Songwriter and Author, Matt Moran, combines his background as a business and technology consultant and as a performing songwriter to provide several music performances and workshops on strategies, tools, and technology for musicians.

Several sponsors have signed on to the tour and the workshops will be hosted by both Sam Ash Music and Guitar Center in selected cities.

To find out more, visit:
http://www.matthewmoranonline.com/shows/tour/

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!!!

==============

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.

Artistdata may be one of the most useful sites to help the hurried musician in a long time. They provide a way to enter data once (your schedule most notably) and update multiple sites with the information.

The episode is broken into 4 parts. You may listen online or download for playback on your PC of mp3 player.

Episode 2 – Part 1 of 4 (mp3)

Episode 2 – Part 2 of 4 (mp3)

Episode 2 – Part 3 of 4 (mp3)

Episode 2 – Part 4 of 4 (mp3)

Episode 2 – full (mp3)

Two Webinars will be help on March 30, 2010. One at 9:00AM. The other at 6:00PM (PST for both).

The Songwriter & Social Media will provide an overview of the tools available to songwriters, bands, performers, and their teams.

Not just social media, but business organization tools, strategy, and tools to build low-cost but easy to maintain websites.

Space is limited and you must register to attend. See the schedule and select the workshop that works best for you at:

http://thesongwriteronline.eventbrite.com/

I’ve uploaded the presentation files in both Powerpoint and PDF format.

Download them here:

Both the profile page and the resources page are things you can help me with. If there is a resource you use – a website, a piece of software, etc. – let me know about it. If you are a songwriter or performer who is using social media and other online tools for marketing, promotion, exposure, or to help you more effectively run your business, write and record songs, let me know as well.

And let others know about the site.