If you are a songwriter, performer, musician, and want to utilize social media effectively, you need to read this!!
I’m going to provide you with a reality check. It relates to something I’ve been teaching my clients and associates over the past couple years.
It is an anecdotal evidence for my position that “Social Media Marketing” is as typically more hype than delivery.
This is going to go counter to many an “expert” you might be following. Although, if you read between the lines and follow their lead, you might find that they tip their hand with what they are doing more than with what they are saying.
First, a couple anecdotes:
You may or may not know this but over the past 7 or 8 weeks I’ve provided several webinars on topics ranging from Blogging & WordPress, Social Media, and Google Apps. Most of these have been completely FREE. I’ve had Webinars with 3 people in attendance and webinars with 15+ in attendance.
The other day I contacted one of my “friends” on Facebook. I did so to have them review an idea and some materials on sponsorships. I connected with them by chatting with them on Facebook and asking if we could have a short phone call. We did.
This person then said, “It is good we are talking, I have something to ask you.” He preceded to tell me he had heard about a blog based web content system – where you could update pages and your blog – plus connect with social networks.
I said, “WordPress does that.”
And he replied, “Yeah.. that’s it. WordPress. Do you know anything about it?”
This question surprised me but only a little. My webinars have been “promoted” on Facebook and Twitter many times.
“Have you not seen any of my Webinar information?”
“I might have,” he replied, “but I don’t really pay attention unless I am paying attention.”
BINGO!!!
We setup a meeting and he is now considering a proposal to have me help with with setting up his website using WordPress.
A couple days later, a second conversation with another “friend” and Twitter follower goes like this… This person knows I do public speaking and presentations on various technology and business strategies.
Me: “I give a presentation titled, ‘Google-ize Your Business – Beyond the Search Engine”
Them: “That’s a great topic. Have you ever thought about using Webinar technology to provide some workshops.”
Me: “Really?”
Them (not quite picking up the sarcasm): “Yeah. I think it would be a good idea.”
Me: “Have you not seen my post promoting my Webinars over the past 7 weeks?”
Them: “You do Webinars.”
BINGO!!!
BINGO!!!
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This is important here – catch this. Both of these people are on Facebook frequently. Both are trying to figure out how to harness these social tools for their business. I am as well.
Here are a few truths about this topic – each could be discussed in detail. But for now, just ponder them and think on your situation.
- You want people to pay attention to you or you would not have said it. (whatever “IT” is)
- You don’t really pay attention to most of what others are saying (whether lack of interest or time)
- You respond mostly to the most fresh – current updates – on your “social timeline”.
- The most ardent promoters/supporters of Twitter, Facebook, etc. are those selling consulting on Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Where does this leave us?
Is Social Media Marketing a waste?
For the few promoted big successes you might have heard of, was there more to the story?
We are going to revisit this topic in more detail. I’ll provide this tidbit of perspective.
Social Media Marketing is one tool – but not the tool – for connecting and creating engagement and conversation. In the end, you want a more one-on-one conversation. You want intimacy and you don’t want your intimacy to be interrupted by “external” noise. They tried the whole “free love” thing in the 60′s and I’ve read enough horror stories from the people living in communes about jealousy, diverted attention, and loneliness to know I don’t want that.
So… how can we attract someone enough to leave the commune and get intimate with us?
Coming soon: Putting Social Media in it’s place so you don’t feel out of place.
Thank you! Finally, someone is pulling back the curtain to reveal the real power of the social media wizard. In my humble opinion, for musicians Facebook and Twitter and everything else all pale in comparison to a well written blog, consistent use of email and a direct selling strategy. I’m not saying musicians shouldn’t use social services, I’m just saying they shouldn’t be at the very core of their approach.
http://www.cerebellumblues.com
Thanks Jeff. Unfortunately, there is this perception that if you aren’t “twittering” all day long you are missing the boat. Truth is, create great music, build an active email list, and cultivate relationships. Social media should be used to help feed that engine.
Bingo. Seems to me you gotta pick your poison, and then take it in small doses with all the social media outlets. Looking forward to the longer perspective.
Well said Matt and Jeff – I’ve stopped using My Space so much because it’s only bands out there looking to publicise their own product so why would they listen to me promoting mine? However, if you do a Google on someone, the Facebook or Twitter or whatever Socail Media link all comes up in the search which adds to the feeling of presence that someone has – but as far I can see, it’s only of interest to promoters or the media when they’re hopefully gathering information to play one of your songs or write a piece about one of your gigs. So you need to be there, but it shouldn’t take the place of your website, or gigging, or mailing lists, or flyers etc..
Wow, I think you just verbalized thoughts / misgivings I have had recently about social media. I’m looking forward to your next post on this topic. erika may
Very well said. It is my opinion — and just my opinion — that nobody should jump into doing social media until they’ve learned how to work with and service REAL people first, and quite well. But, I know this is wishful thinking . . .