Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor

While at the public library last week, a U.S. News & World Report magazine cover jumped out at me. The large typeface screamed "50 Ways to Improve Your Life in 2005." I picked it up, thumbed through a few pages and was so impressed I immediately headed to the nearest bookstore to buy a copy. Luckily, the entire issue (Dec. 27 - Jan. 3) is posted online.

The 52-page section covers practically everything a human can do to live, work and play better. From setting priorities and learning to meditate to quitting your job and listening to new music. There are even sections on why you're better off when you fix your finances, master your data and have more sex. Sounds like a good plan to me.

If you haven't read it in a while, this would be a good time to revisit 10 Ways to 'Make' This Your Best Music Year Ever, an article I wrote a year ago, filled with some timeless music success concepts. (Sorry, I haven't yet updated this page with the new design of my site.)

Also, are you taking advantage of January? This is a month when a lot of people make purchases -- books, music and more. Your fans have Christmas money to spend, they may be getting cabin fever in winter and need a little boost to spice up their lives. Plus, this is a month you can stand out, since the major labels usually ignore the post-holiday season.

What should you do? Promote yourself more vigorously this month. Make special offers. Have a limited-time discount sale. Offer free shipping. Announce a special buy-two, get-one-free sale. Do something cool. In fact, I'm doing this very thing this month with my own New Year's Buzz Bundles.

Your fans need something to keep them going now that the holidays are over. Why not help them with your music and merchandise?