New way of life for me: playing out and new ebay store

Hello

As of January 15 my position selling and education on Roland organs ceased to exist.

The company I was with for years decided to leave the Florida panhandle a year ago.

The company I was with for the last year decided to change their business model to a part time teacher who also does piano. I don't do piano, so on to something new.

At this time, I am going to be out looking for playing engagements in the Pensacola area.

I have a demo CD with a bio, etc, along with a boom box and am about to venture out and hopefully find a steady engagement.

One thing that I have in my favor is that I have a database of a few hundered students and customers in the Panhandle area from my two former jobs in the home organ field.

The students that I have been able to talk to so far definitely want to be notified where I'm playing, so they can come and check it out.

I think this would make my chances of finding a decent gig a lot better, considering the establishment could expect to draw some new customers their way.

I have a basic web site up now, but there is plenty of work to be done with that yet.
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-ScottLangholff

The online demo does not work as of yet. I need to find out how to get that going.

I have also just opened an ebay store where I have just a few things listed at present.
http://stores.ebay.com/Lanco-Music-Products_W0QQsspagenameZl2QQtZkm

Thought I'd share the news with my SZ family.

I'm sure I will have some interesting things to share as I progress on the new path.

Best
Scott Langholff

Scott...
Good luck with your new entreprenuerial ventures. It sounds like you have some good contacts which can help give you a kick start.

I certainly understand the problem of retailing organs. I know several stores that are struggling or changing their business models.

Eddie

Good luck on your new adventure into the world of performing live! Much prosperity with your Ebay store.

Scott: Way to go with your new website & eBay store. Having a large potential audience mailing list is most DEFINTELY a big plus in landing good club date venues. If you can continue to pack the house (with your devoted fans) you'll not only keep the club owner happy, but ensure a long standing gig venue as well. Good luck. - ScottY

Hi Scott,
When I first came to Florida in 1985 there were many men that coud not find acceptable imployment, some decided to open their own businnes. Many of these men have good solid money producing businesses today. That's my wish for you, success while doing it Scott's way.

From what I have learned about you I feel you will have no problem succeeding. You do have a head for business.

God luck, you have my good wishes, and prayers, John C.

PS, The music store closing can be a blessing for you!!!!!

[This message has been edited by bruno123 (edited 01-19-2005).]

Scott,

Good luck in your new and exciting venture. I know you'll do well, and if there's anything I can do to help, just give me a call or email me and I'll be more than happy to do what I can.

Gary

hi scott,
as you know, i use to work the same company
a while back doing the same thing. i left that company (but i always was a fulltime
musician) and focused more on my music business. i'm now very secure in my accounts
and booked several years in advance. this
can very well be the best thing that you could be doing for your self.
i wish for you the best.
dave

Scott...while going out on your own is initially, a little frightening, it can be extremely rewarding.

10 years ago, I had to resign from a job I had held for 30 years with a large electrical manufacturer. The location of my department had changed from Kentucky to Chicago. I had in-laws with Alzheimers and Parkinsons and was the primary caregiver.

Luckily, I had been playing full-time, teaching part-time and had developed a list of communications clients I worked for on a part-time basis.

Now, my son works with me. We have a staff of 4 and do work for companies around the world.

You'll do fine, and controlling your own future helps devlop a sense of satisfaction with each completed project.

The web is a great business tool. We get work from all around the world. I have done many jobs for companies and people I'll never meet.

Best of luck...you'll have a ball!

Russ

Good luck Scott.
Many a successful business has been started on nothing more then the last pay check, faith and determination.
Best to you in your new venture,
Bebop

Scott,

Good luck on your new endevor. Don't forget to check out some of the places in Gulf Shores when they've reopened. Mesquite Charles could use some live music.

Tom

Scott,

Best of luck. Remember, don't let a few down days cloud the overall goal. Keep the chin up and your sticktoitiveness!!!

Regards,
Al

Scott, I was 44 when I sold my music store, with over 400 students and 13 teachers. I wanted to teach priviatly and play full time. I lost the security and gained lots of freedom doing what I loved.

I always made sure I made enough money in my day job so that I could be selective in where and who I played for.

Excitement is here, embrace it, John C.

Thanks for the good wishes and encouragement. It does really mean a lot to me right now coming from this gang.

Best
Scott

Hi Scott,
My very best to you on this new path that life has taken. As others have said,it could very well be a golden opportunity. Please take care as we all feel you'll do great
with your new direction.

Cheers,
Doug

Good Luck from me as well Scott.

I have been down the same route as I used to sell, demonstrate and teach people to play home organs - Well that business has all but disappeared now here in the uk and suddenly there wasn't the commission to be had for a decent living for me.

It is a little scary at first but I'm sure you will be fine - You are doing lots of positive things like your demo and web site - Get out there and sell yourself - it won't take long and you will enjoy the freedom of being your own boss for sure.

KFingers

[This message has been edited by KFingers (edited 01-20-2005).]

Scott,
Good luck in your new venue. Talent rolls on in different directions sometimes and I wish you the best. Just remember not to let out too much pressure in fear of getting the bends.
zuki

Good luck to you, Scott. I always believe a talented guy will never fail his dreams.

I must say to Scott and others, you are an inspiration to us all for following your dreams and refusing to be victims.

Persuing what you love and a life of freedom in the arts is truly an eye opener to me and is really putting the thought in my head to maybe shake up my own comfort zone.

Scott ... wishing you the very best ... I envy you ...
t.

Been there, done that, Scott. If I can do it anybody can. Best wishes,
DonM

Scott...

Best wishes on your new ventures. The career change could turn out to be a blessing for you. I started performing (again) ~ a year ago and it's been nothing but fun, even a rush at times. Hopefully it'll be the same for you. Good luck and keep us posted.

Glenn

Scott....Just would like to echo the words and encouragement of the other members of this very elite fraternity.....enjoy your new found freedom my friend......

Thank you for the encouraging comments. They definitely are some real "uppers" and much appreciated.

I just emailed one of my prime "suspects" and am looking forward to going out, interviewing the contact person for this establishment and other desirable spots.

Thanx again

Scott