Below is a list of 40 ideas that can:

• Help you increase the number of followers
• Sell more tickets for your shows
• Increase engagement before, during, and after your shows
• Build relationships with your fans as well as others in the music industry

You might be doing some of these things already but I’m guessing there are some new ideas that can help you grow in this area. It might even spark some more ideas for you. If you want some more creative ideas that you can apply to your career right away, check out my new daily podcast: Music Business Hacks.

1. Share your shows: Don’t just create an event on Facebook or list it on your ReverbNation page, but actively share across all of your channels at least once per day, everyday, for 20 days leading up to the event.

2. Re-share and tag: Ask everyone on your team – band members, manager, publicist, booking agent, etc. to also share your event. Be sure to tag all other bands/performers, the venue, and promoter as well.

3. Send personal invitations: Simply sending an invite on Facebook doesn’t cut it anymore – these often get lost with the many other notifications. Instead, send a personal message (do not send it as a group, that’s just annoying) to each person in the area. For more information on how to crush it using Facebook events, read my Music Think Tank article here.

4. Post polls: ask questions to find out what kinds of songs your fans want to hear, from classics in your set to new covers. Surveys and polls provide a different kind of engagement, which alters how your content is delivered in social media algorithims.

5. Use event hashtags: Start using an event hashtag before your show – maybe when you’re promoting it. If you’re on tour or have a series of events, then combine messages using it. Share it and ask others, including other acts you’re performing with to use it. You might even consider projecting live messages or offering a contest for users who post using the hashtag during the show.

6. Use a projector: Speaking of live social, consider getting a projector (or screen) that you can use during the show or at your merch booth. It can have a live feed of photos, tweets, and more. You can try a told like Social Board, Juicer, or others.

7. Create a Story: You can collect the best moments from your show and do a recap, then post it as a story on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Content that disappears does have certain benefits: higher engagement, it’s prioritized in feeds, and notifications are sent to your connections.

8. SlideShare: If you have some great content, fun ideas, or quotes, consider putting them into a PowerPoint and uploading it to SlideShare. It’s an underutilized tool that is dominating the SEO game, especially if you also use Linkedin.

9. Run an AMA campaign: Before, during, or after your show, consider hosting an AMA, or Ask Me Anything session. You can do this on any social platform, though it’s most popular through Reddit, where casual observers might stumble upon your music.

10. Livestream: Consider a livestream of your show. You can capture intimate moments before the show (getting ready, soundcheck, loading in, etc.) to build excitement for the event or provide a behind the scenes look, broadcast the performance itself, and even do a recap or Q&A session after the show. Of course, Facebook live is very popular and easy to use now, but you can also consider Livestreaming to YouTube, which is better for archival purposes or Periscope if you have an avid Twitter following.

11. Patreon/Crowdfunding: If you’re a touring artist, consider any of the content above to be a reward for backers.

12. Video Blog: Edit any collected footage to form a video blog that you can post across multiple platforms – the inherent video function in Facebook gets better engagement than a link to YouTube or Vimeo links so you should upload there. If you want to keep things really active, consider different cuts for different platforms, encouraging fans to discover the video in a different kind of way.

13. Audio/Video Commentary and Reaction Videos: Remember the days of DVDs when people would buy them to listen to the commentary? Consider filming a reaction or commentary by your band of the performance you just had or video you recently released. It’s another way to increase engagement on multiple pieces.

14. Caption Contest: Captured a funny moment before or during the show? Upload it with a caption contest to discover the wit – and engagement factor – of your fans.

15. Photos made for tagging: Take a photo of (or with) the crowd, let them know when/where you’ll be uploading it, and tell them to tag themselves and their friends. It’s quick, easy, and usually gets a few dozen people to follow you on your channels. Here’s an example of the angle my band uses at shows:

16. Twitter List: Create a Twitter list with fans, the other bands performing, and venues of your shows so you can start connecting with them early on. Don’t know their Twitter handle? Just ask them – people love sharing their account profiles.

17. Create a trailer: Use some compilation of video footage or a photo slideshow to create a simple video trailer to help promote your show. Videos get higher engagement on all social platforms and are much better than links or simple text updates. You can also film yourself announcing the upcoming show with a link to RSVP or buy tickets.

18. New to the city: If you’re on tour, post an announcement when you first get to the city. You can post thoughts about the place, ask for recommendations for tings to do, who you’re looking forward to seeing (bonus points for recognizing certain fans), and any interesting photos.

19. Check in: When you get to the venue, check in using Yelp and FourSquare. If you’ve created a Facebook event for the show, check into the event itself so it’s tagged when people see it on your feed.

20. Yelp it: If you have a Yelp account, post your concert in the community boards of every city you’re playing.

21. Meet up: Consider creating a Meetup group in your city for fans of local music. Not only can you promote your own shows there as an activity, but you can ask about other local artists and build a community of mutual supporting acts.

22. Pre-show meet up: Throw a pre-show event, like meeting up for dinner with fans before the show. Use tools like Yelp to find places/connect with others and social media to document it. You might even work with the restaurant to promote the event on their websites/social too.

23. Live Tweet/Stream other acts: Build more community and reach across fan bases by using your channels to highlight other acts playing the show during the event. Tag them in all photos and videos. If multiple acts are using the hashtag, it’s a great cross-promotional tool.

24. Tag Sponsors: If you have a sponsorship or endorsing a product, tag the relevant organizations. Not only will that build more goodwill, but it also is a way to deliver proof of report. To learn more about maximizing sponsorships, check this podcast episode.

25. Instagram I-Spy: Play a game of “I Spy” with fans at your concert by describing something you see, then collect photos on Instagram using a hashtag. If they want additional clues, have them ask questions on your post to further boost engagement.

26. Pre-Schedule Content: If you’re too busy or don’t have capacity to live tweet the show or make announcements (like reminding folks of merch for sale), then pre-schedule social media posts using a tool like Tweetdeck, HootSuite, or Sprout Social.

27. Google Calendar, iCal, Outlook, etc.: When was the last time you relied on Facebook to remind you of an appointment? Like most people, probably never. Don’t rely on Facebook events to remind your fans either – when you send out show announcements, include an add to calendar link so people will actually be reminded by their sport phones.

28. Remind people to engage: On stage, quickly remind the audience how they can connect with you on social media. Be clear and direct about the channels you prefer to use and any hashtags, promotions, etc. that you’d like to highlight too.

29. Create “Tweet-worthy” moments: Create a story arc and build a memorable moment for your show that people can’t help but want to share. For bands like Peelander-Z, it might be human bowling. For Jay-Z, it night a moment to freestyle. You might even offer a giveaway or other incentive for fans to connect with you while you’re on stage. Just get creative!

30. Find every post: Search for your name and hashtags across social media channels with a tool like Social Searcher or Sprout Social.

31. Leave no post un-turned: Reply to every like, post, and tag personally to increase engagement (and add the hashtag onto the conversation if they didn’t use it).

32. Collect video of fans: If you’re interacting with fans after the show, ask if they’d be willing to do a 15 second shout out. Ask them what they thought of the show, capture it on video, and share it within 24 hours. Get their social media handles so you can tag them in any recaps or blogs.

33. Use Linkedin to follow up: Connect with promoters, venue owners, bartenders, sponsors, and anyone associated with the event via Linkedin to continue building relationships in a professional space. Not only does it show that you’re serious about how you use your platform, but it provides you with more connections in their network too (most likely other venues, booking agents, and sponsors).

34. Say thank you: Post a message of gratitude immediately following the stage. Be sure to tag other acts, the venue, the promoter, sponsors, and any fans you just met.

35. Cross-pollinate: Use your social media platforms to promote your other channels. For example, use Twitter to promote your Facebook and get more followers. Ask other acts who performed to do the same – help promote artists who you really get along with and help each other out, especially when one of you is on tour.

36. QR Code scavenger hunt: Make visiting your booth or watching your show more fun by having a hidden QR code somewhere. The codes should lead to something good, whether it’s a chance to download free music, see a hidden video, or win a prize pack.

37. Create promo codes: Offer a discount on tickets for every social share that fans make. That can be a promo code that will add up (50 cents off for every social media post about the show with a limit if you feel uncomfortable) or get guest list status for being the most active on promoting the show to their friends.

38. Check-in contest: I used to create show “punch cards” (like the kind you get for buying coffees) for fans who came to our shows, offering a special item after 5-10 shows. Now, you can easily do this by asking them to check in online, instantly promoting their presence at your show to their followers. Reward them for that.

39. Blog it: There’s a lot to be said of long tail marketing efforts – in a nutshell, blogging can be a really good way for you to generate content, make the SEO gods happy, and convey an intimate look at your music. So blog about each show. Be it a video blog (here’s an example of an old video blog from my band that also gained us multiple new sponsors)

40. Create a podcast: Launch a podcast series – either life on the road, commentary about the cities you visit, talk about the inspiration behind each song, or all of the above! You can record and upload episodes on the road. If you upload it via Tunecore or CDBaby, you can earn royalties for listens when it is connected with your artist profile.

There are so many ways you can utilize social media. Just dedicate some time to apply creativity to the process and think about how you can leverage these tools.

Case in point: I wrote the above 40 suggestions in a pure stream of consciousness fashion, just thinking of/writing ideas down as I went along. It took me about an hour to come up with the list, I didn’t plan it out or even research it – I just wanted to share the first 40 thoughts that came into my mind. I’m pretty sure you could do even more!

If you have some ideas, please share by leaving a comment below.

Today’s episode is on making the perfect pitch. I specifically cover the ideas needed for creating a better “hook” for your ask, whether you are looking to get into the door of a label who is not accepting demos to finding a new sponsor. Check it out here!

Also, there’s a special giveaway: for those who subscribe and leave a review on iTunes, I’m choosing 3 people to receive a full set of music business books and a personal consultation session. If you’d like that session to be recorded and featured as an interview on the podcast, we can get you some more attention as well! So be sure to head to iTunes now and leave a review!

The music business hacks podcast is a daily show for the musician who wants to revolutionize their career with information, inspiration, and direct application. During the week, you will learn about specific things that you can do to take steps for your music business. Every seven days, you can listen to a deep-dive interview with unique insights from creatives and music industry professionals as well as a recap with the best insights from the week.

If you can set aside a few minutes each day to learn and apply something to your career, you’ll be amazed what you can do. Please subscribe today on iTunes or Google Play Music (new sites being added soon). New episodes are added everyday at 7am CST!

BONUS: As part of this launch, I’m offering a special contest. If you subscribe and leave a review on iTunes, you’ll be entered to win a complete set of my music business books and a free consultation session where I can answer your questions about the music industry directly! And, if you want that session recorded, we can have it released where you can be a featured guest on the show!

3 winners will be randomly selected – and your reviews don’t even have to be positive

So please subscribe today, leave a review, and let me know what you think!

Note: the live event is during March 11-18. It’s completely free to watch during that time but if you want lifetime access to the videos afterwards, there’s a small cost. So, register now and join me March 11-18!

After the live event, you’ll also be invited to a follow up Facebook group that will let you interact with the speakers and other attendees. Talk to you then!

If you’re still wanting to work with a record label after that, continue on. It all begins with a change in perspective

Finding a Record Label is Like Finding a Spouse

Let’s face it: desperation doesn’t sell. In fact, turning down offers makes you even more desirable (just ask Chance the Rapper). Whether it is the dating market or the music industry, there are a couple of factors that make you irresistible:

• Confidence. Knowing what makes you special and different than anyone else will help separate you apart (instead of constantly trying to compare yourself to others).
• Clear direction: Know what you want, have a clear path. They want to know that you have a future – and that you plan on getting there with or without them.
• A good pitch: Instead of using gimmicks or one-liners to get attention, you can give a compelling reason why they should take your call.

If label hunting is like going for a serious relationship, then you shouldn’t be using mass copy and pasted messages to everyone out there. You should be doing your research to find out who would make a good match and explain why. If you’re just going for any record label, you’re essentially going for none. However, if you want specific companies because you have a crossover audience and share common values, you’ll want to make that expressly clear. Otherwise, they’ll just be swiping left.

More Like a Laser, Less Like a Shotgun

Too many artists are using the shotgun approach for getting a booking agent or a record label. These folks are casting a wide net, thinking that through repeated, blanket messages, they might secure a quick phone call that will lead to a deal. They think this is a shortcut, that it saves time instead of playing the long game of building relationships and extending value to others first. It’s true: it is easy to copy and paste repeated messages or just to BCC everyone in a contact list. But the reality is that this “shotgun” approach isn’t effective at hitting the target. The reality is that shotguns are only effective at close range. In other words of a deal, it requires a warm introduction, a reputation for giving to others. If you want to hit something far away, you want to use a laser, something that will save both parties time from sorting out the clutter.

Answer the following: what is the goal of an A&R rep or label owner? How can working with you meet that goal? Are they able to reach that goal with another more established or well-resourced artist? Even if you had the right contact, are you ready to tour six months a year without a guaranteed income (typical for many initial deals)? If you can address some of these initial concerns while speaking with a contact, your chances of success will increase greatly. Ask not what your label can do for you – ask what you can do for your label. Whether you strike a deal or not, you want to constantly find ways to bring them value, even with just an email exchange. Hone in on helping others with their goals.

With the shotgun approach, it says “I hope I hit you as my target.” With the direct approach, you’re saying “let’s hit your target, together.”

Be Methodical

If you’re approaching labels, you’ll want to track when/where you spoke to them last. Begin by having a spreadsheet where you can keep notes and follow up in regular intervals without being annoying. If you’re ignored, it’s OK to be persistent, as long as you’re giving them a unique, compelling reason to respond to you. Again, claiming that you are unique or hardworking isn’t enough. Don’t tell them show them.

Go the Non-Traditional Route

There are many stories about acts who do creative things like shipping demos with a prosthetic foot attached (with the note “Now that I’ve got my foot in the door…”). These might help you stand out initially, but if the product fails to impress, you’ll be forever remembered as the artist with the foot in their mouth. Instead of only relying on A&R reps to find you or paying to play at a music festival where they’re supposed to be (i.e, pay to play stages at SXSW), try doing things like working with an attorney that has solid relationships with labels. More often than not, attorneys are introducing and brokering deals for artists these days. Catch their attention by doing something press-worthy and inviting them to a cool media showcase (instead of regular show) or build up your influence in Linkedin groups where they network. You can invest money into a slick video that captures their attention, then use Facebook targeted ads to focus on employees of record labels (better use of your money than a pay to play stage). Just get creative – and be sure to have a product that is worthy of mass rotation the radio now.

Labels are Always Accepting Submissions. And Never Accepting Submissions.

Most labels will clearly state that they are not accepting submissions. Despite this, artists will pour their demos in. I remember visiting Sony Music headquarters in New York and seeing entire shopping carts of unopened demos – at the time, employees were taking them to local record stores to sell them as used discs and get credit. But the reality is that if there is a compelling enough artist, the door is always open. That begins by proving there is value in that exchange. And that only comes by demonstrating a consistent work ethic and history, solid fan base, and the unique feature that really makes an artist stand out from the rest.

An open submission – be it a paid opportunity through an EPK site like Sonicbids or ReverbNation – will rarely demonstrate that. A demo in the mail or inbox almost never shows this. However, building up a buzz through a great press strategy, hearing about artists who are blowing up in venues across the country, or hearing about them in any other way than the submission form will almost always lead to a listen. It almost seems backwards. But again, it’s like finding a romantic match – if someone has heard nothing but great things about you from their friends, they’re much more likely to go out with you than if you simply sent them a text saying “You up?”

Radiohead’s touring stage show

Many bands don’t think of set design unless they’re touring large venues on a regular basis. Even then, some only go as far as putting a large backdrop or banner. However, touring acts have the ability to kick things up a notch by applying some creativity, lessons from theatre, and special effects from magic shows to really enhance the performance. Good stage design can help transform mundane rock clubs into unique experiences that help the band stand out. Many of these things don’t even require a large budget to start out with – just some forethought and a little talent.

These are some of the things that you can enhance your stage with:

• Custom lighting
• Projections (or LED wall)
• Art pieces/sculptures/banners
• Pyrotechnics
• Confetti and streamers
• Fog/smoke
• Bubbles/stage snow
• Wind/air movement
• Phosphorescent paint or materials
• Fabric
• Custom instruments
• Strobe lights
• Balloons
• Height (ramps, risers, etc.)
• Other theater effects

Stage elements should be thoughtfully added to enhance, not replace, your live performance. You can get ideas from high-profile touring acts, theater productions, dance groups, or other performing artists that use a lot of set design. From there, you can adapt ideas to suit your particular needs.

For many items, you can order from theater effects production companies, especially for items that require a specialized machine. Others need to be custom built- either by someone who is experience with set design or something that you might be able to take on yourself.

In fact, there are many instructional videos and websites that teach you how to make various stage effects items using common found at your local hardware store. Instructables (www.instructables.com) has multiple, detailed tutorials on building stage risers, lights, and other items. I’ve created stage lights, risers, custom lights for amps and mic stands, and backdrops just from looking up ideas and finding creative ways to approach them.

You don’t have to have a grand-scale project to make it special. It should just be unique and reflect your band.

ACTIVITY 1: Get Some Ideas and Sketch Out Your Set Design

Take out your band’s stage plot and look for areas where you can add something to the stage. It might also help to watch a video of your performance or browse through photos of your live show to see what can be added.

If you want to get an idea of what is possible, do some searching for band stage designs online. You can also get ideas by searching for theater productions, especially if there is something that is especially suited for your band’s image. For instance, if your band has imagery or a sound that is inspired by early 20th century French culture, you might turn to Phantom of the Opera for some ideas.

Take these ideas and sketch out your set design. What is essential? What elements would you like to have? Now, look up each of these items and consider the cost to build or buy, the logistics of incorporating them into your performance, the ease of setting up/tearing down, transporting them, and the effectiveness of those items. Create a budget and a plan for your set design, then work on bringing it to life (even if it i only one area at a time).

At the very least, every band should have a large, durable banner with their name/logo on it. They’re fairly inexpensive, very visible, and easy to work with (especially if you hang it with large clips or grommets and rope).

ACTIVITY 2: Update What You Already Have

If you already have some elements of stage design – be it lighting equipment or visual pieces – it might need some update or work. Heavy usage of these items often beckon maintenance, especially with items that sit directly on the stage or that get moved often. Things get dirty, scuffed, and scratched. However, a little maintenance can go a long way to prevent failure on stage.

Some items might need to be replaced entirely. For example, if you have an old stage banner that features outdated artwork or is promoting a Myspace page that you no longer keep up, it’s time to replace it. If you have any items that show a different band lineup than your current one, those things should be updated.

Take a look at what you have and see if any items need some attention to prolong their life, update their look, or need to be removed altogether.

ACTIVITY 3: Find Options When You’re on a Limited Budget

There are plenty of options for set design, even when you are on a limited budget. Here are some ideas that you can explore/consider:

• Slide Projector: You can usually find a used slide projector at the local thrift store, Craigslist, ebay, and many other places for less than $50. Then, have a custom slide created of your band logo to project above the band on stage (or at the merch table). You can even load a camera with some 35mm slide film and take a picture of your logo to project. You could also have an entire set of slides, projecting them over the band for an artsy look. (Another option is using a transparency projector, though that is much larger)

• LED lights: LED lights are fairly inexpensive and easy to work with. In fact, you can buy LED strips in bulk, then add special effects by connecting them controllers and dimmers. In fact, you could sync flashing lights, color changes, and brightness directly to your music through MIDI. LED lights also provide a simple, inexpensive way to light up your amplifiers and drums as well.

• Getting Artists: You could get custom-created artwork by using Craigslist, asking friends, or even contacting local art schools about collaborating on a live music project. Often, aspiring artists are willing to give an incredible rate, especially if it means creating something for their working portfolio. You might even find some theater set designers willing to help as well!

• Free or Clearance Items: Keep a watch on the “free” section on Craigslist. There are often unique items that you could repurpose for the stage. For instance, I know of a drummer who picked up an old cabinet, cut it in half, and turned it into a custom drum riser. You might also talk to local theater companies, high school theaters, or colleges who are often discarding stage set items that you could use. After Halloween, you’ll often find cheaper theatrical items such as strobe lights or fog machines on clearance for extremely discounted rates.

• Repurposing:

Your set design doesn’t always have to be limited by your budget – often times, it’s only limited by your imagination. If you look around, you can often find a solution for your needs.

I’ve written plenty about travel tips in the past, from articles on saving money to hacking fly out shows. Today, I wanted to provide some recommendations for specific gadgets, tools, and things that every road warrior should have.

Aside from the obvious (extra strings, quality cases, etc.), these are some of the things that I keep in my backpack or suitcase to stay healthy, comfortable, and ready to take the stage. You can get all of these products here.

1. Hydro Flask Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle

I always underestimated the power of carrying my own water bottle…until I came across the Hydro Flask product line. Of course, there are millions of reasons to avoid plastic water bottles (such as the ones provided on stage): the plastic is horrendous to your health, devastating to the environment, they’re more expensive in the long run, create more garbage in your tour bus..you get the idea. However, the options for an alternative are not all created equal.

This particular bottle is especially good at keeping things hot or cold (I’ve had ice water in this traveling through the desert for ten hours still be frozen). While they do offer a wide mouth option, I prefer the slim style and 24 oz because it universally fits cup holders and is easier to take on a flight. The lid is spill proof lid opens with an easy twist, making it ideal on stage. It’s one of the best investments I’ve made for travel, ever. Get it on Amazon for less than $30.

2. Po Chai Pills

Po Chai is a natural supplement that travelers love to use to deal with upset stomachs. It’s especially popular throughout Southeast Asia. When you’re constantly on the move and dealing with questionable sanitary conditions or unhealthy food options, this is a great way to mitigate any problems. When I feel bloated or nauseous, I just take two vials with some water and feel much better within a few minutes. Buy them from your local Asian market or on Amazon for $7 here.

3. Vigbagnia Garment Packing Envelope

This simple packing envelope helps save space in your suitcase (especially if you’re using a carry-on type) and keeps your clothes neat. It’s great if you have things that normally should be on hangers: button down shirts, slacks, tops, etc. Things fold nearly around the center and it seals in, which keeps things flat and wrinkle-free. It’s also a nice way to organize your suitcase so you don’t mix dirty clothes with clean, etc. These are normally about $15; get it on Amazon for $12.

4. Clip-On Guitar Tuner

While I usually use the G-Strings app on my phone for a backstage or acoustic tuner, sometimes it isn’t practical because of noise. Clip-on tuners are perfect for this situation – and you can leave them clipped onto the head stock of your guitar or bass as well. It saves the hassle of dealing with instrument cables when you just want to tune your instrument. They’re very inexpensive and easy to read. I have one in every guitar case. I prefer the Snark model because it is unobtrusive but has bright, easy to read letters. It’s on sale for almost 50% off now here.

5. 750W Power Inverter

For any driving tour, a decent inverter is a must. 750 watts is perfect to handle most needs: charging laptops, phones, and other devices. Any larger size, and you’ll start getting devices made for RV’s and large diesel trucks. Any smaller, and you’ll often be blowing fuses if you have multiple band mates plugging things in. I recommend the Ampeak brand, it’s been the most reliable unit (out of the 5 or 6 I’ve bought over the years). You can get the same one that’s in my tour bus here. Definitely buy this in advance instead of paying extra at a truck stop.

6. Portable Charger/Power Bank

I can’t tell you how many times a portable battery has saved me in situations where we needed to charge a dying phone (especially when you’re depending on it for GPS or on an important call). This was especially the case when I had bandmates addicted to Pokemon Go. While larger batteries are slightly heavier, they generally last longer and are able to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Better units, like the ones made by Anker, also charge more quickly. Believe me, it’s worth the extra $15 to get something decent. I’ve had good luck with this one from Anker.

7. Loquat Syrup

Loquat Syrup (especially the Nin Jion Pei brand), is the absolute best thing out there for soothing your throat. It has been made especially to help a dry throat, which can be caused by too much drinking or smoking (or just abuse on your vocal chords from singing too much). Everyone in my band swears by it, even my former singer who coats the inside of his mouth with it before breathing fire. Yeah, that’s intense protection.

Loquat Syrup is also pretty tasty. Just a couple of tablespoons work. If you’re skeptical of Eatsern medicine, an alternative would be some Vocal ESE throat spray (it also works great but is about $15 for a 1 oz bottle, compared to $13 for 10 ounces of loquat). Buy it here.

8. Dude Wipes

These are pretty much a baby wipes alternative, without the fresh baby smell. If you’re on tour and don’t always have access to a shower, these sanitary wipes keep your skin clean – this is especially helpful if you get sweaty during shows and don’t want to drench your fans at the merch booth. Dude Wipes has an “energize” line that have pro biotics, though I haven’t really felt a burst of energy from them myself. Be careful to buy the ones made for your face, not the toilet, if you’re trying to do a road shower. Get the right ones here.

Do you have a must-have tour item? Share below! If you are interested in any of these products, view them on my Amazon page here.

Name:
Contact Phone:
Website:
Social Media handles/websites:

Role in the music business (artist, producer, entertainment lawyer, etc):
Your best tip for aspiring/independent musicians:
If you create music, link to a song that best represents you:

Some of the basic things that you can check on your vehicle and/or trailer should include:

• Tires: Inspect all tires (including spare tires) to make sure that they are properly inflated and are not worn out or damaged. An easy way to check tire tread is to use a penny: simply place the coin into the tire tread with the head facing toward you and down. If the area above the head is visible, it’s time to replace the tires. Remember, tire pressures change during cold weather so use the measurements inside the driver’s door rather than the ratings on the tire during winter months. Keeping tires in top condition also helps increase fuel efficiency.

• Fluids:You should continuously check the oil, coolant, and transmission fluids. Keep a log of when you change fluids – regular oil changes are one of the most important things that you can do for your vehicle.
• Brakes: If you notice any vibrations, grinding, or pulling to one side when applying brakes, you should have them checked.
• Battery: Before taking a long trip, take the battery out and have it checked by any parts store. Batteries are usually good for 3-5 years…but they are easier to replace before you leave for tour rather than the middle of one.
• Belts/hoses: Take a look at the belts and hoses under the hood for cracks, soft spots, or wear. Be sure to give extra attention to the hoses going into the radiator as well as the condition of the serpentine belt.

You should also have an emergency road kit with extra fuses, a flashlight, road flares, jumper cables, and spare bottles of fluids. I also recommend keeping a small tool kit as well, especially if you have someone traveling with you who knows a little about maintaining vehicles.

Before you leave for tour, you should do the following:

• Get any scheduled maintenance done: This includes everything from major repairs to a basic tune up.

• Check the air filter: The air filter is inexpensive and easy to change. They should be changed every 10,000 miles or so. Keeping a clean air filter also helps improve fuel economy.
• Consider roadside assistance: Whether you join AAA or get roadside assistance from another source, it’s a good idea to have. If you’re worried about the added expense, you can usually add roadside assistance to any cellphone plan for about $5 per month. At the end of the tour, simply remove it from your plan.
• Check all of the above: Before you head out, check the fluids, tire pressure, battery, etc.
• Load your gear evenly: Try to distribute the weight of your equipment evenly from side to side (whether it is in a trailer or inside a tour bus). It’s best to keep the heaviest items over the axles, as opposed to the very front or rear.

A little preparation in advance can help prevent costly breakdowns on the road. If you don’t have a regular mechanic or want to save some money on maintaining your tour vehicles, consider contacting your local community college with a certified auto repair program. They often provide the service with little or no charges for labor. However, they usually need more time to work on the vehicles, so be sure to communicate with the auto instructors in advance.

Activity 1: Assign Vehicle Maintenance Responsibilities

If you have a shared vehicle (tour bus, tour van, etc.), it’s important to have someone accountable for keeping it well-maintained. That person should be keeping track of regular, scheduled maintenance, oil changes, etc. If you share that responsibility, keep a log in the vehicle so that everyone can check up on what needs to be done. Also, keeping a mileage and repair log is useful when filing for taxes, since the IRS requires these types of records anyway.

On tour, it’s important that basic safety and maintenance checks are conducted throughout the trip. Doing so allows you to help spot potential hazards in advance and address issues before you have lengthy stretches of travel without many repair shops en route. In many of the bands that I’ve been in, each person is responsible for a task (oil, tires, transmission fluid, etc.) and we check those items every day during regular stops (gas station or before leaving a city).

Activity 2: Do Safety Checks While on Tour

On tour, it’s especially important to have a regular system of doing basic safety checks. This includes checking the oil (especially if you have an older vehicle), tire pressure, radiator fluid, and transmission fluid. If you’re unsure how to do these things, there are great videos available on YouTube.

Some items, like checking the oil, should be done on a flat surface and before you begin a long drive. Others, like the transmission fluid, should be checked after the engine has been running for some time. If you create a regular pattern of checks in the morning (before the drive) and afternoon (after some distance), you should be good.

You might even have a clipboard, calendar reminder, Google spreadsheet, or whatever system you like to serve as a checklist. Either way, just make sure that you get it done.

Activity 3: Get a Tune-up Before the Next Tour

Before you hit the road, make sure you take your vehicle to a mechanic to do an overhaul. If you let them know you’re going on a big trip, they’ll be sure to take care of any major safety and performance issues so prevent any breakdowns and to improve fuel economy.

You can usually save money by working with a friend or going to a community college with a certified auto program. However, you could also consider talking to shops about a potential sponsorship, endorsement, or partnership deal as well. If you work with a regional chain, you might be able to have an even stronger safety net when it comes to tires, brakes, or other common repairs on the road.

Get more band tour tips with the book, Music Business Hacks, available now!

Linkedin is a social networking site that has a specific focus on careers, education, and industry networking. It also happens to be a site underutilized by musicians.

Here are some of the key benefits for using Linkedin as a professional musician:

• The opportunity to network with people directly involved in the music industry
• Access to contact information for booking agents, labels, A&R reps, managers, and more
• Opportunity to engage with other musicians
• Access to potential sponsorships and endorsements
• Access to networking groups to get questions about the industry answered
• Get advice from others directly in the industry
• Find opportunities to showcase your music

Like anything else, the content on there should be taken with a grain of salt. You can also gain followers and influence in Linkedin Groups, which will ultimately be of use to you. Here are six proven ways to gain influence on Linkedin:

1) By creating real value: Actually participate in group discussions and add something meaningful, don’t just use Linkedin Groups as a megaphone to promote yourself. This is the foundation of everything else here.

2) Building up your brand: Your Linkedin profile is part of your “brand” or how people view you. Look at the tip above: do you want to be associated as someone who only promotes their own products/services or do you want to be viewed as someone who contributes to others?

3) Make it two ways: You can’t expect others to blindly follow you if you aren’t taking the time to follow them first.

4) Create a niche: Stand out from the crowd by offering unique insights, especially on something that you specialize in

5) Don’t add to the noise: Simply posting your twitter handle and expecting something to come from it isn’t going to help you – if anything, it’ll actually be counter productive.

6) Get to know the mavens: Follow and interact with the top influencers of each Linkedin Group. That will help build your credibility. See what kinds of posts they are making, how they are enriching the rest of the group. Learn from that.

Also, do not create a user account for your band – save that for creating a company page. Instead, you should create a profile for you as an individual. That’s how the site is designed. Like Facebook pages, the Linkedin company page can post updates, services, have some branding, and contact information. Band members can all be tied to the account as employees.

Linkedin Groups can be a great resource for professional networking. But the key is networking, as in working with others. Use it well and it will help open up doors for your music career.

Strategy 1: Create a Band “Company Page”

If you already have a personal account, you can create a company page by listing the band as your employer or company. The company page will allow you to use custom graphics (banner, logo, etc.), have an “About Us” section, and a “Products” section where you can list information about the services your band offers (live performance, licensing, etc.

Strategy 2: Create Projects on Your Profile

On your individual Linkedin profile, you have the ability to add special projects. While listing the band and its accomplishments is certainly useful, the “projects” section has certain advantageous when properly used. Each project allows for a short description, the ability to tag other Linked members/connections involved with the project, and a URL. The URL provides a live link to your website, EPK, or project profile. Connecting the project with other members allows it to be listed on multiple profiles, this strengthening the connection and raising the visibility of the project.

Here are some ideas for projects and the other people you can connect outside of your band members:

• Album or EP: At the very minimum, you’ll want to list each major release and include information about album sales, press received, or any other notable accomplishments. Connect with the audio engineer, mastering technician, producer, session musicians, publicist, etc.
• Major Tours: The description should cover major destinations, key venues or festivals, the amount of exposure/audience size, etc. Connect with promoters, booking agents, venue owners, publicists, festival staff, road crew, other bands/band members who shared the stage during the tour, press who covered the tour, etc.
• Music Video: Music video are great addition to the profile because they are so visual. You can actually embed music videos into the profile’s summary or company information, but use the project section to highlight any key points of the video. The project should connect with the viideo director, actors, extras, producer, film and lighting crew, and people connected with the location.
• Key Sponsorship or Partnership: If you launched a major campaign with a key sponsor or partner, this can be a great way to help pave the way for future sponsorships, especially for the Linkedin platform. You can include key staff that were directly involved with the sponsorship or partnership, vendors, press contacts that have covered the sponsorship, etc.

Strategy 3: Get Active in Linkedin Groups

Linkedin Groups are one of the best ways to get more attention on your profile, make connections with people in a specific industry or company, and gain influence/credibility for your field.

To join a Linkedin Group, simply use the search bar at the top and type in any key words. For example, you could type in “music industry,” “music sponsorships,” “independent music,” “music promoters,” etc. Some groups are open, allowing you to join and begin participating immediately, while others require approval for admission. Try joining several groups in areas that you are interested in.

If you are a member of a few Linkedin Groups, try and post something of interest on a regular basis – whether it is a thoughtful article of interest, a question to be answered or debated, or a response to others’ questions, being active gives your profile more visibility in the industry and within that group. The influence measurement is usually measured weekly, which means that you should try and post something at least once per week.

When you’re active in the group, you’ll notice a few members right away: those who post actual content of value and help answer others’ questions, and those who post large quantities of “filler” in order to get attention. Focus on networking with those who add value and follow their example and how to thoughtfully engage with others.

Strategy 4: Follow Thought Leaders

Linkedin allows you to follow thought leaders (called Influencers) who hold influence in their respective fields. Their posts, usually short blogs or articles, will show at the top of your dashboard’s stream. Many of these posts will have thoughtful content that is worth sharing to your own audiences; they’re often about leadership or inspirational and innovative content. It’s also a good way to get to know these leaders.

You can view top posts from Linkedin Influencers here: http://www.linkedin.com/today/influencers

If you liked this post, please consider sharing with an artist in your life. Better yet, check out my book, Music Business Hacks.