Cari, Who Have You Helped Who Went On To Make Millions?

by Cari Cole

 

 

That was the question he asked, by email no less.

 

We’re in the middle of launching our annual Fast Forward Program + Blueprint and in the flurry of emails that go out to let our list know, there’s always a few disgruntled responses – and I totally get it!!! That’s why we do our best to keep it to a minimum and always give away free content to give our insiders real value. Grab yours here while it’s up.

 

But I wanted to share the exchange with you because it got me thinking, did he know what he was asking? Is success really about the “millions”?

 

Here’s how it went.

 

I was in the middle of writing this blog and in popped an email from someone on our list. I could tell he typed in a hurry because there was no “hello there, or nice to meet you” but just this comment:

 

“who have you helped that went on to make millions?”

 

How could I let that lay? For many reasons.

 

Here’s how it went (I’ve changed the name to protect the “dissonant”):

 

ROB: “Seriously If I could afford your advice I still wouldn’t take it. Why would you be teaching instead of furthering your own career…who have you helped anyway? I don’t see a list of peeps who have taken what you offer and made millions.”

 

CARI: “Sorry to have somehow offended you? Normally I would not even respond to an email like this – but why are you on my list? Obviously you were getting something?

 

Secondly – The myth that teachers teach because they can’t do is a lie. I’ve already released a very successful record (35,000 units sold and 6 figures of digital sales) and will probably one day release another just because – not because I have to.

 

Thirdly – I have been a secret weapon for many, many big names in the entertainment industry and many successful artists without the big names. I share some of that on my website – if you had ever visited there; besides the large numbers of indie artists, musicians and producers whom I have as much as doubled their income as a result of working with me. I really am not out to bother you – all you have to do is update your preferences to unsubscribe.”

 

ROB: “No I never signed up…..I just went to the AES show in NYC at Javitz. Next thing I know I get 3 emails a day and I never even open ‘em….I open a few months ago to unsubscribe at least 6 times I have done this…..I opened this morning to repeat…….didn’t mean to offend anyone I assumed it was just a service that never actually opening email just logging addresses to send out more…”

 

CARI: “That’s weird. We don’t show at AES. I wouldn’t have randomly added you. Ann – can you be sure Rob is unsubscribed?”

 

ROB: “Perhaps an association with someone or something at AES…..weird yes…..either way. Sorry if I got crappy in my e-mail”

 

CARI: “It’s ok – happens to the best of us 😉”

 

(the last two exchanges were my favorite two – I mean really?)

 

But it got me thinking. And later on in the day I thought about what I didn’t even get to…

 

Are we so far gone as a culture that we only equate success with millions? (Sad but true.) And isn’t music for everyone and about setting people free? The antithesis of greed right? In the greatest periods of rock and roll and music history, great music that changed the world was never about the “money.” It was always about great music and money came as a result. We’ve got to get our priorities straight.

 

But I know what he was really asking — why should he or anyone take MY advice? Well, that I can answer and then there’s always Google to do your research.

 

Here’s my top 5 reasons why you might want to let me help you:

 

1. Artists have gained placements in film and TV as a result of my advice.

 

2. Artists have signed production, management and record deals as a result of my guidance.

 

3. Artists have more than quadrupled their following as a result of taking my program Fast Forward. Watch

what Sara Skinner says right here.

 

4. Artists and music coaches have more than doubled their income as a result of my coaching.

 

5. Artists are making better records and releasing stronger brands as a result of the detailed advice given in my programs. I could show before and afters, but that wouldn’t be nice ;).

 

6. Because I’ve sold over 35,000 records without even touring, and you can too – not without the right brand and strategy though. Click here for my recent teleclass replay on building a smart strategy. And click here to hear my niche record marketed to readers of The Four Agreements, the NY Times bestseller my record was endorsed by the author and whom co-wrote the title track.

 

And honestly, is it really about the famous artists? I mean I get it, I used to train with a vocal coach that taught stars and that was important to me too. But, most of those coaches did not make those artists, they just helped them. And when it comes to helping, I think it’s even more crucial to help the underdog, the emerging artist, the sincere independent artist who is trying to rise and works hard trying to make a difference – that’s who needs the help.

 

There’s more to a successful career than the fame. Mainly having a solid fanbase, and an artistically satisfying career that touches people and enriches their lives with meaning and substance. And yes, only a few make it to millionaire status, but that isn’t the only career worth having, and careful what you ask for, it could be a real albatross around your neck.

 

Join me this August for a 3 month online branding + marketing program that’s guaranteed to knock

your indie artist socks off.