Be my Friend? - Why to friend or follow within Social Media

This week once again, the do's and don'ts of social media has come to the forefront of my life. I addressed the issue for bands and musicians in 7 tips for Bands on my other blog - Renagades Music. Actually the tips there can be used by all, even those in eCommerce. This here is to address a big issue within social media that still need addressing or clarifying.

To Follow or Not to Follow
      call it what you want - Follow (Twitter), Friend (MySpace and Facebook) , Like (Facebook), connect (linkedin), the question is WHY are you following them?

1. I know Them through other websites
2. I know them personally
3. I want/need more friends ( Followers etc) and need them to follow back
4. I need for them to buy - promote - or otherwise help me succeed
5. They are Famous
6. I like what they say and what to hear more

Really the only correct answer is number 6. I know, you are saying WTH?? (What The Heck??). But it is true. Whomever you persue - you better like what the say. At least, respect what they say or do. Now, not saying not to accept a friend request, or not to follow back etc anyone that approaches you, what I am saying is when you initiate the friendship, etc, you are saying, "I like what you offer - tell me more"

For Example - I am all about music - I sell music - I promote musicians - I have a DJ and Karaoke Service. If you follow me, expect alot of music related stuff and fully expect me to tell you what is up with the musicians I promote. Know that , among other things, I am going to chat about music. Now, I will chat about tons of other things, and offer up anything I think my friends and followers will like, and I will help them promote up their things too, but my main focus is music. So the choice is yours, like music, love music - follow. I will friend you back.

Now, I am not saying don't friend your family, real world friends etc - By all means do. They should know you well enough to know what you are like, and still like you anyway. But for expanding your reach in promoting yourself, or your business, reach out to those that you are actually interested in.

In Social Media, often it is not what you carry to the table, but what it is you walk away with.

Selling Circus takes a musical approach with Monk

The challenges of marketing, promoting and branding affect more that just merchants, it is a hurdle for musicians as well. The big name stars have a slew of people handling that for them, so well that they can be arrested and still come out smelling like a rose and making money. But what about the Indie musicians? Many do not have the funds to hire an entorage of high dollar PR people, so they end up doing this on their own, much like the small sellers.

Tonght on the Selling Circus, you can hear how Monk, an Indie Musician, has been doing just that.

Monk has released his Debut CD, 'Damaged Music for Damaged People' this month, and will be discussing not only the creative aspects his music, but the business end of it as well.

AuctionWally has given me the honor of co-hosting this special show with him. Although I have been a guest of the Selling Circus as well as Brainstorming Bonanzle, this will be the first time I will be asking the questions instead of answering them.

Since Monk is also one of the Indie Musicians on my website, I have released the following Press Release. It too is a first for me.

Don't miss this unique broadcast that will bring a fresh look to an old problem for us all.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Leak
Renagade's Relics
www.renagadesrelics.com
renagadesrelics@gmail.com
Monk talks music and business on the Selling Circus
Fort Payne, AL - Barre, MA - Munich, Germany

November 8, 2009:
Renagade's Relics is pleased to announce that one of it's Independent Musicians, Monk, will be a guest on the Selling Circus podcast, hosted by Walt Kolenda, aka 'AuctionWally.' Special co-host is Susan Leak aka 'Renagade' of renagadesrelics.com. This live broadcast is on Monday, November 9, 2009 on the talkshoe.com platform.

Monk, from Munich, Germany will discuss the making of his debut CD, 'Damaged Music for Damaged People'. This album was a three year solo project, with Monk writing, performing, mixing and producing.

The show will also cover the way Monk has successfully implemented the Internet to market his music and establish his brand of 'Monk.' Monk and Susan have built a working partnership for marketing Monk's album and have done so strictly via the Internet. This show will be the first time they have had the opportunity to speak directly to each other.

The Selling Circus podcast is hosted by Walt Kolenda of Barre, MA on Talkshoe. The focus is on eCommerce selling and the issues the sellers face in todays ever changing marketplace.
To have a Musician come in an address how the music world faces the same problems of marketing, promoting, and branding, offers a fresh new angle many will be able to learn from.

“ I look forward to being able to share my experiences with The Selling Circus listeners” says Monk. “I have tuned into the show myself. I have found all the guests to be knowledgeable and the platform of Talkshoe a good one. The fact people can ask their questions with ease of just typing in the chatroom or calling in on the phone is great.”

The live broadcast is at 8:00pm EST on Monday, November 9, 2009.
You can tune in by going to:
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=53449&cmd=tc

The show will also be available for download on the site, or at http://www.renagadesrelics.com/ later in the week.

About Monk:
Monk is a singer/songwriter/musician residing in Munich,Germany. His debut CD is available on his website http://www.monk-music-monk.com/ as well as http://www.renagadesrelics.com/ .
Monk now has a band and is working towards live performances to help promote his album.

For more information contact:
Susan Leak
Renagade's Relics
Fort Payne, AL
256-844-8429

Howl with the Wolves....2wolves actually!

2Wolves Music and Audio is my other venture I am trying to get branded. Branding this has be easy in some aspects and a lot more difficult in others. 2Wolves Music and Audio is a DJ/Karaoke service my Husband and I started after providing the music and karaoke for just about everyone's party we have ever been to. After some upgrading of equipment and expansion of our already huge music library, we started to advertise and get our brand out there.

The 2wolves brand is a simple one. The logo is as seen above. Two wolves howling the music...hence the tag line, "Come Howl With The Wolves". And as in Renagade's on Bonanzle, customer service is top priority. Great music, Best prices, and a "Howling" good time.

There are some others in the area that have the same service. So what is going to set 2Wolves apart from the rest of the pack? The 2Wolves Brand! You see the others are larger, have a couple of DJs and although you might talk to the owner to book them....they may or may not be the one you actually get on your big day. With 2Wolves Music and Audio, you meet with us, book with us, and WE are the ones that come out and DJ your event. Personalized service from start to finish. THAT is what will make 2Wolves the leader of the pack.

The competition is tough, but we are tougher. And by working on our Brand, we will do well. As I said before...branding is and ongoing process...and we are just getting started on branding the 2Wolves .

......listen........you can hear the howl!

Later.....Renagade