This comes as no surprise to most of you…I’m a big Jimmy Buffett fan. However I’m a fan of much more than just his music and the lifestyle it represents. I’m also a big fan of Buffett the businessman and the brand. He has built an empire around his lifestyle brand…from the music and books to the concerts and the merchandise to the radio station and restaurants.
As I watched Buffett perform with the Zac Brown Band on CMT’s Crossroads, I began thinking about his career and how long he’s been doing what he loves…or as he puts it “managing to keep the same summer job” (I also thought about that “Life is good” t-shirt he was wearing and how I wish it was a Snoloha T instead, but that’s another story).
It’s interesting when you think about it…Buffett’s first album, “Down to Earth,” came out in 1970. However, it wasn’t until 1977 when the album “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” was released. Track #6 on that album was “Margaritaville”, which was his breakthrough song. Buffett was 31 years old at that time and had been writing, playing and recording albums for 7 years before he finally struck that connection with a large audience and the tropical escapism that would become his trademark. He will be 64 this year. That is 33 years of growing the Margaritaville brand to where he’s at today.
What’s the point of this? Why do you care? Maybe you don’t…but the point is simple, yet one that I need to remind myself of all the time, and I’m sure it will apply to you as well. Nothing happens overnight and it is not easy (if it were, everybody would be doing it).
I need these reminders as I continue to grow Snoloha. It is so damn easy to get caught up with growth, stress and the long-term goal of where I want this brand to be one day, that these reminders and examples help put things (or keep things) in perspective for me.
And regarding the Zac Brown Band, if you haven’t listened to them yet…you should.
“Take one part sand, and one part sea, one part shade of a banana tree
The drinks they’re cold and the reggae’s hot
And I know this is the place for meSo get away to where the boat leaves from
It takes away all of your big problems
You got worries you can drop them in the blue ocean
But you gotta get away to where the boat leaves from”
Zac Brown Band, “Where the Boat Leaves From”
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