The Entrepreneurial Seizure

Unpacking the concept of the entrepreneurial seizure, uncovering its benefits and pitfalls, recognizing its potential for your record label’s long-term sustainability.

"The entrepreneurial seizure" is a term coined by Michael E. Gerber in his book "The E-Myth Revisited”

For record labels, it’s that moment, “I could start a record label” and you Google for hours, and you pick a name, and you text your friends asking if they want to be involved, and you buy a domain name, you’ve got your first release planned out…

The Pros of the Entrepreneurial Seizure

Fuel for the fire, energy and excitement that will help you get started quick

The booster jets that do most of the work, that eventually fall off

The entrepreneurial seizure is powerful, natural, organic, free, like a natural drug

It comes back. It’s not a one-time thing. It resurfaces in various ways over the years

The Cons of the Entrepreneurial Seizure

It masks the complexity of the long-term task of running a label

It can misrepresent the banality of the long term job

It’s not sustainable, it doesn't last forever…

It creates unrealistic expectations

It’s embarrassing for serial entrepreneurs

Put a plan in place for when the seizure wears off or loses its luster.

When the entrepreneurial seizure wears off, create a plan to sustain momentum. For a coffee shop, establish a schedule for employees and operations. Set regular business hours, assign shifts, and maintain supplies. For a record label, choose a manageable release and marketing schedule.

Prioritize quality over quantity, and avoid overcommitment. Assemble a team with complementary skills and passionate members. Consider leaders to provide guidance. Implementing these plans ensures stability and success beyond the initial burst of entrepreneurship.

Utilize it to get as much done as possible.

To maximize productivity and take full advantage of the entrepreneurial seizure, indie record labels can employ strategic tactics. Firstly, recognize and utilize it to your benefit. Embrace the surge of motivation and energy it brings, channeling it into accomplishing tasks efficiently.

Secondly, employ the technique of batching tasks. Group similar activities together, such as scheduling social media posts or planning marketing campaigns. By doing so, you can capitalize on moments of heightened creativity and focus, ensuring you have a steady stream of content even on days when you're not feeling as inspired.

Regularly Nurture and Re-Engage with it

Regularly nurturing and re-engaging with the entrepreneurial seizure is essential for indie record labels, but it requires a delicate balance. Firstly, it's crucial to make room for it and cherish this side of your personality. Recognize its value and the drive it brings to your label. Secondly, set aside dedicated time to refuel and recharge. Consider booking an overnight getaway or retreat to rejuvenate your entrepreneurial spirit. However, it's equally important to maintain control over the seizure.

Practice discipline by setting priorities and goals. For instance, if you have a new idea or project, make a rule to finish your current tasks before diving into something new. This way, you can feed your entrepreneurial personality while being able to say, "not now, you're not needed."