Episode Summary This episode continues the conversation with Bill McCann, founder of Dancing Dots, exploring the pivotal moments that shaped his success as a blind entrepreneur. Bill recounts the nerve-wracking scramble of submitting a major grant during a snowstorm—an event that ultimately became a turning point for the company. He shares the organic evolution of forming Dancing Dots, from learning business skills out of necessity to building a small but powerful team of collaborators, including his longtime colleague Albert and talented musicians like Matthew Whitaker. Bill explains how humility, resourcefulness, and knowing when to ask for help have been essential parts of entrepreneurship—especially as a blind business owner. Bill also speaks candidly about balancing artistry with practicality: how blind musicians can fit music into their lives, why passion must be paired with a plan for sustainability, and the importance of keeping creativity alive even if music isn’t a primary income source. The episode closes with a full overview of Dancing Dots’ products, training services, and Braille music resources—plus where listeners can go to learn more or get hands-on support. Contact Info Guest / Organization Bill McCann — Founder, Dancing Dots Website: https://www.dancingdots.com Services: Braille music production, accessible notation software, Reaper/Logic/Pro Tools training, 30-minute consultation for audio accessibility, Braille music courses, temporary software trials. Aftersight & Penny Forward Penny Forward Website: https://www.pennyforward.com Phone: 888-332-5558 Services: Accessible financial education, business plan consulting, workshops, online courses, 1:1 financial counseling. Aftersight (distribution partner) Website: https://www.aftersight.org Producer Credits Produced by Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner Audio editing & post-production by Jonathan Price Music composed/performed by Andre Louis Distributed in partnership with Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:00 – Opening & Episode Setup 00:30 – Bill’s biggest early business scare 02:20 – The FedEx snowstorm story 04:15 – Relief, success, and key turning points 05:00 – How Dancing Dots organically formed 06:30 – Learning business skills without business school 07:55 – Finding collaborators & unexpected help 10:30 – Running a micro-business as a blind founder 13:00 – Humility, asking for help, and resourcefulness 15:20 – Creativity vs. structure: the balance of entrepreneurship 17:00 – Advice for blind musicians 19:45 – Fitting music into a sustainable life plan 22:20 – The state of the music industry 23:55 – Keeping creativity alive 24:50 – Dancing Dots services & training 25:40 – How to contact Bill 26:10 – Penny Forward services 27:00 – Closing credits