What NOT To Do As An Opportunist…

Lately, I’ve been jotting down a few one word ideas for various topics to cover on this website. While exploring how-to’s and feedback generating topics, I began to reminisce on the journey I’ve been on thus far and the people I’ve come in contact with through STACKS Magazine. The journey itself has been an uphill and downhill battle. Some of the difficulties I’ve experienced are due to day-to-day operational issues. But, I’m coming to realize that other headaches are from people, in general.

Of the many types of individuals I’ve met while in entertainment media, the “opportunist” is the one that seems to get me the most riled up.  If you aren’t familiar with the term or its meaning, an opportunist is an individual who selfishly takes advantage of certain circumstances and/or people. As defined on Wikipedia (but paraphrased), an opportunist disregards any principles or consequences. They move swiftly with established motives and the intent to grab hold of a certain opportunity.  The act of practicing opportunism relies heavily on consciousness.  People who are opportunist are aware of what it is they want. They will, most times, do whatever it takes to get it. Meaning, they will lie, manipulate, steal, cheat, degrade, and conduct other heinous acts in order to secure the opportunity.

But, should an opportunist be crucified for their actions?  This is a question, even I, still have a hard time answering.

In order to make it to a certain level in this world, there are steps you MUST take in order to get in the game. Careers in entertainment, for instance, people are known to end lifelong relationships just to become apart of the “in-crowd”. The bright lights of the paparazzi, exclusivity of the “in-crowd”, and the assumption that with notoriety comes wealth is enough to seduce anyone into this life.  It is these things and others that attract opportunist. And no,they aren’t wrong for wanting the glamorous life. However, it is the steps that they take to become successful are what rubs me the wrong way. So, let’s break this down a bit…

BAD OPPORTUNIST (scenario)

Larry has spent the last 20 years as a producer and engineer in the music industry. He has finally realized his dream of opening his own state-of-the-art studio.  The studio has been opened now for about a year and through his connections with various record labels, he’s been able to secure a steady clientele.  Some of the biggest artists spend days and nights recording songs there. With a fully booked studio, Larry has hired some additional interns to manage the day-to-day.

Recently, Larry hires a kid name Mike. Mike is a recent graduate of the local audio engineering college and is excited to have the opportunity to work at a reputable studio.  On Mike’s off days, he’s been perfecting his craft as a producer/beat-maker. He has a few local rappers that he works with and have produced several songs for.  He’s eager to make that “real” producer money he knows can be made. So, he sees working in Larry’s studio as a potential cash cow once he get in and begin establishing relationships with more well-known artists. 

On Mike’s 3rd month on the job, he now knows every rapper that comes through the building. Instead of making sure the studio is clean and/or artists have the tools they need, Mike is enjoying spending downtime in the studio. While he’s accumulating hours in various sessions, Mike has been keeping a close eye on the recording process (i.e. laying vocals, mixing, creating melodies). This is the “big time” and he knows how valuable it is to see how the professionals get the job done. So, he’s soaking up all the inside information and techniques he can from the big name artists, producers, and engineers.  He is so eager to become “the man” that he has forgotten what he’s there to do as an intern. Also, during this time, Mike has been passing out his business cards and beat CDs to clients in hopes that one of them will reach out to him for a track.

Eventually, Larry gets word from clients and other interns of what’s going on. Mike is fired soon after.   

Whether Mike received any big requests from rappers once he was gone, who knows. That is neither here nor there.  The way Mike handled his internship was all wrong. Instead of being eager to get to know people and learn techniques, Mike should have continued to do his job while minding his own business. Larry was once an intern. So, he knows the importance of being in that environment. But, most importantly, Larry understands that you have to put in work, rough it out, and do what you’re asked so that you’re reputation of professionalism can carry you. Unfortunately, Mike is now labeled as an opportunist.  What Mike didn’t realize is that the music industry is small. Everyone knows everyone. Since the word has spread of how unprofessional Mike’s actions were, it may be a long time before he see any real work as a producer…if ever.

As an opportunist, a person has to be aware of the consequences. Mike was so eager to get in the studio and rub elbows, that he forgot what impact his actions would have on his reputation. Also, he didn’t think about what impact this would have on his ability to earn money as a producer. Oftentimes, income is earned because of great relationships you’ve built with others.  The key to being a “good” opportunist is making sure the steps you take aren’t done with malicious intent. Remember the saying “cheaters never win.”  Well, in my opinion, they don’t.  Life has a way of ruining situations right when you are in the height of your career or on your way.  Some people have memories like Russell Crowe in “A Beautiful Mind”. They don’t forget anything and they remember every life occurrence. Therefore, any opportunist that took advantage of them back in the day, oh they will remember. Larry will remember Mike.  Mike could one day reach a pivotal spot in his career where he’s working with one of music’s biggest stars. Larry has so many connections in the business that he could stop Mike’s record from being released or tell the artist that the young man isn’t a cool cat to work with.  This may block Mike’s money. But, it is what it is. The music business, as a whole, is shady.

If you are an opportunist, take a second and think about how you plan to reach your goal. Instead of thinking of the present day, focus on how your actions could impact your life 5, 10, or 15 years from now. One bad move could be the worst move to make. Try being an overall good person so that you wouldn’t have to lie, steal, cheat, or manipulate your way to success.  Be good…and good things will eventually happen for you.