Derek Sivers: “Make Your Own Success First”

"You have to make your own success first, before you ask the industry for help.

You have to show that you're going to be successful with-or-without their help. Show that you have momentum, and if they want to accelerate it or amplify it they can, but it will cost them to ride your coat-tails."

"If you don't do this, then even in the best-case scenario, where someone at the company really believes in you, you'll have no negotiating leverage, and will get the worst deal possible.

If you're just starting out, don't ask the industry for help yet. Make something happen by yourself first, so you have a success story to tell and momentum to show. "