To Post or Not to Post?

To post or not to post, that is the question? I get several arguments from other musicians saying it drives them crazy when people post so often about shows and upcoming events. I have to ask why is it so bothersome? If it does not interest you simply do not follow the posts. I work it, because it works. 

I accept all friend requests and yes I have some family members and friends who are not interested in hearing every step I make in my endeavors and have blocked me; fair enough no hard feelings. But for all those wonderful new fans who eagerly visit my page every single day, this one is for you and thank you for your genuine interest in my career.

For the few people who block your page, you will gain so many more friends who start out as strangers and become loyal life time friends and fans from across the globe. I am speaking from real life experience. If you are working from ground zero this is the best time to start. There is nothing more exciting than following an upcoming artist from nothing into something really big. 

I have been working on building my fan base one fan at a time and the journey has been time consuming, but worth each individual who has reached out to me with wonderful accolades on how they feel about my art. People do not like helping strangers. Get to know the ones that can help you and when they learn who you are and that you are worthy of their time, they will help, because now you are friends.

I say post away all my unknown friends and thank you for following me and my posts about my music and my freelance work. I'm happy to help advertise for you as long as you keep coming back for more. I had the pleasure of shadowing a young woman who is an amazing classical performer, Rebecca Newman. She took me under her wing and showed me the ropes, I'll forever be grateful for the knowledge she shared.

We became friends and she introduced me to her fan club the Newmaneers. I got to know many of them through this exchange and eventually, I was made an honoree Newmaneer and can not be more proud. I have sold countless cd's, I have been added to countless radio shows and currently working on a tour in the UK and so many other benefits I have gained from simply making a friend. Thank you all so very much. I say thank you right here on my blog, as I can guarantee they are most likely reading this post right now.

I have to encourage all my other musician friends who think it is bothersome and do not post anything at all. Well, how does anyone know if you are any good if they do not know you exist? Take a chance and get it out there, no one should be above a shameless plug here and there, so let people know what you are up to, if they like what they hear or see they will support you in return. 

All you freelancers out there know as well as I do, sadly it’s a numbers game and it has always been, who you know, verses what you know; even before Facebook or MySpace existed. Popularity has always been the defining factor of success in most all cases. Even Taylor Swift and Mylie Cyrus would not be known names had it not been for their relentless networking. 

Build those numbers and thank your fans by showing them what you got and they will be very appreciative and continue to give their support. Do not be afraid to give things away for free to those loyal ones because those are the ones who put their money where their mouth is, time and time again.

Twitter is my media of choice as it is quick and to the point and designed to reach much larger numbers. Do not put all your eggs in one basket however, hit them all and try to give as much time as possible to each person who finds you and shares your link with more friends. 

I know we have become quite the narcissistic society with all these social media pages. But, can we at least examine the favorable benefits these networks do provide. Especially for us creative types whose livelihood solely depends on the attention of the unknown public.

I want to encourage everyone in the promotion realms get out there and network online as well as face to face. Life is a contact sport, start living and sharing with others and no matter what you do in life always treat each other with love and respect, no exceptions.

The next time you ask yourself to post or not to post???? No one sees it if you do not, and potential, countless, nameless faces soon become life long friends if you do. The beauty of meeting someone on a different continent and the things we can learn from each other is a valuable tool. Get out there and make some friends, if you get blocked once or twice, oh well, you can never reach them all, but the ones you do reach, makes it all worth it. Nothing gained, nothing lost what are you waiting for, if you chose to block me, well then you never saw this anyway. :o) 

 

Paz y amor por todo, siempre!