Work Hard Then Play Hard.

Living in Houston, there were a lot of stories about Willie before I met him. My mentor, the man who brought Cable TV to Houston with Bing Crosby, had a recording studio in the 50’s. During our long lunches, he would recollect stories of young Willie walking in on their shenanigans at the studio. The group would be having fun and playing around, but Willie would start diligently recording. He took his craft very seriously and made sure it was perfect. As soon as he was done he’d meet the group outside for fun while watching friends land their 2-seater plane down the main drag.

He’s been quoted as saying “I just enjoy both working and not working”. It’s important to draw a line. When you work, work hard and make it count. It’s equally important, however, to take advantage of life at the end of your day. Time you have “off” is what your life is made of, make sure that it is memorable.

Working with Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson takes you up another level. - Benmont Tench

Caring FIRST makes a Difference.

As a kid growing up in Texas, he was often in the fields picking cotton or on the farm. Never truly leaving his roots, Willie has always cared about the farmers and the work it takes to keep their business going - especially in today's world. When he teamed up to start Farm Aid, it was because of his compassion and respect. Years later, when the IRS put liens on his property he lost virtually everything he had, including his Texas ranch. The property was returned to him, thanks to a group of farmers who promptly gave it back to him as a gesture of gratitude for his ongoing Farm Aid support. Willie still has Farm Aid going strong and remains on the board and concert list year after year.

With clients, employees, friends, and family - find time to care and make a difference in their business and/or lives. Willie once said “Cruelty is all out of ignorance. If you knew what was in store for you, you wouldn't hurt anybody, because whatever you do comes back much more forceful than you send it out.” The opposite is also true. You never know when it will be you who will need the kindness.

Willie Nelson, out there 200 days a year, calls his band family. And it is. - Brad Paisley

Be Accessible

Watching him in Maui, he was kind and accessible to fans of all ages. It was hard to have a conversation due to the general buzz that begins when he enters a room. With an unwavering smile and generous amount of patience, he greeted anyone who came up to say hello.

Two guys in their late teens walked over while I was sitting with him, they asked if they could take a selfie. He smiled and nodded. “Do you mind?” he asked while motioning the kid to hand me his camera phone. After several clicks, I handed back the phone full of fan pics. As they thanked him profusely he said, “Thanks, that’s why I’m here”.

When you make yourself available, regardless of how busy you are or your preferred agenda, it creates a bond and story that outlives the experience and turns into free public relations. This incident happens every day in his life, and with all of his exposure - I have yet to find a bad write- up about fan’s interactions with him.

Keeping yourself accessible creates more opportunities that you would normally get while paying for them through marketing and public relations.

…After a show, He’ll (Willie) stay there for hours, signing autographs and meeting people. - Kris Kristofferson

Think Positive

Willie’s life motto is “Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results.” I’ve quickly adopted it as my own. To move forward in any aspect, regardless of past disappointments and failures, you have to envision a better future. In his roughest patches he has said, “As long as I got my guitar, I’ll be fine.” It’s that bright outlook on the future that pushes him to this day.

When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. - Willie Nelson

Being a former TV host and current CEO I am fully aware that running a company and/or being in the public spotlight is not an easy fete, but when you love to perfect your craft, take time off to unwind, care about others, stay accessible, and think about your future with pure positivity, it’s hard to lose.

Willie Nelson’s craft and life is an inspiration, to say the least. As a fellow environmentalist and Texan I appreciate his journey and all that he’s taught me by his example and persistence. Regardless of background or profession, I think G-Eazy says it best for all of us….I just wanna be Willie Nelson.

