Why 'Go Get It From Where It Is Now' Should Be Your New Mantra
How A Seven-Word Phrase Can Reshape Your Financial Future
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
The mindset of financial abundance isn't solely reserved for Wall Street moguls or Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. It also finds a home in the creative industries. A case in point is the late music producer Kashif, a luminary not just in the world of R&B but also in the psychology of abundance. Known for his transformative influence on music, he also had a knack for encapsulating complex financial wisdom in simple yet powerful phrases. I recently heard a very memorable line he would say during negotiations for his services or products. Kashif would often be asked, "Where am I going to get the money for that?" and Kashif would say, "Go get it from where it is now!"
This seven-word phrase might sound trivial, but it encapsulates the essence of an abundant mindset. Much like individuals who don't worry about where their next dollar will come from, Kashif highlights the fluidity and availability of resources. He acknowledged that money, much like opportunity, is not static; it's a continually circulating resource. It's not a question of scarcity but of access and initiative.
Kashif was an American multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, record producer, artist, composer, author, and director. He shaped the post-disco R&B landscape with his innovative use of technology and synthesizers.
Born Michael Jones in Harlem on December 26, 1956, Kashif entered the foster care system at just four months old after his mother's incarceration. Kashif's turbulent childhood included multiple foster families and years of physical and emotional abuse. Fortified by the encouragement of a middle school music teacher, Kashif was playing in New York nightclubs by age 12, sometimes smuggled in under his teacher's wife's fur coat.
He gained early exposure to music through the foster family he lived with and made the most of this influence in his formative years. In the late 1970s, he became part of the disco/funk band B.T. Express and later embarked on a solo career. Kashif is credited with introducing synthesizer technologies into R&B, revolutionizing the genre. His self-titled debut album 1983 included hits like "I Just Gotta Have You" and "Stone Love," setting the tone for a successful solo career.
Not just limited to his recordings, Kashif also worked as a producer and songwriter for several other artists. His collaboration credits read like a who's-who of the music industry, including Whitney Houston, George Benson, Dionne Warwick, and Kenny G.
In addition to his extensive musical career, Kashif made significant contributions as an author. His book, "Everything You'd Better Know About The Record Industry," was a comprehensive guide for aspiring artists, songwriters, and producers looking to navigate the complexities of the music industry. The book was published in 1996 as a seminal work offering insider knowledge and practical advice on topics ranging from contracts and royalties to marketing and distribution.
Drawing on his years of firsthand experience, Kashif aimed to demystify the music business and empower up-and-coming musicians with the knowledge they needed to succeed. The book has been praised for its accessible writing style and ability to translate complex industry jargon into plain language that could be easily understood.
The work remains vital and is often cited in music business courses and seminars. In this way, Kashif extended his influence beyond just music, impacting the next generation of artists and industry professionals with his wisdom and expertise.
Kashif was also committed to education and youth development, providing music workshops and establishing initiatives to help underprivileged kids.
Kashif passed away on September 25, 2016, but his legacy lives on, not just through his extensive catalog of hits but also through the many artists he influenced and the changes he brought to the world of R&B and music production.
Kashif had a tough start in life, but it strengthened him and gave him a unique outlook. He believed you can find success and money if you have faith and act. His hard early years set him up for a life where he would turn obstacles into opportunities.
Kashif's principles especially resonate with me, particularly those navigating complex financial decisions. His words often inspire me to break out of my comfort zone and force me to see opportunities not as scarce but as waiting to be seized. I recently used this mindset when negotiating my fee for a couple of workshops over the summer. It's incredible how quickly people can find the money to pay you when they want you - and you know your worth.
Do you have stage fright when it comes to talking numbers? Want to avoid negotiating? Most people don't like it, but that's part of life - unless someone does it for you. That is rare when you are just starting in any career.
From now on, stop leaving money on the table and get what you're worth. Arm yourself with knowledge. If you still need to work on hammering out the financial aspects of your career, there are resources to help you. Check out the Broadway Drumming 101 articles "How To Get Paid What You're Worth - The Art of the Deal" or "Picasso's Napkin—A Musician Should Respect their Craft and Work as an Artist." These will give you the tactical and philosophical grounding to make music and a living.
When faced with questions about your fees, channel Kashif's wisdom and insist on your deserved compensation, no matter its current location. Remember, your worth isn't just measured in musical talent and actual banknotes.