'Ullo one and all.

I'm trying to figure out my way from broke to paying the bills, just like everyone else.

Specifically, I'm a college degreed and accomplished (in musical ability) musician in Fresno, multi-instrumentalist. I've been in one original music group for three years, produced two albums there, joining a second original music group at current, and volunteer with a local community/service band. (I know, blow my own horn much. Context is key though.)

I've got my eye and hunger fixated on being self-sufficient (someday) through some undefined combination of session work, gigging, merchandising, and teaching. I've already made several failed attempts at all four. Miserably failed may I add. I find my greatest personal weakness is in promotion. Seriously can't even entice my closest friends to give more than half a * about what I do, let alone share it. Or help me monetize it.

So at this point I'm not going to ask what the secrets are.

I'm asking what questions should I be asking? Because I really don't know what questions to zero in on to learn from. That's what I'm hoping to find out.

Thanks all for your time. Hoping you lay some mind-openers on mind, even if they're brutal. Actually, especially if they're brutal.