Category Archives: music for business

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Ken had a very nagging feeling that just wouldn’t leave him alone. Right after he had his coffee each morning he’d start to stress about his ideas. As he was having his bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit something would scurry across his mind and sort of punch him in the ear. Then, as he finished his shower and headed out the door to work, it hit him the hardest. So, as he started his car and pulled out of the drive, he flipped on the radio and played some of his favorite motivational music. But did it help?

Or was it all something in Ken’s mind?

Can motivational music truly motivate you?

Does it actually have that power? My definitive answer is Yes.

And no. Motivational music can definitely get you pumped up. And in the mood to go conquer the world. Or at least your little part of it. But I believe it only works if and when you’re willing.

Yep, it’s a matter of your will. You want to do something. But will you? You want to learn more. But will you? You want to make better decisions. But will you?

But let’s get back to Ken. Because he had some great ideas about marketing a new product and online business, but he couldn’t get past the idea point. Maybe you know what I’m talking about. That point where you can’t seem to get something out of your head, but you don’t know where to go from here. Then days pass. Then weeks. And then maybe even a few months, and you realize you can’t get out of that fog that holds you back. Sound familiar?

Unfortunately; that’s where so many people stop.

And their ideas stop with them. And their dreams, wants, and desires. Let’s not let that happen to you. Not when there are great ways to be sure you won’t fall into the same trap of letting your dreams fade away. That’s why I’m writing this. To help you get motivated. Here are the best reasons to stay motivated…

  • Your family,
  • Your business,
  • And definitely your life.

Keep a mental image of those in your mind and keep the motivational fire burning brighter. And if you need some motivational music, Beethoven is always a good choice. But if you want something not quite so highbrow, I suggest this…

Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotionaldelivered to your inbox for free.

I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

Daily Devotional

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

For several years I wrote a lot of short tunes that became jingles in advertising. And I wrote for all sorts of companies. If you lived in Colorado for any time during the past 20 years, and if you listened to radio, chances are you heard me at least once.

Most jingles in advertising tend to have a short life.

But not all of them.

In fact, one of those jingles I produced was for an auto repair shop in Lakewood, Colorado. And they used the catchy little tune for over 20 years.

I remember calling the shop to talk to someone about an issue I had with my Jeep. The receptionist put me on hold while she paged a service manager. And instantly I heard my own voice singing the jingle I wrote for them 10 years before that.

Then, over 10 more years passed. And by that time their repair shop had been handed down from one generation to the next generation of the same family. Their family history, in the auto repair and supply business, spanned over a hundred years. And that’s certainly not the norm these days.

But with a new generation you expect change. Right? Of course. Because each generation has to deal with a whole new generation of cars, too. So, it’s only natural the younger generation would probably see things a little differently from the previous generations. But even the new generation used the jingle I wrote for them in their on-hold music.

Wow, that’s a lot of generational talk.

Recently I discovered the owners finally sold their business to a large tire brand. So, I’m pretty sure you won’t hear me, anymore, if you call and get put on hold. But it was a great run. And you can still hear the catchy tune in one of the videos on their old Pickering’s Automotive YouTube channel.

It was an honor to be a part of their quality business for so long. Because Randy Pickering, the owner I worked with, was one of those guys who understood the value of jingles in advertising.

And that’s part of the reason why I wrote:

For great service and repair,
You need someone to care.
Look no more. Pick Pickering.

Let’s get to know each other better and stay connected. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful dashes of salt and flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

The Bible says a “laborer is worthy of his wages.” But what about when the worker is doing work you believe is easy? You know, the kind of work you think isn’t done by the sweat of the brow? In other words, does that worthy laborer principle apply to musicians? Here’s something I watched Sting say about it a few years ago.

Of course, I’m a little biased. Because I was a professional musician for over 25 years. But, in this digital download age, most musicians are working for nothing. At least a lot of the time they are. And, in fact, they’re even paying to play. And giving away tons of creative work just to be heard.

Do you believe this is right?

Do you think it’s because they’re perceived as not working by the sweat of the brow?

If that’s the case, then why did guys like Einstein and Edison get paid? They were thinkers. Inventors. And they hired other guys to do the heavy lifting.

For that matter, why do any politicians get paid. The only sweat of the brow they ever put off is when they’re caught with their hands in the “cookie jar.”

I’m sure you can think of others who don’t sweat much who still get paid. Right?

So, it comes down to this.

If you’re willing to hire a worker to do something you can’t or don’t want to do, then you should be willing to pay that worker. And work isn’t confined to trades or corporate jobs or cooking and cleaning services. Work takes many forms. And those forms include creative work.

I certainly wish everyone held music work in higher regard than they do. But unfortunately it has become one of those things so many believe should be made available for free.

But that doesn’t take into consideration the endless hours of practice, rehearsal, and self-denial. And those are all necessary to hone your musical craft. Plus, free also trivializes the need for music. And that leads to, well…exactly the lower quality of songs you hear on the radio these days.

But that’s what Free does. Basically. Every. Time.

I’ll never forget how many times I was told, back in my regular touring days, that I wasn’t really working. And that I didn’t have a “real job”. Sometimes I was even told I wasn’t actually singing and playing. I took that as a compliment because it took me years of practice and hard work to make it look that easy.

But maybe I’m singing the blues to no one.

Maybe you don’t have any sympathy for the musicians who don’t know what real work is. I hope you don’t think that. If so, tell me why.

Just don’t have any music playing in the background while you write.

Stay tuned,

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Jump On the The TRUTH. (emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

For several years I wrote jingles for ads. And I wrote for all sorts of companies. If you lived in Colorado for any time during the past 20 years, and if you listened to radio, chances are you heard me at least once.

Most of those jingles for ads faded away with time.

But not all of them.

In fact, almost 11 years ago I shared the story of how I discovered one of those jingles still being used by an auto repair shop in Lakewood, Colorado. I talked about how I needed to call someone about a problem I was having with my Jeep. And I found that same repair shop still using the jingle I wrote for them over 10 years before that.

Well, today, over 10 more years have passed. And that repair shop has been handed down from one generation to the next generation of the same family. Their family history, in the auto repair and supply business, goes back over a hundred years. Wow, that’s not the norm these days.

But with a new generation you expect change. Right? Of course. Because this generation has to deal with a whole new generation of cars, too. So, it’s only natural the younger generation would probably see things a little differently from the previous generations.

Hmm…I’m sure using the word “generation” a lot.

Anyway…

Through a series of search engine tweaks I had to do for business, today, I found that same auto repair shop’s website. And you might not believe it, but they still use my jingle.

Well, actually it’s their jingle. I just wrote and sang it. You can hear the music in one of the videos on the Pickering’s Automotive website.

I’m honored to be a part of their quality business. So, if you happen to find your car in need of repair, and you happen to live in Lakewood or Arvada, Colorado, check with Pickering’s Auto Service. And tell them Tony, their jingle guy, sent you.

For great service and repair,
You need someone to care.
Look no more. Pick Pickering.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Advertising music puts you in showbiz

Got this in an email from a guy I work with who was helping one of his clients post Facebook ads.

“___ has decided to abandon the Facebook ad campaign. She had over 1100 views of the ad with ZERO responses.”

I saw and heard her ad, and it was actually a very good one. She’s in a highly competitive niche, health and wellness, and there’s a lot of free stuff available online. So, it’s possible that might have had something to do with it. It’s also possible that some branded advertising music might have helped. I’ll tell you why I think so”

Are you seeing videos, or watching webinars, or listening to podcasts talking about how you gotta be able to “know yourself” and let everybody know what makes you different? Yeah, in a world of billions of people, you gotta be unique. Like no one else. The motivation experts will tell you how to

  • “transform your life”or
  • “win the day”or
  • “achieve all your goals”or
  • “succeed at life”or
  • “make things happen”

Advertising music won’t necessarily do all that.

But what advertising music WILL do is put YOU in the spotlight. When everybody is blasting out messages with generic music and beats in the background, you can be branding with audio. Your own personalized music will make you look and sound like a star”who is remembered. At least when it’s done right. In case you don’t know how to do it right”

If you’d like me to work on your project, call or email me about it, and let’s see if we’re a good match. Use the form on the side. Even if we don’t end up working together, you’ll still get some great free stuff to get you going on your own.

And share with other business owners, entrepreneurs, and smart people you’d like to help. Don’t be surprised when it helps your business grow even more. Serving others this way can do amazing things. Tell them you know a guy with”

Original Words, Music, Video, and Voice
to help you be seen AND heard,

Let’s get to know each other better and stay connected. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful dashes of salt and flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Take the Personalized Approach

People have emailed me this question in various forms lately.

Why does audio need to be personalized?

Never fear. Your One-Man-Branding-Band is here with some info that should help. I’m not your typical (in more ways than one) copywriter or ad writer. A lot of my background is in the music business, audio commercials, and media production. And I use what I call the personalized approach to writing and producing for my clients. Here’s what I mean”

The internet is an ocean of possibility when you use the “personalized approach.”

For example; you might already know”

  • Most consumers start their searches online with keywords
  • Digital media can target specific consumers in regional markets
  • Online media’s effectiveness can be measured more precisely than print or broadcast

In those bullet points notice the words, “keywords, specific, and measured. They all relate to personalizing results. When you’re looking for tires, you don’t want information about how quickly an athlete “tires. And you certainly don’t wanna see results from across the country or around the world. Right?

You might also be aware of the huge effect social marketing is having on the way online business and brand awareness is presented. That’s why I create and produce easy-to-see-hear-read-and-watch content for online ears and eyeballs. And, using the personalized approach, with audio and video, the information goes through. both the “eye gate”and the “ear gate.” When that happens, it’s way more likely to stay there.

Research backs me up on this.

Don’t wait till your competitors are jumping out in front of you with their own catchy audio branding. Get to work on a winning sound with the personalized approach to keep ’em humming your tune and remembering your brand. If you’re ready and able to get started”

Let’s get to know each other better and stay connected. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful dashes of salt and flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Memories of the Windy Saddle

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I remember, almost eight years ago, Elgielene and I had lunch in a little downtown spot in Golden, Colorado. It was called the Windy Saddle Cafe. Small town atmosphere, fresh made food, and good coffee. As we waited for our food, that first time, we checked out the place. It even had a place in the back where small kids (little buckaroos) could play with toys. We enjoyed our lunch, and sometime later I wrote a song for the place.

And I even played music for the Windy Saddle Cafe night crowd.

Yeah, the owner liked the song, when I sent her a link to listen to it. And she invited me to play on a Saturday night. They had a large group of mostly families with kids. And we invited some of our friends. So, it ended up being a nice, little concert. Of course, I played the windy saddle song. Three times as I recall. Because it was requested. Not because I’m vain.  🙂

The reason I bring it up, eight years later, is, coincidentally the restaurant popped up in search results when I was looking up something only slightly related. Naturally I had to click the link. And when I saw the website, it made me think of those moments.

Nice thoughts. And here are the lyrics to the song. Plus, tune in to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast and you can hear it.

Windy Saddle

As the breezes blow ‘cross the canyon trail
And the half moon smiles just a half a smile,
I can see a place where I’ll make my camp
And it’s up ahead just a half a mile.

Well, my horse is tired, but then so am I
And a million leaves start to serenade.
But I can’t bed down till the work’s all done
And the beans are cooked and the coffee’s made.

I can see a dip in the mountainside
Where the wind shakes the pines like a rattle,
But no matter where I roam or ride
I dream best in the cool windy saddle.

Now, the night falls low on the paintbrush blooms,
And the campfire light fades to ember glow…
It’s times like this that caress my soul,
And I know that I’ll always remember so.

(chorus)
But no matter where I roam or ride
I’ll come back to the cool, windy saddle.

© Tony Funderburk 6.11.12

You should jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of ne’er-do-wells who understand that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk shares his Windy Saddle song