Fans
I'm not there yet, but I know I have supporters all along the continuum from radio listeners to the Holy Grail: True Fans (yes, with capitals.)
Since I'm a songwriter and musician, among other things, I hear the word "fan" and think of my relationship with the artists I love. Music fandom neatly matches the level of connection I have with y'all.
It's a series of concentric circles. Each of you influences my life and thinking. The closer you are to the center, the more you're part of my life.
This isn't about money, by the way. Folks at the center make a greater financial investment, but without every ring of the target, the whole thing would be impossible.
Levels of Fandom
Listening Free
While the rest of the world ignores the artist, fans start by listening to their music on the radio. It's free and requires no commitment but a little time. Despite the fact that no money has changed hands, no artist can survive without fans listening.
My fans read my blog. They follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
Buying the Single
For a tiny investment a listener can commit, not necessarily to the artist, but to a part of the artist's work. The leap from listening free to shelling out even a modest amount, whether it's .99 or your email address, makes the difference between passive listeners and active fans.
Some of my readers will take the small step of sharing their email address in exchange for my free report.
Buying the Album
If we connect, not just with a single song, but with the artist's ability, we buy their cds, read the lyrics, care about the physical souvenir of their music.
Fans who want a tangible sample of my philosophies can buy one of my books, whether printed, electronic, or audio.
T-Shirts and Posters
Some of us go beyond appreciating the art and identify with the artist. Whether it's their poster on the bedroom wall, the t-shirt we're wearing or a decal in the window of the car, we want others to identify us with the artist.
Fans who need more can work with me on their website, their book, their business, developing something they can use for their own business.
Going to the Concert
So far we've connected with the art, the ideas, the personality. But those who want to connect with the artist themselves show up in person. It's a considerably greater investment in time, money and effort. For true fans the live experience is worth it.
I offer a one-time coaching call for $75 for fans who want some one-on-one time to see how I can help them, but without the commitment of a long-term coaching relationship.
Waiting at the Stage Door for an Autograph
Shifting from one-way to two-way interaction some fans need to talk to the artist even for the moment it takes to get an autograph. They are willing to wait around, sometimes for hours, for a chance to look them in the eye and get something personal in return.
You won't have to wait hours to speak to me at one of my speaking events. I commit to being available for as long as it takes to answer all questions, to spend time with every attendee who has a question or comment.
Backstage Pass
The Holy Grail of music fan-dom is the opportunity to connect personally with the artist. True fans would do anything for some one-on-one time.
While I work with a limited number of clients, I'd always like to speak to you to see if we're a good match. I want to help.