[stylist] 4 Reasons why you must take on your own marketing

[Brad Dunse']

>Very nice. This reminded me of a similar encouragement/advice I 
>found. Even though it refers to musicians/songwriters just replace 
>it with writing/writer :).

The 10 Rules Of Successful Independent Musicians -Byree Belleville
Booking, Promoting & Marketing Your Music

1.      Be Determined and Dedicated. On your path you will, 
inevitably, collide with people who don't understand or like your 
music.  When this happens try to remember that even the most 
successful musicians have been in your shoes.

2.      Believe in Yourself. You must believe that every song you 
write, every recording you make, and every gig you play is the 
absolute best that you can make it be.  However, don't despair if 
right at this moment you aren't thrilled  with every aspect of what 
you are doing as a musician.  Musical development, progress, and 
pride will come from experience.

3.       Maintain a Dual-Focus. Be a Great Musician and a 
Street-Smart Entrepreneur. First and foremost, to succeed as a 
musician you must possess great musical talent.  You can work towards 
this by practicing and  performing, by working with a great teacher 
and mentor, and by writing song  after song. However, you must also 
be a wise and wily entrepreneur.  Even if you assemble a competent 
team, you should still master the full array of entrepreneurial 
skills, Budgeting (money and time), marketing, setting prices, and 
sales.  You do not have the luxury of sitting around waiting to be discovered.

4.      Educate Yourself. Know Your Genre Inside and Out.  Read 
magazines, books, web articles, etc etc about your genre and artists 
whose paths you would like to emulate.  Take time to get to know area 
musicians, read local newspapers to become familiar with the names of 
clubs, bands, promoters, open mics, etc in your area.

5.      Let Go Of the "Starving Artist". Too many musicians, 
painters, and writers unthinkingly worship at the altar of the 
starving artist, believing that selling their art is "selling 
out".  If you need to ease into selling your music, have a friend 
sell your merchandise for you. But always stand next to your table 
ready to talk to fans, sign CDs, and shake hands.

6.      Create a Plan and then Follow Up on It. One thing about 
making a plan for your career is that it forces you to examine the 
driving force behind your will to play music for a living. Working on 
a Business and Marketing Plan will help you define your vision and 
the steps you need to take to succeed.  Working on an Artist's Plan 
will help you set up rituals for preserving and growing yourself as a 
musician and artist.

7.      Take Actions Despite Your Fears. As an independent artist you 
will wear many different hats each day. Learning to deal with people 
over the phone, in cover letters, and at shows is a learned skill. 
The more you do it, the better you will be at it.  The first 10 calls 
you make might not feel so great, but the next ten will be easier, 
and by call 30, you will sound calm, collected and professional.

8.      Appreciate and Respect Your Fans. Fans of your music are your 
greatest supporters in the present and they have the greatest power 
to propel your career forward in the future.  Be Sure To Respect Your 
Fans!  After a show, always go stand by your merchandise 
table.  Offer to sign CDs, Be ready and willing to chat with fans, 
Reply to every letter and email that a fan sends you with at least a 
"thank you".

9.      Build a Support Team Regardless of what stage your career is 
at. Having a great team behind you will make a huge 
difference.  However you build your team, make sure to surround 
yourself with people who you can trust implicitly. Anyone doing work 
for you, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is representing you 
as both an artist and business owner.

10.     Work HARDER After Every Success. Every time you have a great 
success a big show or a great review in a major paper, you should get 
working even harder than you did before! One great review can be 
transformed into a dozen reviews across the country.  A big show with 
a national act can create relationships with a series of national 
acts.  Working even harder after good news comes is part of the 
process of developing momentum.  If all goes well, each success will 
lead to more work and more success.



Brad Dunse

   When it comes to change, don't wind up like concrete...
all mixed up and permanently set!

http://www.braddunsemusic.com

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