Constantly ask, What do they really want?
2007-08-18
Want to know the basic rule or marketing and promoting your music?
Constantly ask, “What do they really want?” (with “they” being anyone you are trying to reach)
Think hard, and don't take this one lightly.
Thinking of everything from the other person's point of view is one of the best things you can do in life. If done right, it will elevate you into the clouds along with a few select immortal beings.
Every time you lift up the phone. Every time you write an email. Every time you send out a presskit.
Think why people in the music industry are REALLY working this job. Try to imagine them as just a well-meaning human being who is probably overworked, looking for a little happiness in the world, and likes music (or the music world itself) enough to do what they do, even though they could be doing something else.
Think what their email “IN” box must look like, and how it would be unwise for you to send them an email with the subject of “hey” followed by a 7-page email detailing your wishes for success.
Think what people are REALLY looking for when they go out to a club to hear music. For some people, it's just a way to be seen, to increase their popularity. For some, they're searching for some music that does something completely original and mind-blowing. Some are looking for total visual entertainment.
Nobody owes you their attention. Not your audience. Not a person you happened to call or email. Not even the music industry.
Let go of your ego entirely. Think of everything from their point of view. Be their dream come true. Do what they really want.
(This even goes down to the smallest levels: what kind of phone message you leave, what kind of cover letter you write in a package, what kind of subject header you put in your email.)
And maybe, just maybe, they'll be or do exactly what you want.
I can feel it Derek, appreciate everything you doin for the artists here.
recprication! BEFORE the contact! ....got it, thanks!
I'm highly interested in more of what you and others have to say about relationships with fans and venue opperators.
Great advice. Thanx for all you do!
I have been in the music bizz for 8 years and i cant seem to get out.I have a cd on cdbaby but its goin no were ive got to much money ,time and love for music to let go but im at my last with it.all i get is alot of coments about my beats and how they are hard as the south but different.ive been told many times the same.i love to produce and master songs but cant get the respect to get any real artist.listen to my cd on cdbaby.playboy feddy is the artist.i need help please.im not looking 4 handouts just the right way.Just ask Justin Bennett From cdbaby and he will tell you about my drive and love 4 music.every thing on my cd was done by me only i get no help and if i had the right help i would kill it.im just one man with one true love music....... joe AKA; Playboy Feddy.
Thankyou
Derek, There is a trick to this now though. Because of the awesome info spreading powers of the internet there is so much knowledge about "Marketing." I can't believe how many people know the rules about "marketing" these days.
So, what am I getting at, "don't be fake!" Meaning if you "YOUNESS" to much, to more people than you should it will be sensed and in some cases freak people out.
There is a guy, at a local coffee shop, pretty nice guy, but he tries this "Youness" so hard on so many ladies. He always grabs the door for them, always says, "Have a great day..." and you know the response he gets... NO TO COOL!
In fact some of the ladies there give him the "who is this creep" look and you know, I don't blame them. He is so in their face with "Youness" ...so , what are your thoughts on this.
PS: He looked liked he wanted to kill me one day when one of the ladies he tried to "Youify" to death, came down and sat by me and said hello, when I hadn't opened the door for her, or said, "HAVE A NICE DAY!" out of the blue, etc.
Your thoughts on this?
Marcus : I agree. With many of my suggestions I write, I'm offering the counter-intuitive point of view, not expecting someone to go all the way, but encourage them to go towards that from the opposite point.
I wrote and recorded the most recent cd for animal enthusiasts. Now what?
Great advice, and I truly believe you can apply this to much more than just music. It's true for any sort of marketing. Always ask yourself "Who are you talking to and what are you trying to say"?
Read your blog for some time, who helps you draw these cute pictures?