© 2010 Vinny Ribas
Do you want to attract a huge fan following? If so, try this exercise:
Think about the bands or singers you are a big fan of and who have had a profound influence on you. The Beatles? Elvis? Taylor Swift? Pearl Jam? Now list out all of the things about those artists that you are so attracted to. Now take each of those qualities on your list and break them down into smaller components. For example, let’s day you said “I love the Beatles because they had great songs”. Now write down exactly what, in your mind, made those songs so great. Was it because they were fun? Because you related to them? Because they were easy to remember? Because the words were poetic? Because they were danceable? Chances are the reasons you pick are the same reasons that millions of other people became big fans as well![private_freebie]
Repeat this with all of the characteristics of your favorite artists (do several), including their music, personalities, look/image, public persona, performances, lifestyle, attitudes etc. Then look at that list and identify the ones that were most important to you in your decision to become a fan. Can you emulate or incorporate some of those characteristics into your songs, performances, lifestyle etc? Are there things on your list that you never thought about before?
Remember, you’re not trying to copy anyone else. What you are trying to do is put enough of those influential traits together to become a fan magnet yourself! Obviously there will be some things on your list that just wouldn’t fit you. You’re only looking for those things that you can incorporate or ramp up and still remain genuine. Hopefully you already possess some, or many of them. Your next step is to find ways to work on the rest that you feel would feel natural and help to endear you to potential fans. After all, they are the ones who sign your paycheck!
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