A gratitude mindset has served me well over the years. One of the things that I’ve always found odd is that some artists get hung up about giving their house concert host a free CD.
Yes. An artist’s work has value and they shouldn’t be compelled by someone else to give it away for free. But the act of volunteering a gift to someone can often have a lovely effect.
Who should be grateful? The host who gets a personalized performance from a national touring artist in their home? Or the artist who’s been given a captive audience and a warm reception?
Of course, the answer is both.
Sometimes the host will take the lead and offer to buy a CD. Sometimes the artist can take the lead and offer a free keepsake or memento.
Here’s a scenario that’s played out for me (as an artist) many times after a house concert.
ME: (Presenting a signed CD.) I’d like you to have this. Thanks for putting this event together.
HOST: Oh. I want to pay for it.
ME: I’d like to give it to you.
HOST: No. I insist on paying for it. I always buy a CD from the artists. You need the money.
ME: Thank you. That’s very kind. (Taking the money, and presenting something else – another CD, a shirt, or something.) OK. Now you have to accept this gift from me. 8^)
Host then offers – come back and stay with us anytime you’re in this region… here’s some food for the road… marry my daughter… etc.
Lesson: If it’s a point of pride for the host to purchase something… let them. And THEN give them something else as a thank you. [hint: you should have more than one thing for sale.]
Gratitude. It’s so inexpensive in the long run.
Listening Room Network 