- Elliot's Key Notes
- Posts
- Start Small, Think Big
When I first decided to lead a band, I had no idea where to start. No clients, no references—just a drum kit, a vision, and a lot of uncertainty. But sometimes, the smallest steps lead to the biggest transformations.
I grew up playing music as a drummer, performing in various bands and even in my high school band with my classmates. People knew I was a competent musician, which helped—but leading a band was a completely different story.
I didn’t know about hiring musicians, procuring sheet music, setting rates, or finding clients.
My first gig came from a place I least expected: my old elementary school. They remembered me as a student and performer, which gave them the confidence to hire me for a school event.
After many hours of preparation—coordinating musicians, practicing endlessly, and ironing out details—I was able to pull it off.
Performing at school events where people already knew me turned out to be a smart strategy. Two months later, my high school hired me to perform at their event. Playing in front of friends and schoolmates made it even more rewarding.
Those gigs weren’t just performances—they were lessons. Each one taught me that momentum builds from action, no matter how small.
While these early gigs were intimate—a 4-piece ensemble for modest events—they gave me the confidence I needed. I learned I could hire musicians, lead a band, and deliver live music that left customers happy. More importantly, it gave me the foundation to dream bigger and aim higher for future opportunities.
Starting small doesn’t mean thinking small. Those first gigs might not have been glamorous, but they proved that taking action—even in small steps—builds momentum and opens doors to larger opportunities.
Try This:
Think of one small step you can take this week to start a project you’ve been putting off. It could be reaching out to someone in your network, drafting an idea, or simply sharing a post.
Reflect on your past achievements. What small wins have you had that you can use as a foundation for your next big goal?
You don’t need everything to be perfect to get started. Sometimes, the best way to make progress is to start where you are, with what you have. Remember, big visions often begin with small steps.