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© 2009 Vinny Ribas
Anything worth having is worth working and even fighting for. Yet I am amazed at the number of artists who just sit and wait for the world to ‘discover them’. The truth is that anyone who has any modicum of success, in any industry, most likely did a whole lot of things that would put them in the way of opportunity. That way they were there and ready to capitalize on any opportunities that opened up.
Here are some ways that you can proactively create your own success:
- Market yourself relentlessly. Utilize every traditional and online means at your disposal to let people know that you exist. Have a strong and active presence on all of the social networks. There are tools like ArtistData and PingFM that will syndicate your calendar, tweets and other info across all of your social networks at once.
- Book yourself. No agents are going to book you until you have created a demand for your act. It is too hard to sell an act that no one knows, and the commissions on an unknown act’s small paychecks is not worth the time or effort required.
- Showcase your songs, your vocal ability, your musicianship, and/or your band anywhere you can. This includes everything from songwriter nights to large conferences like SXSW. Every time you perform is an opportunity to gain more fans. Be sure to get them to sign up for your newsletter so you can let them know where you’re performing, and market your new music directly to them.
- Network everywhere. Put yourself where the action is. Attend #1 parties. Go to industry mixers. Be sure to introduce yourself to everyone, and find out what they do. They might have come there to meet someone exactly like you!
- Build relationships. Invite people you meet out to have coffee to explore how you can help each other. People always call on people they know first before they hire strangers.
- Stay in touch with your fans, other artists, industry personnel etc. Don’t be a pest, but never let them forget you! Offer them special discounts, free downloads etc. Make them feel special.
- Never be intimidated by status or celebrity. Instead, ask questions and learn all you can from those who are successful. You’ll be surprised how many people will share their expertise or experience with you if you just ask. Find a mentor.
- Be fearlessly persistent. Do whatever it takes to attain your goals, as long as it is ethical, honest and doesn’t hurt anyone else. Never accept the first ‘no’. Ask what you can do to change the ‘no’ to at least a ‘maybe’ or a ‘yes’, and then do it!
- Find a niche that you can market to. It’s easier to sell to a clearly defined audience with limited musical options than it is to market yourself amidst a sea of sound-alikes all vying for the same fans and dollars.
