Proudly exclude some people
2007-08-18
Proudly say what you're NOT: “If you like Celine Dion, you'll hate us.” ...and people who hate Celine Dion will love you, or at least give you a chance.
You can't please everyone in this world. Recklessly exclude people.
Almost like you're the doorman at an exclusive club that plays only your music. Maybe you wouldn't let in anyone wearing a suit. Maybe you wouldn't let in anyone without a suit!
But know who you are, and have the confidence that somewhere out there, there's a little niche of people that would like your kind of music. They may only be 1% of the population. But 1% of the world is 65 million people!
Loudly leave out 99% of the world. When someone in your target 1% hears you excluding the part of the population they already feel alienated from, they'll be drawn to you.
Write down a list of artists who you don't like, and whose fans probably wouldn't like you. Use that.
CD Baby/Derek,
It would be helpful for someone at CD Baby to listen to a few of our songs. We could use some input as to who do we sound like. Please go to http://www.myspace.com/thisisthisband
Thanks,
JP
Awesome and thought provoking advise!
I've been trying to apply this advice. I used to get offended when someone would delete my band on myspace. But now I figure it's best to only keep the people who like what we're doing. I've also been applying this to "touring" with other bands. If a screamo band has a lot of fans, playing with them probably wouldn't do us much good. We hate screamo....so a lot of their fans would probably find us too mellow.
his advice is becoming the core of my upcoming work
thank you so much, All my life I had this problem but I started to think like what you said in this post, I really wish that I've read this long time ago. but thank you now I know it for sure, and you're really wise.
thanks, and have a great day.
I totally agree ! ;) Have a great week-end my friend !
i've been practicing this for years with my web business and have to admit it works. and, if i tell a client "no thanks" to working with them because they aren't a fit, they want to work with me more.
Love this Derek! I'll certainly have to do more of this in 2012 to avoid a lot of headaches we're currently dealing with. It's funny the difference between 2 people—one person will bitch and moan and criticize and complain at your offering, whereas another one will embrace it, love it, make you feel amazing for what you've created, and shout about you from hilltops.
Here's to finding your right people in 2012. ;)
Nice post Derek, 1% as 65 Million certainly helps put it into perspective.
Btw I also enjoyed your 'one-on-one' video via App Sumo. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Derek. I'm going to make that list right now!