Be gracious. That sounds simple but after some years in business, both in radio and in the Opera industry, I’ve observed a few things. The people who have most impressed me, whether they are famous or not so famous, are those who are grateful for what they have and are considerate and encouraging of others.
In radio I had the opportunity to meet and interview many famous pop and rock stars. I can count on one hand those who were humble and encouraging of others. Guess what? Very often the more famous and successful a person was, the more humble they acted.
This should be a lesson for up and coming singers … or anyone for that matter. I believe it was Zig Zigler, the motivational speaker, who said, “You will get everything in life you want if you help enough other people get what they want!”
I really enjoy giving just for the sake of giving. I am grateful for my own talent, happy with the gifts I’ve been given, that it gives me great joy to promote others. It does end up that I have a lot of friends. I find myself surrounded with talented, generous people. I get more than I can ever give.
Opera Singers: it is so unique that you are surrounded by people of great talent. The more confident you are of your own talent, the more you are humbled by the gifts of others!
A very successful business friend of mine had this advice to give “Always show your appreciation! If someone does something to help your career, send them a card, buy them a gift, and make sure you give them credit when you become successful.”
At the end of your life, won’t it be wonderful to realize that you were surrounded by people of such unique talent!? Make the most of what you have been given! Be gracious, humble, and be everything you were created to be!
Lori Lewis
