Mobile Marketing Can Level the Playing Field in the Music Industry

Some people who dare to dream or aspire to be great balk when I present the idea of Mobile Marketing to them. My question is why? Why wouldn't someone want a more rounded approach to marketing themselves? The idea is to get your name out there to as many people as possible. I like to use the term, covering all your bases. In this case it would be utilizing all the media tools available for you to use. If you are not using all of them to some degree, you are missing out on building a larger and more adoring fan base.

One question that I often get asked is, Why would I want to pay for a service like Text Marketing when Facebook and Twitter are free? You can't beat free advertising right? Well, Mobile Marketing is not designed to compete with Facebook and Twitter. It is a tool to be used in addition to them. It's a tool to be integrated into a complete marketing program designed to maximize your exposure to the greatest amount of people possible. That's how you become a star. That's how you make sure people are talking about you. Once they're talking about you and thinking about you, your goal is to make sure they never stop!

Let me add that contrary to what many believe, not everyone is crazy, active, or savvy about Facebook or Twitter. You have to literally reach out to the others. Market and build your empire and they will come.

Text Message marketing is not just for the big record labels, or the big time artist management teams. Text marketing is not expensive to the aspiring artist either. All major superstars incorporate Mobile Marketing, Twitter, and Facebook. Some additional examples of marketing tools are Radio advertising, Print ads like in Newspapers, or magazines, even Flyers and I'm telling you, all the superstars are using each of these marketing and advertising tools more or less in an overall approach to keep their names fresh on the minds of their fans. I'm telling you, it is wise to incorporate some form of each tool into an overall marketing campaign.

Personalities like Rihanna, and Beyonce use it. Many rock bands use text marketing with great success too. The main point I want to make here are that each of these artists use an overall marketing approach and you can do it to. Of course they do it on another level but remember, a snowball doesn't automatically start out large when it begins to roll. It becomes bigger and bigger as it's moving along and as you grow in popularity, you will also be advancing to another level as you're moving along. Got it?

For some eye popping statistics on Mobile Marketing and ideas on how Mobile Marketing can be integrated into a complete Marketing campaign visit my blog http://www.mobile4boom.blogspot.com/

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Playing the Guitar As a Hobby in a Down Economy

Although a bad economy may have some negative effects, a lot of people realize that there may be a lot to learn from a positive outlook in life. Throughout the years, there have been some interesting findings in terms of the music industry and music equipment. There are many factors including financial, emotional and economic influences which determine how we feel on a daily basis. Musicians have known for years that playing music plays an important role in living a higher quality of life.

Since they have been around for centuries, guitar playing is an important pastime for a lot of people. Although professional musicians make a living playing their instruments, the majority of musicians play as a hobby and enjoy entertaining others. Whether rich or poor, people feel the need to connect with each other and music has filled the need for many in both good times and bad.

One of the most influential genres of music emerged from some of the absolute toughest times in modern history. Take blues for example. The blues emerged from the hardships endured by generations of African-American slaves which has evolved over time to encompass varying styles and modifications. Guitar playing, to these hardworking musicians was a method of expression which, even in hard economic times, allowed people to connect and press on in tough times. While the initial founders of blues were mostly poor, the music industry and world as a whole has greatly benefitted from these pioneers.

Although the blues originated from mostly desperate times, there have been recent years where pop music has been dominated by loud guitars and heavy tones. Take the 1980's for instance. There was an abundance of excess from the guitar players and musicians during that time. Rock music often consisted of extravagant, live stage performances with crazy charismatic characters and wild wardrobes. No expense was spared in putting on a performance involving pyrotechnics and bizarre costumes. The tone of the music was different, too. Songs were written by guitar players involving fast cars, living on the edge, drugs and alcohol, not to mention an extreme lifestyle.

Buying patterns can be different among various economic conditions. When times are good, one might want to choose a guitar as an upgrade for an existing guitar or may choose to buy out of want as opposed to need. A guitar player may have grown up playing a 6 string guitar, however, may decide to take on an additional instrument such as a bass guitar.

When economic conditions are less than favorable, the thought process may be a little different. If one is looking for an alternate, cost effective hobby, investing in a guitar may prove wise considering how inexpensive guitars have become. A high quality electric or acoustic guitar could last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Not only does playing the guitar provide for personal growth and enjoyment, but can also lead to higher self esteem and a sense of accomplishment by dedicating efforts in honing your skill. When considered against other hobbies such as movie going or dining out, a guitar can make excellent economic sense.

Even in varying economic times, music has played a critical role in improving the lives of millions. Playing the guitar can be a great hobby or can be developed into something much more personal and financially rewarding. There are a number of scenarios where guitar players turned to music and began a quest to master their guitar playing skills during financially struggling moments. While some were requested with personal growth and higher self esteem, there are others who went on to make a career out of playing their instrument. With strong desire and dedication, even the most desolate times can turn into an industry changing experience through creativity.

Read this Schecter Guitar Review, for tips and further information about a versatile or read this article for advice on Choosing a Les Paul or Stratocaster

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Living the Music, Playing the Game, and Running the Business

The stereotype of a rock star, a country singer, or a superstar musician of our time seems to be one of the ultimate late-night partier, drug user, and manically depressed creative genius. In the case of a man, he's usually considered a sex symbol, with women everywhere, throwing their bodies at him. And then there is the rest of the band, and the groupies who follow them around. Yes that is one side of the music business, but there's a lot more to it than just playing the game.

You see music is a business first and foremost, and therefore excellent marketing and branding is often highlighted promoting such an image, which may or may not be correct behind the scenes. There are many musicians who are at the top of their field who don't do drugs at all, can't stand them, and they're happily married and faithful, believe it or not. And they are often some of the most successful, because they are acting or rather just playing the part, but they are living the music, not the stereotypical life style, and there's a big difference my friends.

Now then, I not one to disappoint all you rockers out there, and there was one famous rock star who once said; "for those about to rock, I salute you." But let's not be naive about the whole thing or the image branding of a rock star. It is much more about marketing than it is necessarily a reality. That's not to say that there are not Meteoric rises to fame and fortune, it does happen. But most of those who become the great rock stars have put in at least a decade the prior, and they have to treat it like a business to even get to that level.

The true creative genius who is living the music, is one with the lyrics, and feels the fiery emotion and passion is not a normal member of society. Their minds are in fire with creativity, they see things and feel things that most people never will, and they've been given the talent genetically, or developed it over a long period of time in such a way that they can convey that in their music to all of us.

It's very unusual to find business savvy, creative genius, and the rock star mentality all in one person. However they do exist, and you'd be surprised, but don't assume everyone is like that. Indeed, I hope you will please consider this next time you buy or download one of your favorite songs. Think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 23,333 articles by May 26, 2011 is difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off..

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You Could Make More Money Writing and Playing Commercial Jingles

Indeed, I must say I applaud all the garage startup bands of all the teenagers across this great nation who'd like to break into the music industry. As an entrepreneur it makes me smile, as I see they are serious, and they all have big dreams of becoming big-name musicians or rock stars. It is that energy, and way of thinking that makes America great.

Of course just like every little league baseball player will not grow up to be a major league baseball player, some of them will. Statistically yes, the odds are stacked against them, but you can't tell that to a group of teenagers who are pursuing their dream, and we all know you have to believe to achieve. Still, many of these young guitarists, drummers, and vocalists don't realize that they could actually make more money, and have a much better chance for success writing, playing, and producing commercial jingles for corporations.

In fact, the way it stands now with all the small businesses operating online, and all the multimedia content online, every business, big and small needs a commercial jingle to go along with their marketing and branding. They all need professionally done YouTube videos to put onto their website because we live in the information age and people wish to be entertained, and the businesses which can deliver that, will be pleased to see the consumers and customers responding with purchases - especially this new generation.

Interestingly enough, I was at Starbucks last year and I talked to a couple of teenagers who were sitting outside with their guitars and they had a small band, and I told them that they should write commercial jingles and go selling business to business offering to record something trendy and cool for each company owner. I later saw them a few weeks ago, well, at least two of the members of that band, and I guess there'd been some changeover so there were new people involved now, but those two thanked me for the advice, and had actually made a few thousand dollars writing jingles for local companies in our area.

Now then, with that money they were able to buy better equipment, recording studio time, and some electronics; synthesizing equipment to help with their future music projects. Okay so, they are still working on cutting a second CD and signing with a second level music label, and I'm sure that day will come because these kids are serious.

However, they also know they need to make money in the meantime, and they know there are lots of companies that need commercial jingles, until they can totally break into the big time and/or can perhaps sell a commercial jingle to a major corporation for some real money. Indeed, it is my sincere hope you will please consider all this and think on it. Don't ever give up on your dream, but consider other ways to make money while chasing it. Please think on this.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.worldthinktank.net/ - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.

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