Week 9 (music success in 9 weeks)

Creating a continuum program

The final chapter in Music success in 9 weeks is a recap of previous weeks, and a look to the future.
The idea is to create a way to get fans to buy from you on a regular basis.

Some of the plans we want to put into action from next year:

• Fanclub for kids, with free gifts when they join
• Monthly newsletter
• Freebies in every newsletter (MP3 downloads, videos etc)
• Competitions
• Merchandise for sale
• Teacher’s packs for use in classrooms

And we’re hoping to bring out 2 more albums in the series in 2011.

 

These 9 weeks have flown by, and I have learned a lot. More than anything it highlighted the need for setting up systems, and routines. I have a ton of ideas to begin implementing in 2011, and we will be more structured and focused in our future marketing/P.R. campaigns.

I intend referring back to the book on a regular basis, and will post further updates on our progress in 2011

Thanks Ariel for giving us some great tools! And thanks to all the other blog contestants for offering great advice on the forums!

 

Graeme Sacks

http://www.africantreehouse.com

http://www.facebook.com/AfricanTreehouse

http://twitter.com/AfricanABC

Week 8 (music success in 9 weeks)

Networking tips

Week 8 is about networking IRL (in real life).

Best tip: (from the music success in 9 weeks book) “The more they talk, the more memorable you are”. People love to talk about themselves, so asking them questions about themselves & what they do makes you more memorable to them…
BUT: I’m not selling a dodgy used car to someone I hope never to see again. Networking is about building relationships. I truly believe in my music (I still find it difficult to call it my “product”). That said, when I’m at a conference/gig/event etc where there are networking opportunities I try to make real connections, and therefore ask people real questions about themselves that I am really interested to know the answers to.

Follow up: When I’m networking with people I ask if they would mind me contacting them, and when would be convenient time for them. This way I make sure that they are expecting my call.

Graeme Sacks

http://www.africantreehouse.com

http://www.facebook.com/AfricanTreehouse

http://twitter.com/AfricanABC

Week 7 (music success in 9 weeks)

How to build your mailing list

This weeks’ chapter goes hand in hand with week 6, which was about writing newsletters

Firstly, some of the previous ideas have already helped to grow our mailing list: Giving away free songs on our website and getting a blogs review our CDs and/or host CD giveaways. Our Facebook page has grown from by about 40 fans in the past two weeks!

I am slowly trying to mine my email inbox, CD Baby sales reports and Facebook page for prospective mailing list recipients. I’m planning to start sending out the first emails towards the beginning of next year. I feel that some planning is needed first, and am also brainstorming ideas for a kids fan club.

I love the idea of devoting a set time each week to growing the list. In fact my creative partner and I have realised the necessity of a weekly meeting to plan ahead, and to divide the marketing/P.R. and distribution work up accordingly.

Graeme

 

 

Graeme Sacks

http://www.africantreehouse.com

http://www.facebook.com/AfricanTreehouse

http://twitter.com/AfricanABC