3 Non-Negotiables To Get Ready For Music Success In 2013!

With a new year right around the corner, it’s more than tempting to procrastinate and think “I’ll get started in 2013.” But there’s no time like the pre-sent (crazy how that words means a “present” as in a gift AND that it is “pre-sent”… hmmmm).

Truth is – when you get into the present moment, you can make great changes or new commitments instead of dragging the past along for the ride. Ditch that sh#t!

What if you revved up for the New Year instead of “wound down?” Maybe that would put a whole new spin on 2013??!!! Yeah baby!!

Here are my top 3 non-negotiables to get on the ASAP list and give you a great boost moving into 2013.

1. Tweet! OK. I know. I hear it all the time —“I freakin’ hate Twitter.” But — listen up guys — and listen MORE THAN BEFORE. Twitter is an amazing platform on which to grow your list faster than any other platform. Fans want insider access to their favorite artists. Facebook Pages are fun to browse and be a voyeur, but don’t quite “feel” as personal as a Twitter account does. You feel like you’re tweeting or texting with a good friend when it’s done right.
   Here’s the Tweeting Formula:Tweet 3x a day for 10 minutes. Post, reply and retweet. Post your own update, reply to something someone says and retweet someone else’s tweet. And respond to every tweet or retweet sent to you. Don’t forget to use hashtags to get in bigger streams. Watch your followers and connections fly! (Crazy thing is, we’ve made more real relationships with people through Twitter than anywhere else this year!)
2. Grow Your List (your Email List silly!) and Uplevel Your Website: Funny, when I ask most artists how big their list is they usually say “what list?” social media? No silly. Your EMAIL LIST. While building numbers and followers on social media is important, those platforms are not to ever replace building your own list on your own website. Especially because as we experienced with MySpace here in the US, if those platforms go away you can’t take that audience with you. Your email list is the most important list to secure a great future. Make your URL easy to remember – your first and last name (or stage name, if applicable). If you already have your own URL maybe NOW is the time for a fresh look or new brand? Keep your website CURRENT so people can FEEL you! (look for our new brand at www.caricole.com this January 2013! :))
3. Uplevel Your Authenticity in 2013. Are you hiding a part of yourself? Guess what? 2013 is the time to let that go. If you’ve ever wanted to just be yourself – now is the time to set yourself free. We are entering into the new age of Love + Harmony – so it’s the perfect time for you to get a head start on that. And having a great photo that reflects the REAL you would be da bomb! Happy 2013 beautifuls!
   Tip for Getting a Great Photo:As much as it would be great to let your music totally speak for itself, having a Killer Photo will do more for you at first glance in attracting your true fans and followers. Image is a HUGE PIECE of a music brand. You’ll want to do tons of research to get just the right photo, don’t leave it up to the photographer completely. Tear pics of photos you like, clothes and images you like (create a Pinterest board). Then work with a stylist and/or go shopping and snap pics. You will want your clothes to match your personality (and jack it up x10 — style for a “persona” is you on steroids). Work with a makeup artist and hair stylist – don’t skimp on this or you’ll waste your money. Some things you might try are: Check out other artists whose pics you like. You may even be able to google “(their name) + photographer” and figure out exactly who they used without asking directly. Another key to finding the right photographer is to ask your network of industry professionals to call upon.

So, there you have it – my list of non-negotiables to jack it up for 2013. Do you have any questions for me? Be sure to listen to the upcoming radio show with stylist to the stars Elsa Isaac. Join us as we talk about how to style your look and persona! (www.artistfirst.com/caricole.htm) Let me hear about it in the comments below!