don't go,
The way you plan,
It feels one foot,
Has found quicksand.
Don't get depressed,
Don't give up hope,
And by all means,
Don't ever start to mope.

Just find a ladder, that's big enough,
Start climbing higher, it's not too tough.
Hold on real tight, with rolled up sleeves,
Reach far beyond the tallness of the trees.

When one door closes,
There's plenty more,
To open wide,
To be explored.
So tuck away,
That stepping stool,
For reaching dreams,
It's simply not the tool.

Just find a ladder, that's bigh enough,
Start climbing higher, it's not too tough,
Hold on real tight, with rolled up sleeves,
Reach far beyond the tallness of the trees.

Final Chorus
Just find a ladder, that's big enough,
Start climbing higher, it's not too tough.
Hold on real tight, and don't look down,
Climb high enough so you can see above the clouds.
Climb high enough to find your dreams, the time is now!!

Dearest Lynn,
While some lyrics take me on a ride and other lyrics don't even move me at all, your lyrics make my spirit cheerfully dance! You are like the "Zorro" of lyrics, leaving behind a text rather than an "X."


Thank you for your creative contributions!!!! Smiles are a great thing to create.

congratulations
I hope this takes you to higher heights and bigger checks

Thanks, Ande. As you know, an artist just wants to play games suited to his/her talent. That's the real payoff.



Take care!

Love,
Zorro

What an inspiring thread!

Thanks, Heidi, for starting it by sharing your empowering tactics.

DM (Donna)

Hey Donna,
Thanks for the acknowledgment! I feel like I'm making some great progress right now and if I can inspire a few others to kick up their heels at the same time, well that just makes it even better!

All the best,
Heidi

I wish you the best with your climbing - and remember, the safest ladder is one that is securely supported on the ground.

What's that you said, Tom? I couldn't hear you. My ladder keeps slipping...

But seriously, you are so very right. I guess my husband, my spiritual beliefs, years of skinning my knees on the lower rungs and my looming old age all make for some pretty secure ground. I'm overly ripe for a larger playing field.

Thank you Reverend Tom!

HiDee Mz Heidi!

Hey, I wish ya the Best of Luck & Success with each "Latest Rung".

For me, I've found that Multiple Short Ladders bring the Same Satisfaction Level as One Big One.

But I always Respect & Revere anyone who DOES make it all the way to the Top of That Big One! (& having Ladders-Planted in Vegas AND NashCity is a Smart Move, too!)

GodSpeed on that Climb, M'LadyChum!

Big Good-Luck Hugs,
Stan

Hey Stan,
Thanks for the wonderful support! You are indeed a special guy.

Hello all,
Today, I did another fun trick. When you are stuck on a "rung" for a little while and don't want to stay stuck, you can always put multiple ladders right next to each other and step sideways to see if any other ladder will allow for upward movement.

In other words, while I'm waiting for word back from two big contacts, I put out yet another communication to a third potential contact in another area of the project.

Now, I have a foot in the door of three different areas which all coordinate and can assist in upward motion for the project. None of the areas conflict as one is a television network, one is a management company and one is a potential sponsor. If any of the three manifest interest, I will be able to leverage that with the other two areas.

It's like making a bouquet of different contacts that all support one project.

Okay, so I'm still moving but sometimes I move to the side! LOL!

There is an adage which states, "Your inflow is proportionate only to your outflow." I've learned that if I just keep outflowing onto the correct communication lines, I'll eventually meet with some agreement. The trick was in getting the courage up to find and contact the people or companies I needed to contact.

I didn't know anyone when I started out on this journey. But, now I am in some pretty interesting doors and all I can say is "communication is king!"

Best to you all!

Heidi

I keep trying to get here...Heidi... and i think I've posted on this thread at least twice....and never got it sent to you ....but in any case...Congratulations on all your efforts......for offering encouragement...

also meant to post on your Cher look-alike picture post..
You look fantastic, Lady......

Anyways...
best..to you.......
h,
Kaley

Miss Willow's Fence Row (NEW CD!!)
http://cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg2
Piano Music and Demos (Many Genres)
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=8404&content=music
Children's Songs
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=6469&content=music
Andy & Friends CD
http://cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg

Hello Kaley,
Thanks for the support. These next few weeks should be very interesting!

I hope all is moving well with your wonderful children's stories and other projects.

Heidi

Good advice Heidi.
In a smaller way Kaley walking into Borders to sell them C D's is similar. I wouldn't have given 2 cents for her chances. And she "did" it. Course, even the "walking in", I'd find to be a problem for more reasons than one <G>
"Way to go Heidi" --gosh to think that a redneck in the middle of Missouri is somewhat acquainted with a famous person like Heidi. Ain't the internet wonderful. <G>
(Course you "are" well acquainted with a certain ornery blonde down Nashville way but heck, nobody's perfect <G>)
Wy--Mud

Miss Willow's Fence Row (NEW CD!!)
http://cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg2
Andy & Friends CD
http://cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg

CD'S FOR COOKIES!!!!!