About this episode
When I worked at Warner/Chappell, I was the least-important person in the company, just working in the library.
Since it’s the largest music publisher in the world, I dealt with hundreds of people. I can’t remember most of their names. But three times, and only three times, I got a surprise gift from one of our songwriters.
- James Mastro, from The Bongos, got me a cool little “Mother Mary” keychain when he toured Spain.
- Gerry DeVeaux, the multi-platinum dance writer, got me some funky plastic fish Christmas ornaments when he went to the Bahamas.
- And Jane Kelly Williams got me a red sweatshirt.
Can you believe I remember these details twenty years later? Believe it!
If any of these three people asked me for a favor, I’d be sure to help them out.
As you climb the ladder of success, giving a gift may go a long way and be remembered for years.
Get presents for the people you’ve met that are probably under-appreciated. Don’t waste gifts on the high-power people. They already receive too many.
Be generous. You’re going to see the same faces for years to come.
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