We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lee Kanten a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

I’m a performer, so without an audience I’m powerless. I rely on people who like my music, or just like me, to show up, so it’s imperative for me to invite them. But I try to do that without trading in on our relationship. I don’t plead, beg, guilt, or otherwise cajole. I present it as notification of a fun time you might want on your calendar. And I make sure to show up at local galleries, showings, or performances. What goes around, comes around.

Lee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a performer first, singer second, and guitarist third. I draw from popular music from 60 years of playing experience. My sweet spot is late 60’s, early 70’s rock. I use music to illuminate the best in people and spread joy. Senior Centers from Minneapolis to Western Minnesota love my extemporaneous and warm style.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I client suddenly awarded me a job five times larger than I had every produced. I needed a producer to pair with my director skills. I fretted and whined to my wife about my “dilemma” for weeks until we both recognized that her background as a theatre Stage Manager might be exactly what we needed. Yes, she had to learn the jargon and unique processes, but she had the temperament and skill set necessary. She quit her job, and together we formed a wildly successful 20 year business. I learned to look more deeply at people and their backgrounds.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

The client sold equipment to interventional cardiologists. Very expensive life-saving equipment. Something in the research I was doing as I outlined a pitch for the project made me think of a song lyric and before the afternoon was gone I had written the Percutaneous, myocardial Blues. Would I have the courage to sing it live in front of my hoped for client? Yep. Got the job, too.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Music Lee
• Youtube: Lee Kanten