Issue 2 (7/16/02)

Lee Silber

What things inspire you?

Biographies. I am addicted to the show on A&E called "Biography" and VH-1's "Behind The Music" as well as books of collected biographies. I truly believe that success leaves clues. If you see someone who has accomplished what you want the best thing to do is reverse engineer their success. Ask yourself, "What did they do to get where they are?" Then, simply follow in their wake and do the same things. Chances are you will have the same results. Another benefit from reading/watching biographies is you realize that EVERYONE struggles. It's the ones who hang on and hang in there that make it in the arts. I always say to myself, "If someone has done what I want to do then I have no excuse because if they can do it, so can I." This works!

Have you had any memorable "ah-ha moments" you can share?

I think everyone will have a breakthrough idea at one time or another. The people who have success are the ones who VALUE those ideas by a.) writing them down in an idea journal and b.) doing something with them. I have a friend who has all kinds of great ideas but he doesn't write them down or do anything with them. Several times he has said to me, "See that product there, I had the idea for that two years ago." I will reply, "Yes, but you didn't do anything with it." So, the next time he had a good idea I walked him through the process of capturing it, making a prototype and putting it into production. Guess what? It's selling and he has been convinced that his ideas are worthwhile and that he should capture them in some way. (He prefers a micro-recorder for saving them.)

Do you have a particular process for developing ideas? What is it?

I believe that if you say to yourself, "I'll develop this idea as soon as (fill in the blank)" you will never do it. Don't wait until everything is perfect. I say act and then react to feedback the buyer (whether that is a client, customer, agent, boss, publisher or partner) gives you. I also believe that a lot of people waste a ton of time and money getting patents and trademarks and hiring lawyers to protect an idea or product. Instead, be the first to do something and keep improving it and stay one step ahead of those who would steal your ideas. Even if you did get a patent or trademark, you still have to sue the other party and that takes time and money. Be the first, be the best, and keep improving and you will be fine.

Which part do you get the biggest kick out of: the creative PROCESS or
the RESULT?

Good question. I wish I could say the process, but I can't. Oh, I enjoy writing my books, don't get me wrong. But I prefer to "have written" rather than to write. Why? Because there is NOTHING better than a positive reaction to something I've done. That's what I live for--feedback.

What do you do when you are stuck?

Like a lot of creative people, I have a wide range of interests. When I am stuck in one area I can switch off and do something else. For instance, when I am having trouble writing I will play the drums, draw, or do something non-creative to allow the block to work itself out. I have written my best songs and designed my logo when I should have been writing.

Who is someone outside your field that has influenced you creatively?

I am a big Jimmy Buffett fan and have based my business on his. He has created what is called "Multiple Streams of Revenue" from a wide range of creative pursuits (recording, performing and writing books) as well as several sound businesses (a chain of restaurants, his own brand of tequila and a host of products). This was his way to overcome a slump in his career and it ended up reviving his career. I have done the same thing with my career. I am a writier (ten books), a working musician, workshop leader, operate two businesses and do freelance design. I find it helpful to have someone to use as a role model but have to be careful to not try to become too much like the person I use as a benchmark. (So there won't be any CreativeLee Speaking Tequila coming out any time soon.)

Lee Silber is the author of ten books including: "Money Management For The Creative Person" and "Summer Stories" both due out this June. Lee won the 2002 Theodore S. Geisel Award ("Best of the Best") and the award for the "Best Business Book of the Year" at this year's San Diego Book Awards held on May 17, 2002. He is also an award-winning trainer, accomplished graphic artist, drummer, radio talk-show host and the founder of www.creativelee.com.

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