Communicating Like a Human...Because You Are Human...Right?! Riiight??
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 7:42PM Tanis Macala So you have a band. And you think you're pretty good. That's great!
Now what? If you have the connections, even better. Much of the music industry is, in fact, who you know. But at the end of the day, if you don't have a highly creative plan to put your music in the ears of consumers - it's not likely that anyone is going to invest the time or money into your band (Duh, right?!).
Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Art of Marketing Conference in Calgary, Alberta. While I didn't necessarily take away anything I didn't already know - it was a good refresher on some of the most crucial aspects of marketing. Many of which can be put to use in the music and entertainment industry.
Gary Vaynerchuk said it best when he outlined the importance of maintaining personality and communication with those that support you. I mean, really, the guy is a multi-millionaire...does he really need to worry about how he communicates to people? Of course he does. Not only does he run multiple businesses, but still makes the time to communicate with anyone and everyone that reaches out to him.
What are you doing to communicate with the people buying your music? Are you simply spamming them via Facebook or Twitter? If so, why should they listen to what you have to say? I can tell you that I am on the receiving end of a lot of that stuff - this is where the Delete button is quite possibly the greatest invention ever.
Secondly, are you blasting everyone under the sun with your messages? While that may be working to your advantage to get your name recognized - a die hard metal lover is likely not going to want to hear about your country band playing some rodeo next weekend. Find out who is listening to your music, I mean who is REALLY listening, and who has a potential taste for it. Zero in on those people to help you build your name...not just anyone that taps their foot.
I know, it's all pretty common sense, right. So what's the point of this? No one is expecting you to stop focusing on your music - but take some time to create some REAL communication with others. Once a band hits a certain 'plateau' they become too busy for real communication. Or, they have someone else do it for them. Just because your making a living at hitting the stage everyday, doesn't excuse you from communicating like a human. Real interaction is one of the most powerful marketing mediums out there. So why let it go to waste?
That's what sets you apart, and that is what gets noticed. I can tell you that I work for a company and I send out the same message to a quarter of a million people. In a time where just about everything is automated...when you do something real, it goes a long way.
And that word spreads, trust me on that one. Next time you want me or anyone else to pay attention to your music - show us why.
Reader Comments (2)
Excellent post Tanis! You have it so right - it's such a new way to market that old habits still creep in (they do for me at least), but if people really try to just be genuine and authentic - it'll be way cool.
It was great seeing a familiar face at that conference in Calgary. Gary really was an incredible speaker - he and Sir Ken Robinson so totally inspired me to get off my lazy ass and 'smurf it up"..
Thanks Rory! Yeah it was great to have some ideas reinforced out there! Now only if bands out there would actually listen to me! lol But it's not just about music bands...pretty much for anyone that has to interact with people...which really is, everyone.