You Aren’t in the Business of Music

Here’s what you’re really in the business of

This post is part of The Renegade Musician Series.

What are you in the business of?

It might seem like an odd question, but it’s important.

Take a moment to think — what kinds of answers would you instinctually come up with?

“I’m a performer.”

“I’m an entertainer.”

“I’m a songwriter.”

This is all true and well, but friend, you aren’t in the business of performing, entertaining, or writing songs. These may be your primary revenue drivers, sure. But that means performing, entertaining, and writings songs are your products, not your business.

Just in case — you are not in the business of music, either. And this is not a trick question.

Am I in the coaching business because I sell coaching? Or am I in the info-product business because I have books and courses? What about the web development or graphic design work I do?

Hold the phone — do I have multiple businesses?

Again, we’re talking about products and services, not the business I’m in.

Give up yet?

Turns out, we are all in the same business. We’re in the business of marketing.

We should all have products and services. They are the crystallization of the value we offer. They should be packaged, bundled up, and priced to offer the best possible experience for our customers.

But having products makes no difference. I have plenty of products. Many of them don’t sell daily, let alone on a monthly or annual basis.

Don’t you have music releases no one listens to? Case closed. You’re not in the business of recording, gigging, or merchandise. I’m not in the business of coaching programs, online courses, or independent music campaigns.

We’re all in the business of marketing. So, we need to develop ourselves into strong marketers.

This may seem intimidating, but it can also be a rebirth of sorts. Today can be the first day you acknowledge yourself as a marketer. Because without marketing, there are no customers, and without customers, you’re not going to have an income. The income is in the marketing.

The best music in the world will reach no one without marketing, except maybe on a fluke.

If you want to separate yourself from the pack, accept that you are in the business of marketing.

Take advantage of The Most Incredible Back to School Sale while you still can.

Originally published at https://musicentrepreneurhq.com on October 1, 2022.