Today is a big day.
I am holding the pink slip to my 2 year old Subaru. I am now completely debt free.
No Credit Cards, No Mtg, No Car payment.
I can now check another thing off "my list"
Putting a line through COMPLETELY DEBT FREE then struck me.
How many people in the world dream of this, but struggle each month to make ends meet only to get further and further behind... They say in America 1/2 of the population has credit card debt and only a 1/3 does not.
I hesitate to share this information, for fear of raising the ire' of my colleagues....
Then, I smiled, realizing I can help add "friends" to the 1/3rd list...
how many big plans do YOU have that NEVER seem to happen.
I know, it's frustrating- it doesn't have to be this way.
I have suffered in the tough times just like everyone else.
Yet, today, I am financially unencumbered!? How does that happen?
Because I created a success plan and STUCK TO IT.
Feeling the urge to go out and buy something frivolous... I splurged and bought a $180 DanElectro guitar- The urge is satisfied, and no debt incurred. win-win.....
Having financial freedom is something everyone deserves. . . don't you think?
When people ask me what I do for a living- " I bring business concepts to creative minds, so they can identify and achieve their success". If you are interested in living debt free- let me help you create a success plan- I can tell you first hand IT WORKS!
Having financial freedom is something everyone deserves. . . don't you think?
I will be in Santa Cruz: June 4-5th and have a few 1 hour consultations still available between performances.
*book your consultation before June 1st and it's only $75.00 ($150 value)-
I support using the following communication tools: Face to Face, Skype, email, texting, carrier pigeon & owls- I am open to what ever works best for YOU.
To schedule your consultation email me at: guitartam@gmail.com
"PROVIDING HEALTHY SOLUTIONS FOR CREATIVE MINDS"
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Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
TV as a free promotional tool
Everywhere you turn you are hearing about the importance of using social media to communicate with your fan base.
In the rush to stay on the technology wave you may overlook a FREE (or very nearly free) promotional tool courtesy of your local cable provider. Yup the same folks that suck $150 out of your bank account each month for high speed internet and cable in most communities offer a free service to the members of it's community called "public access television".
In a nutshell you take a couple of courses to learn how to use the equipment, and you have access to a STUDIO- You can use this as an opportunity to shoot a studio style music video for your promotions kit or web site. Camera's, lights, and microphones all at your disposal.
The possibilities are endless with what you can create- Bear in mind that even public access television has to adhere to FCC guidelines-and existing programming schedules however, you still have a wide scope of possibility available to you.
I want to share with you a very successful example of the PATV model being used by a young entertainer named Vinnie Langdon who took advantage of this free community service and has par laid this into a successful 6 year local television program.
Think about that for a moment MOST television shows don't even make it 6 episodes let alone produce on avg 83 shows A YEAR!!!
The Vinnie Langdon show has featured over 500 episodes and thousands of guests including touring performers from American Idol, Paramore, and actors from Film & TV.
As a guest on the show I have a copy of the program that I can use for promotional purposes- as well as 3 individual song performances that can be re-used for press kits / promo purposes and regular airplay on the local public access channel that broadcasts from Sacramento to Fresno
I turned the camera around and interviewed Vinnie because I applaud his entrepreneurial spirit and to find out how YOU can use public access television to promote your upcoming release- or if your touring hook up with the local public access TV station where your touring.
For more information on your local public access Television check with your local cable provider.
Here is a link to 700 sites for public access Television in California: http://www.communitymedia.se/cat/linksca.htm
If your interested in creative strategies for your success let me help!
Now here is the link to my interview with Vinnie:
In the rush to stay on the technology wave you may overlook a FREE (or very nearly free) promotional tool courtesy of your local cable provider. Yup the same folks that suck $150 out of your bank account each month for high speed internet and cable in most communities offer a free service to the members of it's community called "public access television".
In a nutshell you take a couple of courses to learn how to use the equipment, and you have access to a STUDIO- You can use this as an opportunity to shoot a studio style music video for your promotions kit or web site. Camera's, lights, and microphones all at your disposal.
The possibilities are endless with what you can create- Bear in mind that even public access television has to adhere to FCC guidelines-and existing programming schedules however, you still have a wide scope of possibility available to you.
I want to share with you a very successful example of the PATV model being used by a young entertainer named Vinnie Langdon who took advantage of this free community service and has par laid this into a successful 6 year local television program.
Think about that for a moment MOST television shows don't even make it 6 episodes let alone produce on avg 83 shows A YEAR!!!
The Vinnie Langdon show has featured over 500 episodes and thousands of guests including touring performers from American Idol, Paramore, and actors from Film & TV.
As a guest on the show I have a copy of the program that I can use for promotional purposes- as well as 3 individual song performances that can be re-used for press kits / promo purposes and regular airplay on the local public access channel that broadcasts from Sacramento to Fresno
I turned the camera around and interviewed Vinnie because I applaud his entrepreneurial spirit and to find out how YOU can use public access television to promote your upcoming release- or if your touring hook up with the local public access TV station where your touring.
For more information on your local public access Television check with your local cable provider.
Here is a link to 700 sites for public access Television in California: http://www.communitymedia.se/cat/linksca.htm
If your interested in creative strategies for your success let me help!
Now here is the link to my interview with Vinnie:
http://bit.ly/9rAUwM
Monday, May 10, 2010
Missed Opportunities.....FREE TIPS
Missed opportunities are things that folks are not always aware of. Every day opportunity presents itself, and
knowing when to recognize "opportunities" can be the difference between making a living and barely making it.
I am very regularly given cds and promo packs from aspiring and emerging artists for consideration in various projects.
Recently I posted a note on Facebook-to solicitate performing and performance artists that would be interested in being a featured performer at an upcoming Cougar Rock Show. I am interested in featuring some really unique performers that folks HAVEN"T heard from- not just singer songwriters, but plate spinners, dancers, flame throwers, what ever your schtick is.
I have a box overflowing with cd's as we speak, some very forgetable, and some....well they are outstanding!!
Unfortunatly, there are many missed opportunities here.
I am looking at 5 artists who instead of writing this blog I would rather be calling or emailing to book for an show.
All 5 artists have included: 1 sheets (a bio) headshots, and top quality music I can tell that alot of time and money was spend on not only the cd's but the video's and promo sheets. NONE of these submissions have contact info.!!!!!!!!
This seems unbelievable to me as I scan the packaging cd, NOTHING lot's of words but no contact info. WOW!
It's not that working with ME is going to change a career...It might, but best not to put your eggs all in one basket right?These 5 artists will never know, And MAY even think I blew them off, when honestly I simply don't have the time to drop everything and see if I can find contact info on them on the web since it isn't in their packaging.....ANYWHERE!!!
When you are doing EVERYTHING, writing the songs, performing recording, artwork notes, this and that.... you are SO in the middle of it all, and something so simple gets missed. Only this mistake is preventing you from being heard, and getting work.
This is where in a Music Supervisors or producer's office your CD just got tossed, never to be heard). That's an expensive mistake to make hundreds of times as you mail your promo packages.
Let me save you at least $5,000 in my Free Tip of the Day:
($5,000 is my conservative DIY estimate on the minimal cost of to make a indy cd)
FREE TIP OF THE DAY:
Did you know that MOST (over 90%) of press kits get tossed in the trash? This is THE tool that is your calling card, and the item that booking agents, venue operators, managers, etc ALL use to determine if they will or want to work with you.
Your promo kit does not have to be flashy, or expensive, however it MUST be thoughtfully put together to contain the key ingredients to maximize the opportunity for your music to even be heard!
When you are submitting a promo kit to anyone- You will be a missed opportunity UNLESS you include these things.
1) Contact persons name
2) WebSiite of artist
3) phone number (with area code!!!)
4) email address
Your promo kit is your calling card- You may have heard the expression "you never have a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression" it's true.
PROMO KIT ESSENTIALS:
9 times out of 10 an epk (electronic press kit) is the best way to go, Then your prospective clients click on a link and off we go, no plastic, paper, reams of info to sort through. That doesn't change the fact that the information needs to still be top quality AND COMPLETE. Do NOT handwrite on the cd have EVERYTHING professionally printed, no handwriting ISN"T COOL
when people can't read it. Trust me we can tell it's DIY!
Here's what you need professionally prepared:
1) 1 sheet/BIO (this is a PROFESSIONALLY written, not something YOU wrote *this is your 1st impression make it work.) Concise and to the point.
2) Head shot / Band picture (smart artists have it printed on the back of their bio, )
3) CD/DVD * booking people will not pour over each track put a sticker on the case pointing out the #1 or 2 tracks that you want them to hear. When you are screening CD's you want to get right to the point.
4) VIDEO-even if it is shot on a flip camera- something that shows YOU in a performance setting- You can almost be guarenteed you WILL NOT get booked for a performance UNLESS you do include a video of what you look like live, studio recording make folks sound perfect, it is NOT reflective of what YOUR live show is like.
5) Media clippings / quotes- essential for all professionals.
I have helped many individual artist and bands with putting together or revamping their media kits. Your not part of the competition if your promo kit is in a trash can. You need to be able to diffentiate yourself from anyone else doing what YOU DO.
If your interested in success, and not MISSED OPPORTUNITIES. You can schedule a 1 hr consultation with me to have your promo kit reviewed-or create a career changing success plan.
Tamra Engle is a performing songwriter, musician and social entrepreneur offering strategic marketing promotional consulting & performance coaching for artists & bands to help them succeed in the evolving music and entertainment industries.
You can contact her to move your career forward at www.tamraengle.com
knowing when to recognize "opportunities" can be the difference between making a living and barely making it.
I am very regularly given cds and promo packs from aspiring and emerging artists for consideration in various projects.
Recently I posted a note on Facebook-to solicitate performing and performance artists that would be interested in being a featured performer at an upcoming Cougar Rock Show. I am interested in featuring some really unique performers that folks HAVEN"T heard from- not just singer songwriters, but plate spinners, dancers, flame throwers, what ever your schtick is.
I have a box overflowing with cd's as we speak, some very forgetable, and some....well they are outstanding!!
Unfortunatly, there are many missed opportunities here.
I am looking at 5 artists who instead of writing this blog I would rather be calling or emailing to book for an show.
All 5 artists have included: 1 sheets (a bio) headshots, and top quality music I can tell that alot of time and money was spend on not only the cd's but the video's and promo sheets. NONE of these submissions have contact info.!!!!!!!!
This seems unbelievable to me as I scan the packaging cd, NOTHING lot's of words but no contact info. WOW!
It's not that working with ME is going to change a career...It might, but best not to put your eggs all in one basket right?These 5 artists will never know, And MAY even think I blew them off, when honestly I simply don't have the time to drop everything and see if I can find contact info on them on the web since it isn't in their packaging.....ANYWHERE!!!
When you are doing EVERYTHING, writing the songs, performing recording, artwork notes, this and that.... you are SO in the middle of it all, and something so simple gets missed. Only this mistake is preventing you from being heard, and getting work.
This is where in a Music Supervisors or producer's office your CD just got tossed, never to be heard). That's an expensive mistake to make hundreds of times as you mail your promo packages.
Let me save you at least $5,000 in my Free Tip of the Day:
($5,000 is my conservative DIY estimate on the minimal cost of to make a indy cd)
FREE TIP OF THE DAY:
Did you know that MOST (over 90%) of press kits get tossed in the trash? This is THE tool that is your calling card, and the item that booking agents, venue operators, managers, etc ALL use to determine if they will or want to work with you.
Your promo kit does not have to be flashy, or expensive, however it MUST be thoughtfully put together to contain the key ingredients to maximize the opportunity for your music to even be heard!
When you are submitting a promo kit to anyone- You will be a missed opportunity UNLESS you include these things.
1) Contact persons name
2) WebSiite of artist
3) phone number (with area code!!!)
4) email address
Your promo kit is your calling card- You may have heard the expression "you never have a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression" it's true.
PROMO KIT ESSENTIALS:
9 times out of 10 an epk (electronic press kit) is the best way to go, Then your prospective clients click on a link and off we go, no plastic, paper, reams of info to sort through. That doesn't change the fact that the information needs to still be top quality AND COMPLETE. Do NOT handwrite on the cd have EVERYTHING professionally printed, no handwriting ISN"T COOL
when people can't read it. Trust me we can tell it's DIY!
Here's what you need professionally prepared:
1) 1 sheet/BIO (this is a PROFESSIONALLY written, not something YOU wrote *this is your 1st impression make it work.) Concise and to the point.
2) Head shot / Band picture (smart artists have it printed on the back of their bio, )
3) CD/DVD * booking people will not pour over each track put a sticker on the case pointing out the #1 or 2 tracks that you want them to hear. When you are screening CD's you want to get right to the point.
4) VIDEO-even if it is shot on a flip camera- something that shows YOU in a performance setting- You can almost be guarenteed you WILL NOT get booked for a performance UNLESS you do include a video of what you look like live, studio recording make folks sound perfect, it is NOT reflective of what YOUR live show is like.
5) Media clippings / quotes- essential for all professionals.
I have helped many individual artist and bands with putting together or revamping their media kits. Your not part of the competition if your promo kit is in a trash can. You need to be able to diffentiate yourself from anyone else doing what YOU DO.
If your interested in success, and not MISSED OPPORTUNITIES. You can schedule a 1 hr consultation with me to have your promo kit reviewed-or create a career changing success plan.
Tamra Engle is a performing songwriter, musician and social entrepreneur offering strategic marketing promotional consulting & performance coaching for artists & bands to help them succeed in the evolving music and entertainment industries.
You can contact her to move your career forward at www.tamraengle.com
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
CREATING YOUR VISION WKSHP
GuitarTam Music Business Workshop series
WORKSHOP PT 1: CREATING YOUR VISION
Designed to provide new business executives (in any field) the foundation to achieving maximum success.
This program is designed for Artists & Entrepreneur's who are interested in establishing a strong foundation to build a business plan for their careers.
Do you want to be a successful artist or entrepreneur ?
I have an important question to ask you: what does that success look like to you?
YOU WILL LEARN:
- What is your vision?
*Your vision provides you with direction and is the most important factor in achieving success w/ your music or artistic career.
- Your vision provides you w/ direction
- Helps you achieve success faster!
- Artists w/ established visions stop wasting time & money!
- Your vision is the foundation to your PLAN that you build your success upon.
- Exersises and coaching for YOU to develop your vision
May 5th Mudrakers Café 6:30-7:30pm
2801 Telegraph Ave
Berkeley, CA 94701
Limited to 8 registered participants $25.00 / to pre reg. Guests
Tuition due at beginning of workshop:
To Register: http://www.tamraengle.com/contact.php
For information about your instructor: http://www.tamraengle.com/
WORKSHOP PT 1: CREATING YOUR VISION
Designed to provide new business executives (in any field) the foundation to achieving maximum success.
This program is designed for Artists & Entrepreneur's who are interested in establishing a strong foundation to build a business plan for their careers.
Do you want to be a successful artist or entrepreneur ?
I have an important question to ask you: what does that success look like to you?
YOU WILL LEARN:
- What is your vision?
*Your vision provides you with direction and is the most important factor in achieving success w/ your music or artistic career.
- Your vision provides you w/ direction
- Helps you achieve success faster!
- Artists w/ established visions stop wasting time & money!
- Your vision is the foundation to your PLAN that you build your success upon.
- Exersises and coaching for YOU to develop your vision
May 5th Mudrakers Café 6:30-7:30pm
2801 Telegraph Ave
Berkeley, CA 94701
Limited to 8 registered participants $25.00 / to pre reg. Guests
Tuition due at beginning of workshop:
To Register: http://www.tamraengle.com/contact.php
For information about your instructor: http://www.tamraengle.com/
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