Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Emile Milgrim · Accepted Answer

“Learn about all the music ever, new and old. Don’t be rude or judge others who don’t know it as much as you — after all, it’s not their job. Expand this knowledge and share it, always.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Emile Milgrim · Accepted Answer

“I don’t think it’s specific to this career field but the biggest mistake people can make is not fully listening to others. This can mean your business partner, employees, customers, friends/family. The people around us are our best sources of feedback and ideas so it’s important to listen to what they have to say. We might not always agree but oftentimes their thoughts and suggestions can be invaluable.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Emile Milgrim · Accepted Answer

“I think that overall, people make assumptions and don’t ask questions about what I do at work. I really wish they would ask! We have a running joke that the perception is that we just sit around listening to Wu-Tang all day long and the store runs itself. As you can see from the answers to the preceding questions, that’s hardly the case.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Emile Milgrim · Accepted Answer

“Seems like a cop-out answer but I think your questions were very thorough. I suppose it’s not exactly relevant to the structure and function of the job, but many people have asked about well-known musicians coming into the shop. It happens once in a while, and it’s cool to be able to say I’ve sold records to people like Iggy Pop, Fred Schneider, Chris Brokaw, and Jello Biafra. I’m still waiting for the day Kate Bush wanders in but I won’t hold my breath.”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Emile Milgrim · Accepted Answer

“Persistence.”

Question 6

Extra Credit: The Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Emile Milgrim · Accepted Answer

“The Kinks.”

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