It’s a rare occasion when one gets to come face to face with a personal hero, idol, influence, etc.  I’ve been fortunate enough in the radio business to do that a couple of times.  But to be able to have a few seconds to speak with such a person and tell them why you admire them is an even rarer occurrence. 

Today I met Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty.  I’ve always enjoyed his band’s music as well as his solo work, but my appreciation for Rob is as a writer and a collaborator.  It’s been about 10 years since he first teamed up with Carlos Santana for “Smooth”.  Since then, he’s written & performed with many other legends like Mick Jagger, Willie Nelson and Bernie Taupin.  I once read that Rob views these partnerships outside the circle of Matchbox as a means to help him grow both as a writer and as an artist.  And he brings something back from those experiences when Matchbox Twenty reconvenes.  Along the way, he’s also created some lasting friendships.  Of Santana, Rob says, “He calls me up at 10 o’clock at night to tell me about he’s had dreams about bad energy that I’m having and he wants to help me out.  And everybody else, it’s just hippy dippy crap, but when Carlos calls you, you write it down.” 

I took his words to heart when I began doing freelance production and voice-over.  With every station I have worked with, I’m always conscious of what I can learn and what I can take away from that experience and apply to what I do for my home stations.  I’ve been able to build relationships with fellow producers, voice-overs and PDs, that have led to other opportunities.  Plus, if I ever caught any flack for doing work outside my company, Rob’s example is one I would cite.  This is something I can do to make me better and thus a better employee for you. 

So to be able to shake his hand and say ‘hello’ was great.  But to let him know that I’m a fan his writing and collaborations more so than as a singer or musician was even more special.   So make the most of your connections.  Get everything you can out of that freelance experience and build on it to make a better you.  Just like me and my buddy Rob.