I hung out on Zoom last night. Not a meeting, nothing work related, just some of my best pals chit chatting away.
Hanging out on Zoom for fun isn’t amazing, but it’s certainly better than nothing. Actually it’s a lot better than nothing. And right now better than nothing is great, it’s what we have.
In this case having the attitude of ‘its better than nothing’ works to our advantage because it delivers something beneficial while not at all inhibiting a better alternative.
On the other hand…
You’re an artist and you need a new booking agent. You take a meeting with one. It doesn’t seem like a great fit but the agent is willing to bring you on.
So you sign on because having an agent is better than not having one.
In this case ‘better than nothing’ inhibits a better solution. If you already have an agent (even one you don’t think is great) you’re less likely to search for a better one. And if you’re off the market, other agents are unlikely to hit you up.
Having nothing can be better than something. Nothing can create the necessary urgency and vision to find the right solution. Nothing creates a void, a felt need, a known need that is much more likely to get your best attention.
Sometimes the temporary answer is better than nothing.
Sometimes the temporary answer keeps you from better.
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Drop me an email: gabe@gabethebassplayer.com