DIY Tools – Why You Need to Know About Them

Whether you’re a touring musician or an established Marketing maven at a Record Label, traditional marketing has gone done the tubes.

First off, traditional advertising is both cost-prohibitive (think Billboard ads on Wilshire Blvc., L.A.), and most are overlooked because the passerby’s are too busy flipping through their iPhones and Blackberrys to even notice.

So what can you do to promote your brand in today’s markets that give you the best bang for your buck?

DIY Tools stand for Do-It-Yourself. Free / Low-cost tools are great tools that keep you connected in real-time to your end-consumers / customers. Plus, most DIY tools can be accessed, updated, and promoted anywhere in the world.

For your next album or marketing campaign, think grass-roots and don’t do the traditional marketing just yet – do it yourself!

What’s Lacking In Music Business Schools

Even in today’s uber-competitive Music Business Schools  there is an underlying deficiency that prevents millions of aspiring (and very talented!) music business students from reaching the right industry professionals, companies and resources.

In today’s saturated collegiate market – students struggle to open doors and get ahead of the pack – often the wrong way by “shopping” resumes and templated cover letters across organizational HR departments nationwide – only to be disappointed at the results. Many Music Schools preach the larger Firms to be great potentials for newbies – but as many of the larger Record Labels collapse and other firms get consolidated – students find themselves not knowing where to turn next….

How then, can music business students stray from the pack of wolves and find opportunity, employment and a career path?

They should do the following:
1) Pick a niche in the industry that is un-saturated, find a contact person at the firm, and get a referral to setup a meeting.

2) Acquire a tangible skill (think Excel Spreadsheets, PowerPoint, QuickBooks Software, etc.) that can be the tipping point that gets you the job.

3) Read as much about the industry as possible. Knowledge is power, and smart firms recruit smart people. Even Musicians should know the relative trends happening across the local, national and global industry sectors.

- Best of Luck,

Reagan
Founder
WorldMusicLink.com
Connecting the Music Industry

You’ve Got Talent – But Why Don’t They Hear You?

Today’s the day to get excited about your Music Career!

Why? Because I’m teaching you How to Get Your Music Above the Noise.

All too often, music acts think that its only a matter of time until they’re next in line for the BIG BREAK. Well….how many struggling 50 year old musicians do you see getting signed to a 5 year record deal? I’d bet very few.

The key to getting above the noise made by other bands is to do the following:

1) BUILD BUZZ

2) REACH THE PROS

HOW TO GET #1: Building buzz means effectively capitalizing on a specific market – that could be your town, your city, region or state. It could also be more specific than that – being the most well-known Blues Act in your Town is better than being the best musician in town. Why? Because notariety (aka: Popularity) sells records, fills concerts, and gets you noticed by the Pros. Musicianship, is a great foundation – but you better have BUZZ to cut through the NOISE.

HOW TO GET #2: So, now you’ve got the BUZZ — how do you reach the Pros? Join www.WorldMusicLink.com, fill out a profile, and reach out to the PROs with a professional introduction. Once you get the ball rolling, you will get what you want. Think about the professional receiving your email while they are talking on the phone, looking at their BlackBerry, after a long day at the office. Sell the Sizzle, Not the Steak. Open with a Catchy Subject like: “Joe and the Boys Blaze Through Dallas – 3 Sold Out Shows.” Now, isn’t that a lot better than, “Yo Dude, I Wanna Get Signed To Your Label”. In the Message, keep it simple and to the point – Be Direct and Succeed!

Reagan

Founder

WorldMusicLink.com

Connecting the Music Industry

Be Heard By The Music Industry

What exactly are Music Industry Professionals looking for in the next music act they financially back, book & sign?

1. Fan Following (Established Market Size)
2. Marketability  (Music / Brand / Look / Relevant Appeal)
3. Professionalism

Are you surprised? Most musicians and bands I talk to think its all about the Music. Well, unfortunately that’s not the only thing that’s critical in the decision-making process between Industry Professionals (Agents, Managers, Record Labels, Venues, etc.) and Music Talent.

So, how do you increase your odds of success at getting and keeping the attention of the other side of the music business?

Focus on building your local and regional fan base. Pick a market, stick to it, and become the most well-known (and demanded) act in that region.

Ask ten people at your show and ten people (who have never seen you before) if your act’s overall look / theme is relevant, “cool” and in-demand for today’s market. If you’re the “nth” rock band in your town, forget about it. Try mixing things up and picking a unique look that stands out, but still let’s your music resonate across the area code.

Professionalism means handling all marketing, communication, business deals, and fan interaction with a professional, business mindset. Treat your music like its a business, and you’ll end up winning everytime.

Reagan

Founder

WorldMusicLink.com

Connecting the Music Industry

Why Most Musicians / Bands Fail On Stage

A live concert or performance is the ultimate culminating portrayal of a musician or band’s hard work, dedication, and investment to date. Why is it that so many acts fail to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities that materialize during a set?

Live performances are estimated to reach nearly $21 billion world-wide this year (includes concert tickets sales, tour merchandise, music event sponsorships and other forms of concert-related revenues – http://www.emarketer.com/).

For most emerging acts, the average gig-price ranges from free (used for simply gaining more exposure of their music / brand) to $2,000+  for larger music festivals. However, in the hasty preparation of riders, equipment, band members, lighting, etc. — many musicians / bands fail to prepare the business items that coincide with their show. This includes items that encourage additional revenue (that’s money in your pocket) and future revenue. Next time you get booked to play a show, try the following:

• E-mail all of your friends, family members, fans (let’s hope you actually keep a spreadsheet or email list of these) – letting them know about the show. BE SURE TO INCLUDE: Physical Venue Location, Ticket Price(s), Times, Other Acts (Headliners, Openers, etc.), Age Limits (18+, 21+ ID Required), “Sounds Like” meaning the music will sound like Ex: Beatles meets Radiohead) and add your Group’s Logo – this is important for additional branding. PEOPLE FOLLOW BRANDS. You’re brand can be simple, but needs to convey your name and a message (could even be your website) . Example:  The Leftovers (add a picture of a plate) www.theleftovers.net. Microsoft Publisher works well for this. Make a graphic, save it as a (.TIF or .GIF) and insert it into an email. ENCOURAGE the Recipients to Forward it On & Spread the Word.
• Give a friend $20 (in advance so they feel good about going) to come to your show and setup a little business table. At the table you should have the following: Large Poster that CLEARLY displays the Act”s Name (I like Glow in the Dark Paint because most venues are dimly lit and shows occur at night). Also include: an Information Sheet (1 page sheet that describes your act, music, theme, location, vision, up-coming show dates/locations, and includes links to where they can hear music, buy merchandise / music / tickets, and where they can follow you (ex: Twitter.com, MySpace.com, Facebook.com, etc.).
• Setup the table away from the stage / speakers (near the door is best). Customers will have questions, and they need to hear the answers over the sound and be comfortable to exchange money in a place where the entire audience isn’t staring at them / or where the moshpit is. Go to the bank before (or ask the venue) to exchange $50 to get you started. Keep a secure box (simple lock box is best) or briefcase for all transactional funds. Be sure to give each customer the one-sheet along with their items purchased.
• Have your friend ask all visitors / customers to the table to drop their business card in a hat / bowl or add their name & email to the list for a chance to win 2 free tickets to an up-coming show or a CD / T-Shirt (you decide what you can afford to give away  … keep it under $15).  Start the list with three names & emails of your fans – REMEMBER, PEOPLE FOLLOW PEOPLE. Rule of Thumb: No one wants to be the first one on a list.  This list should grow at each venue you play at, and should be added to your Excel (computer) spreadsheet or email fan database for future e-blasts. You can also thank everyone for attending and invite them to follow you on your Social Networks / Website.
• During your Set, make 3 announcements (When you first get on stage, half way through, and at the end of the show) about where audience members can buy CDs, Merchandise, Enter to Win Free Tickets / Merchandise, etc. Also mention that your group can be made available for private / corporate events – please see “Bobby – your friend” for more details at the table in the back. People are your audience, they come and go at different times — DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE END (you might have missed the first 100 people who came through for a drink and left to another venue).

Following these aforementioned tips will help you organize, manage, and grow your fan base. At the same time, it will help you SUCCEED on Stage by properly engaging the audience and impressing them with your strong desire to grow your BUSINESS.

Always analyze the results after a show (or the next day if you’re too exhausted). Set goals for yourself and the group. Example: Last show the venue held 200 people, we had 100 showup (50% capacity). 10% joined the e-mail list, and 3% purchased merchandise of some sort. Next show, we want 130 people to showup, 15% to join the e-mail list, and 5% to purchase merchandise. TRACK YOUR GOALS AND RESULTS. You Will Succeed this Way.

Reagan

Founder

WorldMusicLink.com

Connecting the Music Industry

Music Marketing Without a Business Degree

Being a musician means that you’re an entrepreneurial small-business.

Knowing how to balance expenditures, increase sales, build strategic relationships, and hire employees / associates (band members, agents, managers, labels, etc.) requires a significant amount of time, knowledge and resources.

The most fundamental challenge Music Talent (musicians, bands, singers, songwriters) face is DIFFERENTIATING THEIR MARKETING.

Specifically, How Do You Stand Out Above The Crowd?

TRY THE FOLLOWING:

View your music / look / theme as a BRAND.

Whether you like it or not – you must promote and distribute your BRAND via as many marketing mediums as possible (for as little investment cost) as you can budget.

Rule of Thumb: If you can think of 3 other bands / artists that have a very similar sound, look and brand appeal as you do – ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE.

You must view your audience members / customers (new or established) as if they are one MySpace / Twitter click away from following another group, and diverting their attention (and MOST IMPORTANTLY) disposable income to that other group.

When thinking about your music, your look and your theme – think different – while still being true to who you are.

Try bouncing your overall “brand” off of some new folks who have never heard or seen you before.

1) Get a feeling of the age range that is most receptive to your music / brand.

2) Understand the customers buying decision (Why did they come to my show?, How much were they willing to pay to see me perform? How much did they spend on average on my merchandise, music, etc.?

3) Keep a journal or Excel (computer) spreadsheet of these answers. Try different things, mix up your show / merchandise price point (more on this later).

4) Fundamentally, understand WHO LIKES YOU, WHO DOESN’T, and WHY.

Once you more fully get the following, you’ll be quickly on your way to increasing your fan-base, attracting attention from industry pros, and making more money.

Reagan

Founder

WorldMusicLink.com

Connecting the Music Industry