I'm always amazed at how little people get involved when given opportunities. I'm guilty of it myself, but not as much as I used to be.

Here's a little bit of history on why I try to take advantage of all the opportunities that pop up.

Many years ago, when I had only been in Nashville like a year or so, I had a meeting with a major publisher. Little did I realize at the time, that that alone was a major accomplishment for an unestablished songwriter

Anyway - the guy I met with was a big famous songwriter who was getting into the publishing side of things and was doing A&R for this publisher. The two songs I played him were songs that I had co-written with another young writer in town. He really liked what he heard. Suggested some re-write ideas and.....AND..........OFFERED TO COWRITE WITH US.

Did we take advantage? No we did not. We were scared and never even called the guy back!!! Can you imagine that?

A few years later, it dawned on me what I had passed up. I didn't believe in myself at the time and I didn't take risks.

Maybe you've heard the story - goes something like this: There was a terrible, terrible rain and John was forced to crawl up onto the roof of his house because everything was flooded. He waited on the roof for hours. Finally a rowboat comes by and offers him a ride. He says, "No, I'll be okay. God wouldn't let anything happen to me."

Several more hours go by and the water gets even higher. Another boat comes by and offers to take him out of there. Again he tells them that God will protect and save him.

Finally the flood gets John. He drowns and goes to heaven. When he gets there he asks God right away, why he didn't save him?? God, replies, "Who do you think sent those rowboats!?!!?"

Realizing what an opportunity I had passed up gave me the kick in the butt to always be watching for the rowboats. I try as I think of something to put rowboats out to you guys who read the E-Tips. For example, I've been asking you all to send a short bio and links to your music. I figure you never know where your next cowriter or insight will come from and I'd love to see you all sharing your music and experiences. I've had to directly contact the few people whose bios I've run. Not a single person has sent me anything of their own accord. Not one. Zero.

It's very hard to succeed in this business, people. Don't let rowboats pass you by or you'll be looking back with regret as your guitar gathers dust under the bed.

Consider yourself kicked in the butt!