The Buzz Factor (Are You in the Right Music Career Mode?) Bob Baker's "The Buzz Factor" Delivering music marketing tips, self-promotion ideas and more since 1995 - http://TheBuzzFactor.com/ May 28, 2003 - Vol. 9, Issue 16 In This Issue: - Cast Your Vote in the New Buzz Factor Poll - Is Your Career Mode and Action Mode Out of Alignment? - Attend Bob's June 2 Workshop in Chicago __________________________________________________ See the end of this message for details on how to get on and off the Buzz Factor mailing list. __________________________________________________ Final Notice -- Attend Bob's Workshop in Chicago There's no admission fee, so there's no excuse not to attend if you're in the area. Here are the details: When: Monday, June 2, starting at 7:30 pm Where: Gunther Murphy's, 1638 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL What: A one-hour workshop titled "Guerrilla Music Marketing: 10 Steps to Widespread Exposure, Sales and Success as an Independent Artist." I'll be the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of Chicago Harmony and Truth (CHAT), www.chatmusic.com Cost: Nada. Even though there's a fee to become a member of CHAT, nonmembers are welcome to attend one meeting at no charge __________________________________________________ Welcome! Do you pursue music full-time or part-time? Have you sold thousands of CDs and made decent money without the help of a record label? Let's talk about it. Read on ... I need your input again. As I write and produce upcoming workshops, books and reports, I'll be focusing even more on why going the independent, do-it-yourself route is much better than the traditional, mindlessly ingrained path of seeking a record deal, commercial radio airplay and widespread retail distribution. I've already gathered a lot of info to back up this point of view, but I could use more examples and success stories -- especially from hardworking acts that are getting their hands dirty in the trenches. Acts that aren't waiting for their big break or for someone to discover them, and are instead creating their own opportunities. So, have you sold thousands of CDs on your own? Are you making a decent living as a self-sufficient, full-time musician? Tell me about it. How are you doing it? I may just use your story in an upcoming workshop or book. You'll improve your chances of being used if you supply me with details. Exactly how many CDs have you sold, and over what period of time? Etc. Send your success stories to 2cents@bob-baker.com => Answer the New Buzz Factor Poll Question While we're on the subject, I'd like to know how the average Buzz Factor subscriber is pursuing his or her music career. The way I see it, there are two modes: Either full-time or part-time. I assume that most musicians who are currently part-time are striving to reach full-time status. And most musicians who are full-time are striving to expand and grow into higher levels of success. But there's a subcategory in each that shouldn't be ignored: those who are satisfied right where they are. For instance, I'm a good example of a musician who pursues music part-time and is content to keep it that way. I made this decision in my late 20s. However, just because I chose the part-time mode, that doesn't mean I treat music lightly. Over the years, I've played some of the coolest clubs in St. Louis, managed to crank out three independent releases and have performed original songs on local radio and TV. I'm sure many of you who are part-time musicians take this same approach. Anyway, I hope this explains why there are four categories in my new online poll, which I encourage you to take right now at: http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/poll.html I'm curious to discover the makeup of Buzz Factor subscribers and find out where you are and where you want to be. => Is Your Career Mode and Mental Mode Aligned with Your Action Mode? One more thought on part-time vs. full-time. I've come to the conclusion that much of the frustration exhibited by aspiring musicians is a result of mixed modes. I'm sure you know people who suffer from this affliction. They are currently doing music part-time, but they talk to themselves and others about their full-time goals. However, they continue to take part-time action. Does this describe you? Or someone you know? I feel it's vitally important to get clear about which mode you're in and make sure your goals and your actions are aligned. If you're convinced that music is destined to be your life's work, then get busy putting in the effort it takes to write great songs, get exposure, reach fans and more. That doesn't mean you have to do anything drastic right away (especially if people are counting on you for financial support), but you should be taking steady but sure steps toward realizing that full-time goal. The worst thing you can do is delude yourself into thinking that stardom is inevitable as you keep making excuses about why you can't get moving on your music plans just yet. This situation creates the most frustration: full-time intentions with part-time actions. Another friction-inducing scenario is the person who takes action in waves. A couple of months of concentrated activity followed by six months of being distracted and doing nothing. The ideal state is when you know to the core that music is what you were meant to do. And regardless of what circumstances life throws at you, you stay focused on that purpose. Every day you think about it, and every day you take at least some small step toward transforming your internal musical identity into a material form. And if you decide that perhaps music is not your overriding destiny, that perhaps another calling takes a higher priority, it's okay to admit that music should become a part- time pursuit. You can still squeeze a lot of satisfaction from it, but at least you won't be ailing from the tension that mixed career and action modes bring. Have a great week! -Bob __________________________________________________ => WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT ... "I have been reading 'Unleash the Artist Within' and it has been great. I have already had some success writing music beds for local commercials and now your book has inspired me to reach for a bigger market." -J. Cameron Weckerley, Talking Heart Music, www.talkingheartmusic.com More info: http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/unleash.html "I just wanted to say thank you for the helpful 'Online Music PR Hot List' e-book. It's the best. It's filled with so many helpful web sites, information and hints that are making things a lot easier for me. I am the Street Team Coordinator for a band called Mercury from Pittsburgh, PA. Your publicity resource is helping a lot to move Mercury in the right direction. Thanks again!" -Maria Gadola, www.mercuryband.com More info: http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/music_pr.htm "If they allowed ten stars, I'd give it ten. I bought Bob's 'Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook,' and in less than two months, I've done more to energize the mechanisms to promote my new CD, and previous three CDs, than I've done in the past four years combined. Bob Baker really got me going. More than that, it crow-barred a self-convinced 'I hate promotion' guy out of his stubborn old habits and into enthusiasm -- which is no small feat!" -Dan Oakenhead, www.oakenhead.com More info: http://bob-baker.com/buzz/music_marketing.htm =========== Cool Music Stuff You Need =========== KILLER PRESS KITS: The 29 Most Important Elements in Creating Sizzling Music Publicity Materials http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/presskits.html GROW YOUR BAND'S AUDIENCE Six Steps to Success for Independent Musicians http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/grow.html How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet http://www.rainmusic.com/htpma/buzz.htm A wealth of useful information, written by an artist who brings in more than $4,000 a month from his online activities. "Highly recommended!" says Derek Sivers of CD Baby. 197 Promotion Tips, Tricks and Resources for Indie Musicians - http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/197.html Earn Cash as a Buzz Factor Affiliate Make 40% on every copy sold through your affiliate link! http://www.bob-baker.com/af/BuzzAfil.html __________________________________________________ REPRINT PERMISSION Would you like to run some of the content from this issue on your web site or in your e-zine? You may do so for free as long as you add the following credit: "Reprinted from Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor, featuring free marketing and self-promotion ideas for songwriters, musicians and bands on a budget. Visit www.TheBuzzFactor.com for details." __________________________________________________ To START getting The Buzz Factor, send an e-mail to subscribe@thebuzzfactor.com with the words "Subscribe Buzz" in the Subject line. Or visit http://TheBuzzFactor.com/ __________________________________________________ The Buzz Factor is published by Bob Baker PO Box 43058 - St. Louis, MO 63143 Phone: (314) 758-7578 - E-mail: bob@thebuzzfactor.com http://www.TheBuzzFactor.com/ (c) 2003 by Bob Baker - All Rights Reserved |