Sometimes I have a hard time coming up with good topics for my blog, so I recently asked for help with blog topics via my Twitter account.  I got one response, but it was a great one!  Monica gave me several great ideas, and I'm finally getting around to starting on them.  So before I get started, thanks for the help kick starting my brain Monica!!

One topic that was brought up is that musicians have a lot of opportunities to get their music out there through (what I would call) non-traditional sources.  Meaning its not on the radio, on a CD, or on your website.  Monica and I have some common friends in The Nadas who recently did this for an app that the company Monica works for designed.  It's a great app for any snowboarder or skier out there - check it out: 
For The Nadas, it's an opportunity for them to get their music in front of a brand new crowd.  Often times if I'm looking at something like that, and really like the background track, I will dig until I find out who it is.  That often times leads to purchasing new music. 

The same could be done for bands that have holiday music recorded.  Take your music to e-card companies that can place your holiday tune on one of their cards! 

Often times, bands may have to donate their song to applications such as this.  But, by making sure that people can find out what song is on that app/card/etc, there is definitely an opportunity to make money.  Not to say that there aren't occasions where you can get paid by placing your music in things such as this, but always consider the opportunity whether there is immediate pay or not.  Consider it "spending" your marketing dollars. :)
 
Moving On... 11/11/2009
 
After 3 good years at the marketing agency, I am now moving on.  I'm very excited about the opportunities ahead.  There are many things that I'm looking into at this point, including working on a variety of events.  I have learned many valuable things over the past few years and am anxious to put them to use. 

I pride myself on building great relationships, and had the pleasure of making a lot of fantastic acquaintances during my time at the agency. 

Along with the change at the agency comes a change with my website.  Please take a look at the all of the pages to learn more about my experience and to see samples of my work.  Check back here often for updates on what I'm working on.  Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions!
 
 

My college marketing professor/advisor had a slogan that he pounded into our heads during my last semester of college:  "Build successful relationships, and profitable transactions will follow."  This can translate to anything really...it doesn't have to be a monetary "profitable transaction". 

In my career, I've really taken this into account in all of my daily work.  I'm constantly striving to develop a better relationship with clients, vendors, co-workers, etc.  You never know when you might need to call out a favor, and have someone willing to come to your rescue.  Not all relationships turn out great, but if you work at it, most of them can.

To give you an example, I have developed an amazing relationship with one of my clients.  We are able to be very up front with each other, which often times leads to more productive conversations and work.  She also trusts me enough that I can do things like ignore her questions when there is a crisis happening at an event.  She knows it will be handled, and that she will get details later.  This relationship has allowed us to produce some great work together.  She has been impressed enough by our work to give us exceptional recommendations to other potential clients. 

 
 

Oasis recently released their new album, Dig Out Your Soul.  Prior to the album release, Oasis taught a group of NYC street musicians several of the tracks off their new album.  For the weeks leading up to the album release, the street musicians played the new tracks NYC train and subway stations. 

This sort of pre-promotion might not work for all artists.  If you're a relatively unknown band, it's not going to have the impact.  The main point to take away from this promotion is that they did something different to get the attention of the consumer.  Utilize the tools at your disposal and do something unique.  There are all sorts of things you could do, so think outside of the box.  It today's world of sensory overload, it's the things that have never been seen that stand out.

Check out the video of rehearsals, street performances, and reactions...