🎸 It's Not a Talent Contest

IT’S NOT WHO, IT’S HOW

I often tell my clients, “You don’t necessarily need to be better, you just need to be different.” And that “different” is often a well-crafted, consistent marketing strategy that gets you attention which leads to action.

THE SECRET ISN’T ALWAYS SEXY

I know you’ve seen my social media posts from Nashville a lot this past year (I’ve visited three times in the past 12 months), and you probably think it’s all play. But, I’m actually studying performers, audiences and marketing the entire time as I try to hone my skills as a business owner and media consultant.

Here’s what I know: There are thousands and thousands of musicians performing day and night in Nashville who are hoping to make it from the small bar scene to the auditorium big stage.

Very few ever will.

And it’s not for lack of talent, because if you spend a day on Broadway ducking into bar after bar, you’ll be amazed at how gifted the singers and musicians are. Heck, you’d download their songs in hot minute upon hearing their music.

SO WHAT’S THE SECRET TO STARDOM?

As Norm Peterson from the show Cheers once said, “It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and I’m wearing Milk-Bone underwear.” (image for the kids)

Any industry is a dogfight. Music, content creation, sales, running a store, etc.

I’ve helped a few country music artists with their social media and marketing strategies over the years. I recall telling one such artist, “There are hundreds of young, beautiful, brunette female singers in Nashville, just like you … what sets you apart?” Well, her guitar playing ability was off the charts, so I told her to never step on a stage without it, as that would draw and gain attention.

But here’s the secret: it’s not just about what you do on stage, it’s what you do between gigs that makes all the difference. I told that same artist that if she wants to gain a following online that leads to a following at her shows, she should post one song each week on social media of her singing in her bedroom with the guitar … 52 videos a year.

You see, I have friends that post funny memes, their nephew’s choir concert, their cute dog and their vacation views all the time. I don’t have any friends that produce and post good music via video on my feeds. None. So, this seemed like a smart way to get me and others to stop scrolling.

She started to post a vid each week for a bit, but then got distracted, discouraged and disinterested.

She’s a music writer, now, which is fine … but it wasn’t her dream. If she had stayed consistent with gaining attention, gaining trust and gaining a following, I truly believe she could have been one of the few to make it to a bigger stage.

WHAT SAY YOU?

Being a creator is exciting and exhausting, all at the same time. Starting and running a business takes a lot of grit and grace, but it’s worth it. I don’t want you to stay put or give up on your dream.

• What distracts you from doing the things it takes to gain awareness and attention on a weekly basis?

• What’s unique about your ability and your offering?

• What skill do you have that you can double and triple-down on?

• What is one attention goal you can set and hit before March 1st?

On tomorrow’s Five Words In weekly meetup, we’ll discuss ways you can market/promote who you are and what you do to start seeing some progress. I hope you’ll take 60 minutes out of your week and join other creators and entrepreneurs who are trying to take the stage and make it their home.

WOULD YOU, COULD YOU?

Would you be willing to share this newsletter with someone in your life who could use some inspiration, encouragement and support as they build/grow their business? Thanks! 🥹

Have a blessed day, friends! ~ Brent