D.I.Y.

Building Your Team Part 2: Help From Your Fans

DailyDIY
FOR THE INDIE IN ALL OF US –
Yesterday's column covered the importance of an artist or small label building their team even before they are able attract a manager or agent. Dividing tasks among band members and taking inventory of the resources available from friends and family is the place to start, but the next source of help often comes directly from fans.

Organizing fans into street teams to help promote the band both offline (posters, flyers) and online (web banners, emails, comments on blogs and in discussion groups) is the most obvious way to harness their enthusiasm. But building and running a street team can be very time consuming. Luckily, it's also one of the best tasks for one your supporters.  Many uber-fans enjoy being part of a community of fellow fans almost as much as the love the band itself. So, what better place is there to interact with fellow fans than heading the street team. Make the title "official" and they'll wear it as a badge of honor.

Take a survey of your fans asking what skills they can offer in exchange for thanks and some free tickets. Other artists have gotten free used laptops and a vacation house to rehearse for a new album in addition to legal, accounting, graphic design and other goods and services.

A Word Of Caution

Fans like all volunteers can come and go.  You should do all you can to reward and praise them publicly, but they're still volunteers with their own lives. Don't ask them to do too much and never leave them in control of your destiny.

More than one band web site has gone without updates because the only person able to do it was an unreachable fan/volunteer who had just moved to another city with her new boyfriend.  So whatever tasks you assign to others, make sure you retain ownership and have all of the needed passwords and documentation.

Next: Better Ways To Share Responsibility

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1 Comment

  1. Interns are great too. We’ve worked with interns from the University of Georgia music business program for the last couple of years. It’s a great way to learn how to manage people too, which is skill that requires it’s own learning curve. We have also had some fans offer deliver press kits to concert presenters in their area. This was always their idea (the fan) and not ours. If they show the initiative, we give them the tools!! (PS>>This has lead to positive results and bookings for us every time.) Also, the word of caution above is very true! It’s important not to try to turn someone into something they’re not. It can be a huge waste of time and lead to stress. Street teamers (in our experience) seem to be best suited for things that are very simple and convenient for them. Like forwarding concert info. and spreading the word online…

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