Music Promotion Link Love Train

Thanks to the following bloggers, artists, and media sources who mentioned me, quoted me, recommended me, or reprinted one of my articles last month:

Top 11 Music Business Books and Resources

Top 50 Best Blogs of 2008 Award

Celtic Harp Music by Anne Roos

Derek Sivers 7 Rules of Marketing

Do It Yourself Interviews

The Art of Creating Raving Fans and a Thriving Music Career!

Music Connection

I appreciate the kind words!

-Bob

Check out Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook, the classic guide to indie music promotion. Now revised and updated, with four new chapters on Internet and Web 2.0 music marketing.

What Is Your Purpose With Music (and Life)?

Ever wonder what your grand purpose with music and life is? This message will give you some perspective and inspiration.

My pal David Feder, a Florida-based guitarist known for his "Hillbilly Flamenco" style, wrote this in an email to fans a few months back:

"Because of the ego's trappings, it is often hard to distinguish our personal desires from true good ...

"Sometimes I think I should be working for more global, bigger concerns: Cancer society, AIDS research, world hunger, peace, animal rights, etc. And I do often participate in those.

"And sometimes I think that time used supporting the arts in my little corner of the planet may not be the best way to give.

"Then I think about what my natural talents actually are and start seeing clearly again. I do believe that a big part of my purpose here truly is to help the present and the future by bringing art and music into the lives of people, or even one person.

"And maybe this is a slower route, not so grand and noble and earth shaping. But sharing artistic experience and exposure to the arts will build a healthier minded, more compassionate, more tolerant, less ethnocentric future society, right? And maybe that will make it a little easier for the big Earth shapers to have their effect realized.

"One of the most difficult problems in human experience is learning how to see things from other people's point of view, instead of thinking only of and for oneself.

"Many very smart people don't do this very well. But adding this ability to the working mind is like adding tin to copper. The result is bronze, which is so much harder that it seems like a different metal."

Awesome words of wisdom!

Yes, I believe everyone has within them a calling -- a talent, a skill, an ability, or an instinct that is meant to serve others.

Some people live their mission as musicians, authors, artists, and actors. Others reveal their calling by being teachers, scientists, administrators, or chefs.

In the ongoing pursuit for "more," it's easy to beat yourself up for not doing more for global causes like David mentioned: hunger, world peace, disease, poverty, the environment.

But it's important to realize that everyone serves humanity in different ways. Some on a worldwide scale; some just in their immediate communities. Some for massive goals to erase suffering in the world; others to simply bring a little light to a small group of fans.

Perhaps your gift is fun party music that brings euphoria to people who experience it for a few hours. That's serving your mission.

Or maybe you create music that helps stressed-out adults relax and renew. That's a valuable contribution as well.

So is punk rock, blues, rockabilly, techno, film scores, and more.

What's your gift? How do you use it to serve others -- on whatever level that may be?

Focus on that. Then let all your marketing goals and action steps flow from that mission.

Do that and you just might find your music and life filled with greater purpose and accomplishment.

-Bob

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Get your FREE copy of my Music Marketing Secrets special report. It shows you how to get more exposure, attract more fans, and sell more music! Go here to grab your copy now ...

Happy New You! in 2009

A week ago, I hope you celebrated the first day of 2009. But now, 7 days later, I encourage you to celebrate again by wishing you a ...

Happy New You!

Yes, you read that right. It's my way of reminding you that it's a new year and a fresh opportunity to create the life you are meant to live.

I'm pretty psyched about what the new year holds in store. Despite what the headlines proclaimed about the global economy, I had a wonderful 2008, with so many great experiences. I'm so grateful.

2009 holds the potential to be even more -- for you and me. I encourage you to break through the recession mentality of last year, step forward, and shine more of your light on the world.

That's really what living an authentic life is all about.

You have musical gifts and talents to share. Don't hide them. Don't play small. Don't deny people a chance to enjoy your music and enrich their lives because of it.

Are you serious about your music, and do you desire to pursue it as more than just a part-time hobby? Then you have an obligation to develop your craft and serve others (meaning your fans and supporters) with your talents.

So commit to making 2009 the year of your musical comeback tour -- even if you're just starting out.

Try this quick exercise:

Close your eyes and project yourself (mentally, of course) 12 months into the future. Imagine it's New Year's Eve at the end of this current year. Really do this.

Now look back on the past 12 months of 2009. See how far you've come with your music. Think about all the new songs you've written and recorded, the growing number of fans you now have, and the impact you are having on their lives.

Now come back to the present day. Then get busy making that future vision a reality.

It can happen. It should happen. And it will happen. You deserve it!

But it won't happen without effort on your part. You have to take action to make your ideal life a reality. You have to interact with the world and keep your eyes open for new opportunities that arise as a result.

Are you ready? Will this be your year? I think so.

Like I said at the beginning ...

Happy New You!

-Bob

P.S. My third and final "New Year's Prosperity Plan" workshop comes to St. Louis, MO, this Saturday, Jan. 10. Get details here.

Will you attend the Noorderslag conference in the Netherlands next week? If so, look for me. I'll speak there next Thursday afternoon on Internet music marketing.

Want some new tools and inspiration to turbo-charge your career in 2009? Check out all the books, audio programs, special reports, and other resources on this page.

Quincy Jones on Music Career Success

There's a great interview with music legend Quincy Jones in the January issue of Success magazine. As you may know, Jones is an American music impresario, conductor, record producer, arranger, film composer, and trumpeter. In the article he shares some timeless keys to success.

During five decades in the entertainment industry, Jones has earned a record 79 Grammy Award nominations (with 27 Grammy wins). He is perhaps best known as the producer of Michael Jackson's Thriller album, which has sold 104 million copies, and as the producer and conductor of the charity song "We Are the World."

Here are three gems on success from the article:

1) Combine your emotional passion with concrete work and education

Jones points out that the dictionary is the only place where "success" precedes "work" -- because it's alphabetical. "You have to get off your butt and do it," he says. "You have to have a core skill and study all aspects of it. The emotional side will drive you, but the science is what will prepare you."

2) Let obstacles become your inspiration

Like most success stories, Jones has had his share of challenges -- financial failures, a near-fatal cerebral aneurysm, etc. He says when faced with such dilemmas, everyone has a choice in how to deal with them.

"You can see darkness or light," he says. "I've always chosen light."

3) Success is sweetest if it expands over a lifetime

Jones has immersed himself in a wide variety of roles and styles within music. And at age 75, he has no plans of slowing down. Don't limit yourself to one area of expertise, he suggests. Expand, grow and explore throughout your entire life and career.

Wise lessons from a music industry veteran!

-Bob

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Get your FREE copy of my Music Marketing Secrets special report. It shows you how to get more exposure, attract more fans, and sell more music! Go here to grab your copy now ...

Don't Read This Blog Post! And I Mean It!

Stop Reading This!

Really. Just close up this page and walk away from your computer.

Why?

Because ... haven't you heard the news? The major media institutions are crumbling because of you.

The Tribune company filed for bankruptcy. Daily newspapers, network television companies, even the almighty Clear Channel is struggling.

And it's all your fault!

Okay, the sluggish economy is causing advertisers to cut back. That's one factor. But there's a bigger reason for this collapse. And it isn't because nobody reads anymore.

The truth: Consumers like you are now getting your news and entertainment online.

That's right. Instead of relying on network TV and cable, you're now watching more stuff on YouTube or downloading it to your iPod or cell phone.

The places you used to get your news (radio, TV, and newspapers) are now being abandoned in favor of a crazy array of new information sources: blogs, podcasts, Twitter feeds, Google News alerts, and more.

Heck, PC Magazine just killed off its print edition and is going to a strictly online format.

So, to stop the madness, the solution is simple ...

Just stop getting informed through all these newfangled channels and go back to what worked in the past -- traditional media sources.

Right?

Or is there another way to look at this? Hmm ...

OK. Joke's over. Pardon my December Fool's prank. But there's a point here:

You need to embrace these changes!

What does that mean? It means you should ...

STOP being obsessed with getting traditional media exposure. If you can get it, great. But make radio, TV, magazines, and daily newspapers just part of your overall strategy.

START getting comfortable with your own place in the online world. Get over the "I don't have time to blog" mentality or the "Twitter is stupid" attitude.

STOP spewing out the "Marketing is expensive" scapegoat. It's not -- IF you embrace the new social media. It takes time and effort, yes. But money, no.

START sharing yourself online and having fun with your marketing and sales activities. Make it part of the creative process, not a sad chore that is required.

So, should you really stop reading this blog? No. Please come back and continue to get ideas and inspiration here.

But if you're ready to get busy and create your own online content for your fans to consume ... By all means, stop reading and go DO IT!

-Bob

Join me for a New Year's Prosperity Plan workshop ...

"How to Beat the Recession, Reach Your Creative Goals, and Thrive in 2009!"

Coming to these cities:

San Francisco, CA - Saturday, December 27
Los Angeles, CA - Saturday, January 3
St. Louis, MO - Saturday, January 10

A powerful hands-on workshop for songwriters, musicians, authors, writers, artists, actors, and anyone with a creative entrepreneurial bone in their body.

Get more details on the New Year's Prosperity Plan workshop here.

14 Incredibly Useful Music Links: Listen to This Blog Post

Here's a special audio version of my long-running Buzz Factor ezine. Click the play button as I talk about the various links below. You can also download the MP3 of this audio using this link.


Blip.tv's great tutorial on producing online video. Covers pre-production and planning, shooting video, recording audio, lighting, editing techniques, and more.

Also see Seesmic.com and 12seconds.tv.

The Hype Machine follows music blog discussions. Great site to discover the most prominent music blogs.

RockStarLifeLessons.com is an awesome blog from my friend Carla Hall. Check out the Reading Room and these posts:
A Hustler's Guide to Gig Promotion
How to Leave Your Day Gig
Motown's Secrets of Success - DIY Style

iGoogle dashboard article by Christopher Penn

Google's new Friend Connect - turn your site into a social networking center. Watch the Google Friend Connect video

New on Artist Empowerment Radio Podcast:

Jana Stanfield on Getting Paid What You're Worth

Wedding Gigs and Lucrative Niche Markets for Musicians

Bob's New Year's Prosperity Plan workshop coming to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and St. Louis, MO.

33 Social Media Music Sites - includes iLike, PureVolume, Last.fm, iMeem, ProjectPlaylist, and more.

NPR article on Dallas Green: Boosting Music Sales, one blog and MP3 file at a time

The Slow Build Approach to Book Marketing

FullTimeAuthor.com - for writers, authors and independent book publishers

Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook

Killer Music Web Site Design

Ask Bob Music Marketing Teleclass - Nov 2008

70 Ways to Promote and Sell Your Music on the Internet

Killer Music Press Kits

Crash Course packages on Music Marketing, Music Publicity, and Internet Promotion

3rd annual Holiday Video from Bob, Pooki and Kelli. Embarrassing? You decide. (Watch the high quality version, if you can - look for the link under the screen.)

The much-loved 2007 Jingle Bell Rock video

The 2006 family holiday video that started it all. (Look how young Kelli looks there.)

Thanks for listening and clicking.

I hope your holiday season is filled with joy, laughter and love.

-Bob

Look Who's Talking About Me Now

Thanks to the following bloggers and webmasters who mentioned me, quoted me, or reprinted one of my articles last month:

How to be a Smokin’ Hot Piece of Brain Candy

7 Reasons to Go Indie!

Advertising Tips for Using MySpace, Part 3

Voting, viral marketing and Music 2.0?

I'm back!

The Bob Baker Experiment

What's Wrong with 'American Idol'?

Firmly resolving ...

The Slow Build Approach to Book Marketing

How to Finish and Publish a Book

Why Book Promotion Is Like Dating

Bob Baker: conseils

I appreciate the link love!

-Bob

Check out Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook, the classic guide to indie music promotion. Now revised and updated, with four new chapters on Internet and Web 2.0 music marketing.