MONDAY BYTES – October 7, 2013
I regularly work with clients on their promotional materials: CVs, bios, grant proposals, press releases, websites, as well as their interviewing and networking skills.
Typically, musicians approach all of this as though what’s needed is a barrage of puffed up language and lists of awards—to make them “legitimate” to the gatekeepers of the industry.
Unfortunately, with this approach there’s no real disclosure of who the musician is—there’s no distinctive personality, imagination, or wit revealed.
Worse, it’s often a smoke screen attempt to cover up who we believe we really are. Because unfortunately, most us believe we aren’t good enough.
To push beyond the low self-esteem and get at who people really are, I often ask clients to tell me their stories, as in “Tell me about . . .”
- a current project you’re working on that you’re excited about
- the most unusual performances you’ve ever been involved in.
- a time when you felt most satisfied as a musician.
- how fans / colleagues have described your performances.
- what’s most meaningful to you in your work as a musician.
These conversations typically yield a wealth of new material to use in revising promo pieces. And these conversations also help with re-igniting the energy and positive approach needed for networking and interviewing.
Musician stories are almost always fascinating and inspiring. And yes, we all have them. It’s what readers, audiences, employers all want—the REAL you revealed.
In assessing the quality of your current self-promotion materials, the key question is not “how does my stuff compare to that of others?” but instead, “am I revealing who I really am?”
For this week: If your current promo materials aren’t working for you, do the 5 story prompts above and take notes on your answers. Then work that material into your revisions. Note: it can really help to work with a trusted confidant, publicist, or consultant to unpack the best in our stories.
For info on working with me: details are HERE.
Monday Bytes archived posts are HERE.
Dream big, Plan smart, Live well!
