42: Making It As A Rapper, with Mike Burton a.k.a. Keybeaux

I thought today’s episode was going to be about making it as a songwriter and rapper. It is. But… Mike Burton does talk about what has made the difference for him, why he is successful, and his tips for anyone wanting to make a living as a rapper. But the life lessons sprinkled throughout our conversation, and the tips and advice Mike shares can be applied to any industry you’re involved in. Since starting to offer his services on Fiverr he has made half a million dollars through the platform, he currently earns over $80,000 a year, and the demand for his services continues to grow. His drive to continually improve and his work ethic, are inspiring and contagious! If you could benefit from doubling down on your persistence, be sure to check out the end of episode takeaway!      What You’ll Hear:   02:20 Mike’s had over 20 jobs, but always doing music 04:20 You can’t be an artist on Fiverr! Or can you? 05:50 Inspired by Prince to write a song a day 06:27 That first Monday after not having “a job” 08:30 First client request: Make a song about how it’s okay to listen to Eminem 09:46 Moving from your comfort to your panic zone - that’s called growth 12:05 Bought his first home and paid for his wedding from Fiverr earnings 13:00 Why Mike is successful on the platform…it’s more than talent 13:35 Treat your side hustle as you would a full time job 14:47 Committed to trying everything to make sure he can keep doing this 15:50 Find out who you are and go at it 100% 16:02 Feeling the love from Norway 18:15 How Mike prices his gigs 19:12 “Every order is helping me live my life.” 19:50 Mike’s songwriting process 22:25 Dealing with writer’s block 23:15 Lessons from Quincy Jones 24:42 What it takes to make it as a rap artist 26:28 Origins of “Keybeaux” 27:29 Lyrics in Too Much - “…until I turn the vision to the physical” 29:21 What do you love to do so much that you’d do it for free or even pay to do it? 30:23 Lyrics in On Point - “...the limit is the sky, open my third eye.” 33:28 Branching out into teaching others how to rap 34:50 Be yourself! 36:10 Get experience and content from offering your course at a local community college 37:14 The hardest part is believing you can do it, and ignoring the naysayers 38:54 Mike’s best advice for taking action   Takeaway 39:55 Mike, Gina Scarpa, and Milt Campbell examples of persistence   How to Connect with Mike: On Fiverr Instagram Youtube     Connect with Joan: https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/ https://www.facebook.com/posivy/ https://www.joanposivy.com/ Be on the show! https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html