How to Get Discovered and Be a Big Huge Star

by Christine Kane

I heard about a well-known agent who was teaching a music business course to singers

and performers.

In the class, this agent told his students that they probably weren‟t going to be able to

make a living at music. His message was simple:

If you don‟t have something special, then there‟s no hope for you. There‟s no harm in

throwing in the towel and making music your hobby. “But,” he concluded. “Get real

about it.”

I was talking with a friend about this agent‟s philosophy. I fired off the names of several

people who have “made it” in a non-commercial niche way. Each person I named is

successful at her work, but isn‟t the very best with regard to talent or “sell-ability.”

So, guess what? That agent is 100% totally and stupidly dead wrong.

Yes, I do agree that there are lots of people who aren‟t all that great at what they do,

hoping to be “discovered” or “rescued.” But the issue is NOT that they aren‟t great at

what they do. That can be improved. The issue is that they are waiting for someone to

give them permission, or discover them, or rescue them. To paraphrase Yoda: THAT is

why they fail.

The good news is this:

Getting discovered is an inside job. You discover yourself. You become the star

regardless of how “famous” you are. Here‟s how to do just that:

Be Yourself

Find your own voice. Be authentic. The world needs YOUR voice and YOUR wisdom.

As Arnold Patent said: “If you genuinely have something to say, then there is someone

who genuinely needs to hear it.” That‟s true for blogs, books, talks, paintings, businesses,

everything. Strengthen your strengths. Don‟t try to fix your weaknesses.

Guard Your Thoughts

Your thoughts are things. They can be powerful tools, or devastating weapons.

You may be cleaning up years of negativity. But you are the only one who can do just

that. If you‟re constantly berating yourself or doubting yourself, then set your intention

to turn that around.

Remind yourself: “Energy flows where attention goes,” and place your attention on

gratitude, love, and joy. Be relentless! You can‟t afford the luxury of a negative thought

– or of sitting in a room with an agent who tells you there‟s no hope for your career!

Move away from snarky people. Guard your thoughts. They‟re your power tools!

Work on your Craft

Write. Coach. Speak. Consult. Train. Paint. Work at this stuff. It will make you better. It

will make you happier. Looking outside of you for approval makes you unhappy. Action

makes you happy. Deeply happy.

Stop Waiting.

If you are waiting for permission or discovery, stop it. Give yourself permission. Rescue

yourself. Discover yourself. „Nuff said.

Take Risks.

Take chances. Get a little scared. Everyone claims to want security. But security is a

myth. And your life will be more exciting if you get a little insecure.

Uplevel Your Business®

Take yourself seriously enough to learn business of what you‟re doing. Hire a coach. (I

have TWO!) Invest in a mastermind. Learn about marketing. Study and build systems.

Take time away to work ON your business. Hire people to help you. Create a structure

that supports your stardom! (By the way, it has never been easier to do this!)

Adjust to Overwhelm

Overwhelm is a lot like stage fright. It‟s not that it goes away. It‟s just that you get better

at channeling it!

One of my coaches used to have a mantra for those moments when I got overwhelmed:

“At least you’re not bored.” When you‟re on the path of discovering yourself and

being a star, you are always learning and expanding. Get used to it!

Expect Criticism

Criticism is not a risk. It‟s a guarantee. As it is wisely said, the only way to avoid

criticism is to do nothing, be nothing and try nothing. Stop worrying about criticism.

Instead, create support systems.

Don‟t try to get discovered and be a big star on your own. Invest in a coach. Be in a

mastermind. Take part in a live event that will help you find other people like you who

want to be big stars in their own big ways! Those people are out there. And believe me,

they aren‟t wasting time listening to agents who claim to know who will and won‟t be

discovered!