The other day, I made a slightly expensive purchase. For the princely sum of $202.74 (including a supposed “convenience” charge), I now have a seat to see Elton John and Billy Joel at Gillette Stadium on July 18th. For those keeping score at home, July 18th is a mere twelve days before my birthday. But I digress…
In daze of old, when I worked in radio, concert tickets were pretty easy things to come by. Each radio station got their allotment from [insert record label/promoter/venue here], and while most of ’em went to lucky listeners, there were the occasional few that the overworked/underpaid staff got to take advantage of.
Nowadays, and in my guise as founder of the Boston Rock Academy, I’ve tapped many of those radio types to serve on our Board of Advisers and Board of Directors. In addition, I’ve been doing some work with a notable local musician, and having been “around,” I know a buncha people. Many of these fine folks probably could’ve saved me the (heartstopping) $202.74 and “found” tickets for me. It probably wouldn’t have been a big deal. Or would it?
Herein lies the dilemma. When you’ve got all kinds of people willing to do favors for you, how do you know when to ask for their assistance? And what if you ask for something now at the risk of not being able to ask for something bigger later? For example, today they get me the EJ/BJ tickets. But next month, what if I need them to speak on a panel? Did I blow my chance ‘cuz of the concert tickets? And if they say “sure, no problem … ” do they really mean “ugh, he’s always asking for stuff, but I can’t say no; man this is getting to be a bit much….”
I don’t want to alienate anyone, but I also don’t want to under-utilize them either.
What’s a fella to do?
