Marketing. It’s a vague, distant word for many dancers, something that companies and corporations do, right? Not any more.
So many businesses and dance companies fail every year (the statistics are pretty depressing so we won’t go there). I have a hunch that often this has to do with more energy and resources allocated to producing, only leaving the left overs to marketing. I have first-hand experience with this.
I came to New York City ten years ago with $5,000 dollars in my pocket, without contacts, family, or even a job. I thought, like everyone else, that if I just worked really hard and put my best work out there, that I would succeed, that somehow, people would find me and want to work with me. If I just kept getting better, somehow just putting that energy out there would get me jobs and allow me to pay my rent. Yeah… no.
I got smart after my kids were born. I got a business coach. I started working the marketing. I hustled like I never thought possible (yes, while being sleep deprived and changing diapers, too!). I learned as much as I could about business. I got help. I read and I talk to other business owners about marketing strategies. And slowly, over time I built a business.
Dancers and dance companies are not any different.
I have come away after the last many years of being a pro photographer, appalled at the lack of business classes offered when I was in college. There were certainly none offered to me as a dancer and dance student.
But today is different. We are living in the world of social media.
Let’s face it, dancers don’t make a ton of money. I’ve been there. I know what your world is. So I’m committed to dancers and dance companies who need to maximize the hard work, time and investment you have spent getting to where you are.
How can I help?
I’m going to start posting on this blog resources for your own personal marketing. Let’s make it easy, let’s make it a little bit fun, and let’s keep you all moving toward success.
Today, I want to introduce you to important marketing ideas while helping you to maximize your time while you are focused on your day-to-day demands and responsibilities with some easy-to-listen-to podcasts that start the marketing conversation.
There are tons of marketing podcasts out there if you just take a minute and these are good ones to get you started.No, none of these are geared specifically toward marketing for dancers or dance companies. But listen closely for those little take-aways that can help you on your path. You never know where the good ideas will come from, and the more you are in the conversation, the more things will start rolling.
Here are some marketing podcasts to help your personal brand or company brand:
Social Media Social Hour
Tyler has several podcasts that are interesting, have a look at his list before downloading to find the best marketing tips for you.
Social Media Marketing Podcast by Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner
Michael Stelzner is the man!
This American Life
This feed is about storytelling, not so much marketing. It’s a crucial tool used in marketing.
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