“Be a Songwriting Influencer”
By John Terry
Internet “influencers” say “Look at me and do what I do!” True influencers ask “What can I do to help you?” “The Go-Giver” is a business management book, written by Bob Burg & John David Mann, which presents “5 Laws of Stratospheric Success” for business, but many of the principles presented are applicable to songwriting as well as to participation and leadership in an organization. For this article, we will consider one of those 5 Laws, “The Law of Influence”, which states: “Your Influence is Determined by How Abundantly You Place Other People’s Interests First”
In the book, the character, Sam found success as an insurance salesman by “changing my focus from seeing what I could get to what I could give”. He became intentional about putting other people’s interests first and built a network of people who knew, liked, and trusted him. As he put the Law of Influence into practice, he found that not only was he helping others, but his interests were taken care of as well!
Sam describes this kind of network as an “army of personal walking ambassadors”—people who trust you and are personally invested in seeing you succeed. Whether they are co-writers, bandmates, publishers, or fellow members of FWSA, we want teammates to trust one another with that same confidence. Influence grows when people experience us as dependable, generous, and committed to helping others succeed.
So how do we apply the Law of Influence songwriters? We apply it through small, consistent choices that place other people’s interests first. At the company where I work, our CEO recently expressed it in the following steps:
1. Build trust through everyday follow-through. Influence is built through repeated experiences where people
find us dependable, prepared, responsive, and genuinely interested in their success.
2. Help without keeping score. The Law of Influence is not a 50-50 transaction. We practice it when we step in to help a teammate meet a deadline, cover for someone dealing with a family matter, answer a question patiently, or share what we know without expecting immediate credit or payback. That kind of generosity strengthens the culture we all depend on.
3. Put influence before position. Money, title, authority, and accomplishments may create visibility, but they do not automatically create lasting influence. Lasting influence grows when people experience us as someone who helps them succeed. We do not have to wait for a certain role or title to practice this law; every member of FWSA can build influence by serving others well.
4. Look for ways to add value. Adding value means looking beyond the minimum requirement and asking what would truly help the other person. Sometimes that means bringing clarity to a client, helping another office solve a staffing challenge, improving a process, mentoring a fellow songwriter, or offering thoughtful feedback. Each act of added value builds trust. 5. Ask, “What can I give?” Sam’s turning point came when he shifted his focus from what he could “get” to what he could “give.” That same question can guide us as songwriters. We can give time, encouragement, guidance, expertise, patience, accountability, and leadership.
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CURRENT NEWS AND UP-TO-DATE FWSA INFO!
FWSA YouTube Channel Update
FWSA's YouTube Channel continues to grow, as more than 10,800 total views by 1180 subscirbers have been redodrded, totaling more thn 152 hours of viewing. 35 FWSA member videos have been posted, along with 3 compiliation CD's of FWSA member songs!
REMEMBER: Each FWSA member can post up to 5 songs each and 5 music videos if interested in having your music and videos published on the FWSA YouTube channel. Submit your material to youtube@fwsa.com in mp3 format for music only and mp4 format for videos only.
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PERFORMANCE PHOTOS POSTED ON PAGE 11 IN THE OCTOBER NEWSLETTER!
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ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE - THE DO'S AND DON'T
TWO GREAT "AI" ARTICLES IN THE AUGUST NEWSLETTER - PAGES 4 & 5
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FOR SALE BY FWSA MEMBERS:
The FWSA accepts limited advertisements from Members for placement in the monthly newsletter under the heading FWSA MARKETPLACE? Community advertisements are also available (a small charge for non-members). More information please see page 10 NOVEMBER '26 Newsletter.
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For Sale: Peavy Escort Portable 150-Watt, 5 Channel PA with stand, 2 microphones & mic stands - $100
Alesis TransActive portable speaker - $50
Roland Kc-100 4-Channel Mixing Keyboard Amp - $200
Call John Terry for more information - 817-915-3155
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You might also be surprised to know that your comments and recommendations are greatly appreciated and are welcomed as we continue to improve the content of our website. We need your assistance in highlighting punctuation errors, misspelled words, wrong words, etc…..let us know at webmaster@fwsa.com.
What information would be of value to you personally as you develop your own artistic skills with respect to songwriting?
Do you participate in the Open Mic Event? If not, why not? Would you like to participate? How can we improve the Monthly Open Mic experience?
What about the FWSA Monthly Workshop? Do you attend? Are you aware of the great educational programs that are part of this gathering? Recently, the FWSA invited a local attorney who specializes in the music business to speak about the pros and cons of filing for a U.S. copyright of your work product. The Workshops also provides members with an opportunity to have their lyrics evaluated by their peers.
Questions/Comments: Email the webmaster@fwsa.com.
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30 Year Anniversary Video
Fort Worth Songwriters Association
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2026 Community Events Completed:
June 21 - 2026 - “Make Music Day”
SPONSORED BY THE NONPROFIT “MAKE MUSIC DAY” ORGANIZATION
Supported by FWSA members and local Artists
Farr Best Theater - Mansfield Texas
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May 25 - 2026 - Mansfield's Farr Best Theater
(Supported by individual members of the FWSA)
A MEMORIAL DAY (REMEMBERANCE DAY) MUSICAL TRIBUTE
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April 30, 2026 - Mayfest
(Supported by the FWSA)
Trinity Park, Fort Worth 3:30 - 7:30 PM
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March 14, 2026 - Mansfield's Farr Best Theater
A Spring Break Musical Showcase
(Supported by the FWSA)
Celebrated the Start of MISD's Spring Break
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2025 Community Events Completed:
November 11, 2025 - Mansfield's Farr Best Theater
(Supported by the FWSA)
A Veterans Day Musical Showcase
& Celebrated the 71st anniversary of Veterans Day
SEE FWSA CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION!
Recently Supported Community Events:
August 8, 2025 - Magnolia Motor Lounge - FWSA Showcase Event
MEMORIAL DAY: MAY 26 - FARR BEST THEATER (MANSFIELD)
March 08, 2025 - FWSA Showcase Event (Clark Gardens)
March 15, 2025 - FWSA Showcase Event and Talent Show (Mansfield)
March 28, 2025 - FWSA Showcase Event (Clark Gardens)
January 12, 2025 - FWSA Showcase Event - (Fort Worth)
November 08, 2024 - FWSA Song Swap (Fort Worth)
See Page 1 - November Newsletter
November 08, 2024 - FWSA Song Swap (Fort Worth)
See Page 1 - November Newsletter
October 20, 2024 - Jimmy Jack Foundation Concert (Mansfield TX)
See Pages 4 & 5 - November Newsletter
October 26, 2024 - Generations Car Show (Crowley TX)
August 11th, 2024 - FWSA Showcase - Fred's Texas Cafe
June 15th, 2024 - Generations Car Show (Crowley TX)
May 18th, 2024 - “Sing for Sulphur” - a Fund-Raising Event
Valley View TX
May 2nd, 2024 - Fort Worth Mayfest
March 23-24, 2024 - Weatherford Music Festival
Weatherford, TX
March 16, 2024 - FWSA Spring Showcase
Clark Gardens, Mineral Wells, TX
January 13, 2024 - Winter Showcase
Old Texas Brewing Company
Fort Worth, TX
November 11, 2023 - Generation Fall Festival, Crowley, TX
October 28th, Campfire/Hayride at Russell Farms, Burleson, TX
May 2023 - Mayfest, Fort Worth, TX
March 2023 - Mineral Wells, TX
at Clark Gardens
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If you are interested in performing at any of the FWSA supported community events, please email your interest to contact@fwsa.com!
Also, for community event sponsors, if interested in hosting the FWSA at your event, please email your interest to contact@fwsa.com.
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The Monthly Songwriter Workshop is primarily for FWSA Members because a stipend is generally paid to our guest speakers for their travel expenses.
Calendar Tab
about guest speakers, workshop information as well as changes to the location.
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FWSA CONTACT ADDRESSES
FWSA INQUIRIES: GENERAL INFORMATION - CONTACT@FWSA.COM
FWSA NEWSLETTER UPDATES: NEWSLETTER@FWSA.COM
FWSA WEBSITE UPDATES: WEBMASTER@FWSA.COM
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LINKS FOR SONGWRITERS INTERESTED IN READING, LEARNING AND PRACTICING THE ART OF SONGWRITING!