Stupid Questions

I love stupid questions. Often, what you and I would consider common knowledge is completely unknown to someone just stepping into our circle. Stupid questions open up a chance to learn, a chance to teach and usually a chance to make a complete ass of yourself.

For example.. Shortly after my initiation into the business of music, I found myself sitting at a table of people whom I knew were well known in the industry. The problem was, I didn't have a clue who anybody was. The gentleman next to me introduced himself as Jim. He asked me what I did and I responded with my usual elevator pitch. "I'm the CEO of Rook Interactive. We make Red Velvet, an e-commerce platform that helps independent labels and artists sell their music online". I asked him what he did and he responded "I'm the President of NARM." My stupid question: "What's NARM?"

For those of you who don't know just how green I'd exposed myself to be in this moment, NARM is a 50 year old trade organization who's members are responsible for selling 85% of the music sold in America.

While I admit I was feeling rather embarrassed and very exposed, I figured I couldn't do much more damage to my ego than I'd already done. So, I took the opportunity to ask as many stupid questions as I could think of. As Jim answered them all with patience and genuine kindness, many of the gaps in my knowledge began to fill in. I turned a slightly less-neon shade of green. I will always be grateful for his willingness to show be a bit of the ropes. Thanks Jim.

While I managed to put my foot in my mouth several times that night in conversations with several different people, all my stupid questions resulted in a reward I couldn't have anticipated. Mr. Donio extended to me an invitation to present Red Velvet at NARM's 50th Anniversary Convention, which I did. My presentation turned out to be one of the most significant moments in my young career. But that's an embarrassing story for another day.