The RightOutTV Ripple - Being a creative artist and entrepreneur in this DIY market
Why You Get Hired
by Nathalie Callender & Marlee Walchuk on 04/21/12
If you can fill a room or bring in a large crowd to a festival to see you then of course an event coordinator will want to hire you to perform. However, if they do and find you difficult or inflexible, it may be the last time you grace that particular stage.
The bottom line is that people want to hire artists that they like and know they can count on.
If you show up late for your backstage call or arrive slightly drunk or stoned... baby you are toast. As indie artists, we have to be 'more pro than the pros' to build trust and carve a great reputation for ourselves. Do want you want on your off time but when you arrive for your show, be at your best, well rehearsed, image thought out, on time or even early and be respectful to everyone involved... particularly the sound crew. Get to know your technicians' names so that if you need to get their attention over the mic, you aren't yelling "Hey dude behind the board, I can't hear myself!"
Festivals in particular can have last minute schedule changes and although it's important not to let anyone mistreat you, you need to keep an open mind and go with the flow when it comes to dealing with the unexpected. I have heard many horror stories about high and mid level artists whose behavior resembled that of a spoiled two year old and although they certainly would have pulled in a crowd, you won't hear the organizer say, "I can't wait to have them back!"
It's Not About Me? - How Marketing Has Changed
by Nathalie Callender & Marlee Walchuk on 03/11/12
If you spend any time reading marketing books and blogs you will have noticed that the whole way we're supposed to promote ourselves has changed. Drastically!
Some basics still exist, people need to know you, like you and trust you before they will be interested in buying from you or helping you.
Marketing is all about building relationships. Not just fake, "I'll be nice to you so I can get what I want from you" kind of relationships but sincere, taking an interest in others,supporting them, giving them helpful information...sharing the love so to speak.
We're building a relationship with you now. We're happy to share information we've learned in hopes that you will find it useful, trust that our intentions are good (which of course they are) and we give you this "cleanly" without an expectation of getting something from you in return.
Now you see what happens is that you remember it was us who gave you this information and now you might have some trust for us as a result and sometime in the future, you might see another blog we've written, and you might think, "Hey my friend could use this info" so you share it. Now that wasn't our expectation but it sure was nice of you. Now, if we see your share/tweet/comment we'll make sure we let you know how grateful we are for your support. That's it...we are building a marketing relationship.
The days of artists staying separate and aloof from their fans and media contacts, are over. As they need to know you and like you, get making your vlogs, blogs, behind the scenes clips, tweets, facebook...they want to see the real you. Why do you think reality TV is so big right now? We all crave connection.
You want a blogger to notice you and write about you? Go onto their site and give them some positive comments on the content you like. The last thing you want to do is lead with "Hey would you like to know about ME?!"
As artists we are not entitled to people supporting us so when they do, it's a gift. So give it back, because kindness is still the cornerstone of every great relationship.
Set the Stage with Your Introduction
by Nathalie Callender & Marlee Walchuk on 02/06/12
Your stage introduction is one of the most important aspects of your show. It gives the audience a sense of who you are and what you've accomplished. It can set you up for instant respect from a crowd and an expectation that something special is about to happen.
If you went to a party and a friend came over to you and said "I want you to meet this woman, she was the head of a major label and has launched hundreds of careers," your perception and interest in this person would be totally different that if you just ran into her at the punchbowl without knowing any of her background.
When you are set to perform in a show especially when there are multiple performers, send in an introduction that you have written to be forwarded to the MC or host of that event. Save them the time of going onto your website and looking up something to say about you.
Make it no longer than about 95 words and give your career highlights, awards won, well known artists you may have opened for or worked with, big gigs you've done, get creative...even make it funny if you can.
Now here's the best advice, take a copy of that intro and print it in big font, at least 22 (so it can be read without using glasses) and keep it in your pocket to hand to the MC at the event about 30 min before your set time. You want to give them enough time to look it over but not enough time to lose it. If they already have it, fantastic! If not, they will be grateful.
Take this responsibility on and control how you are presented. It's too important to leave it to very busy event coordinators.
If you are doing more laid back acoustic gigs, why not write something up and get a friend or room manager to read it before you start? You will still need to deliver a great show of course, but you'll be miles ahead with an audience who hears your first song knowing that you've done some amazing things and deserve their full attention.
Answer Important Business Emails Within 48hrs
by Nathalie Callender & Marlee Walchuk on 01/08/12
The world is moving so much faster than it was and there an expectation that business emails are replied to promptly.
If you are self managed it is key that you have access to and are managing your business email even when you are on the road. We're not unrealistic - take a vacation when you need it and turn off your devices but the rest of the time you need to be on top of things.
If you travel a lot, look into a phone with a good data plan or get yourself a small laptop. These shouldn't be treated as luxuries that you purchase only when you have extra money. Keeping in touch is essential and investing in your career is what serious artists do.
Great opportunities often come with a quick deadline and it's a 'snooze you lose situation' in this business. Artists who get back to us fast and meet deadlines are much more likely to be at the top of our opportunity list next time.
Jumping to Conclusions
by Nathalie Callender & Marlee Walchuk on 01/01/12
This is one of the hardest things not to do. Many of us by nature, are sensitive and yes...sometimes we're even a little insecure so when someone doesn't get back to us right away or hasn't picked us for something we feel we should have been offered, we can assume all sorts of really nasty things, about them, about ourselves, most of which are very far from the truth. It's important to always take a deep breath and remember that EVERYONE is busy and your email can be sitting at number 75 of 150 that came in today. Sometimes that big gig or opportunity simply wasn't meant for us right now. Perhaps we needed to be freed up to accept a better offer that's on its way. Whether or not it's easy for us look at things this way, isn't it a whole lot better than stewing, stressing or sticking pins into a doll that looks just like that guy who said he was going to get you to open up for the Black Eyed Peas?
