What Can The Little Guy Do?

Here's a great article on the changing music industry, talking about how large record companies are falling e.t.c

Yet the real question on every musicians lips is 'how do I make a living'. When it's little old me (or you) faced with these titanic changes, it can seem liberating, but it can often feel overwhelming. How do you make a start in such a massive market as the internet. Years ago I was at a party talking to a guy who knew Andy Sheppard. Years before that Andy had asked the same question to the guy I was talking to; his answer was the same for both of us: you just start. I've spent a lot of time trying to second guess my actions, asking myself 'is this where I should invest my time and energy'. The problem is I would jump from one idea to the next, not really investing in anything. All it did was leave me frustrated.

I think in truth it doesn't matter too much what you invest your time and energy in, as long as you do invest it, and give it time to grow. The great thing about the net is that it's a level-ish playing field where dedication to something does begin to pay off. The old music industry was about having a massive hit, or nothing; now it's about slowly and steadily carving a niche for your music, service or product.