Something has been crushing my spirit recently when I talk to musicians about career strategy. They are focused on getting “ As many people to hear their music as possible!”
This is NOT a strategy—it is a guaranteed way to keep you unfocused and grasping at things that will not pay you in the long run.
I understand why so many of you want this – It’s because a terrible thing has become normalized and that terrible thing is keeping you from powerfully moving forward.
Social media has done a lot of harm to us individually and collectively. One of the worst things it has done is normalize macro thinking—meaning we all begin to believe that it’s not worth doing at all unless you get a minimum of tens of thousands of results.
A million is supposed to be a typical goal for Spotify plays, YouTube views, TikToks, etc.
I have had dozens of conversations with potential clients who want 1M plays on Spotify and openly ask how they can get them. This obsession/goal is feeding the black market on Spotify and a lot of questionable behaviors and legitimate outcomes for artists.
I have an antidote. It’s called micro networking.
The concept of micro networking focuses on a few people who can help push your music career forward and creates a roadmap to connect with them and show them what you can do to help them in a mutually beneficial relationship. Micro-networking is about working smarter rather than harder, so it’s important that this message comes across in your blog post. Micro-networking can help you make valuable connections without attending endless networking events or reaching out blindly. It’s all about finding those few people who can propel your music career forward!
These people don’t need to be in the music business – and it’s probably better if they are not – choose people from any area of your life to apply the micro-networking technique.
The concept focuses on finding a few people who can help push your career forward and creating a roadmap to connect with them in mutually beneficial relationships. Micro-networking can be done using tools like LinkedIn, LunchClub, and Threads, which allow you to experiment with meeting and chatting with people without having to leave home or expend too much energy.
This technique is especially beneficial for introverts who don’t enjoy networking events.
By focusing on micro-networking, artists can take advantage of bigger opportunities without attending endless networking events or contacting people at random. Micro-networking allows you to make valuable connections while working smarter rather than harder.
Step 1: Identify 5 achievable goals – 1 Million Followers is NOT a Goal – “As Many people in the WORLD as possible listening is NOT a Goal. Here is an article and a Podcast Ive written to help you (link to bot the article and the podcast on GOALS)
Step 2: Choose the easiest one that scares you the least – if you read the article about goals or listened to te podcast, you will find that you will be in the momentum of it feels do-able and Stopped if it does not
Step 3: Write down exactly what you want and exactly how you can help them
Example 1:
I want to play a unique and amazing private show for a list of VIPS – in a beautiful setting. Record it for social media fodder and use the event to create superfans.
I can help these people by creating an amazing intimate evening of music, art, delicious food in a gorgeous setting and a chance for people to connect with each other outside or a dark club that smells like beer.
- An individual who owns a great space (like a gallery, a studio, a barn, a fantastic garden/ backyard, a great living room, etc.)
- Collaborators (2-3 people) who may also want a VIP show to add a special feature – i.e. a caterer, a baker, a wine or beer tasting, an art show, some amazing lighting, a costume designer, stylist, etc.
- An A/V Team (2-3 people) – a group of people who can help you light, and record the event and use the video for excellent social media posts and the event to connect with potential superfans
- A list of VIPS (15-25 people) – work together to create a killer guest list of people who will support and people who you would love to have as fans in the future.
Total Needed for This Micro Network: Approx. 31 (at the MOST!)
See how 31 people suddenly feels doable and less stressful than trying to reach 42934643894576759394579 people on TikTok or blindly hitting all these shady playlists?
Without Micro Networks, There’s NO Path to real income.
Here’s how much a Spotify Play pays you: $0.003
Musicians always call me, saying, “I want to Monetize!” I want to quit my day job and make music Full-time as a living!” These are impressive goals and when I dove deeper I ask:
Me: “So, what are you focusing on to quit your day job?”
Artist: Playlists.
Me: Playlists?
Artist: Yes – I hired a playlisting company, and now I have 20,000 plays a MONTH!!
Me: That’s Great! How many of those people are on your email list?
Artist: Um, I haven’t sent an email yet – “I think that my host is collecting them somewhere on the backend of my website.”
An Email List IS a Micro Network
Me: OK,🤯 – I see on your website you have no merch for sale, no BandCamp, and no bribe or incentive for anyone to sign up to your email list.
A Website that has a JUICY Offer On It CREATES MICRO Networks.
The beauty of micro-networking is that it can lead to more significant opportunities. Building strong relationships with a few key people can create a ripple effect that opens doors to new opportunities.
Example 2:
I want to build a sustainable digital pathway to sell merch, shows, and items to my fans
So, if you’re looking to take your music career to the next level, consider trying micro-networking. You might be surprised by the results.
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