André Rieu's Last Column for Magazine Eigen Bedrijf

Being ill ... André's Last Column for Eigen Bedrijf

For entrepreneurs, being ill is really not an option. How many times did I stand on stage with a fever, flu or runny nose. They are countless. But this time it was serious. A balance disorder felled me for several weeks with a result that I had to cancel concerts in the Netherlands and even a World Tour. And for the first time in 32 years!

If I had not became ill, I almost would have been through these traits ... A strong work ethic, loyalty to your customers and the inability to delegate your work. These are all reasons why entrepreneurs are very seldom ill. Also finances play an important role. To insure yourself against illness is expensive, especially for a small business, so you go on as long as possible so not to compromise your income. Although we are well insured against the cancellation of concerts, there are equally high costs involved. So only a portion of the damage suffered is recouped, the rest is at your own risk.

In addition we also have a lot of marketing costs involved in order to provide information that concerts have been cancelled and advertise the new data. On some locations a lot of costs have already been incurred. As an example, in the "Arena" they already had covered the grass. If that cover stays on the grass longer then a week, the entire grass field will need to be replaced and that will cost at least a ton (100.000 Euros).

Then there are the suppliers who have already made commitments. Often they are companies and freelancers, with whom we have worked together for a long time and basically are not taken into our financial consideration. "In time it'll all fall into place," they said. I find that heartwarming. Just like the responses I received from the audience, merely wishing me a speedy recovery. That actually aided in my recovery!

During my illness, I also discovered that this period had a positive side. I slept more, took brisk walks and only occasionally visited the studio. I needed this wake-up call to realize that in recent years I have been too busy. My body really hit me hard in the face with the facts. With the result that the agenda will again be stirred up a bit, we will re-define our priorities and policies, and the policy around the question of what we will do, and what we will not do will be amplified. I'm afraid that the people who approach me for the openings of buildings or speaking at meetings, will have to be disappointed more often in the future.

By the time you read this, I hope to be back on the stage. But it is a shame that by my absence, our ultra low absenteeism of less than one percent has been boosted up.

An important lesson has been learned. 'He, who at the right time says "no" to others, says "yes" to himself.' ... I hope that with this being my last column, you take something away from that.

André Rieu

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