This one is pretty straight forward -but is actually a very fun exercise once you get the hang of it!
I've come to realize, in my 30 years, that it often surprises people when they are directly addressed with a smile.
It catches them off guard!
I'm not talking about a full conversation here... I'm talking about a 3-step / 3-second interaction.
1. Eye Contact
2. Smile
3. Say "Hi!"
That's it! Nothing more. Nothing less.
You'll find that most people will smile back -and will often say "Hi!" back as well.
Seriously, give that a try the next time you are out and about -at the grocery store, at work, at target, at a restaurant, anywhere!
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Q: Derp... Tyler... This seems so basic... Why are you posting about this in your blog?
A: Easy! This is great practice for interacting with people who love your music and attend your shows! Those are the people you should want to be talking to!
...but Tyler, I don't know how to approach my "fans". I don't know to talk to them. It's awkward and uncomfortable. I even feel weird when a stranger comes up to me and says "nice job" or "I really like your sound". ... I feel the most weird when it comes down to verbally inviting people to follow me on social media... It's too overwhelming, I'd rather them just approach me, and I'll respond to whatever they say to me... or I'll try, at least...
Trust me. I get it! In 2017, it's easy to justify being stand-offish with your fans by hiding behind anxiety or "being an introvert" or "fill in your excuse on the line: __________". Fact of the matter is, if you want a fanbase, YOU HAVE TO TALK TO YOUR FANS! If you want to change the world with your music, YOU HAVE TO TALK TO YOUR FANS! If you want to build a fanbase, YOU HAVE TO TALK TO YOUR FANS! If you want to start building connections to move you forward, YOU HAVE TO TALK TO YOUR FANS!
This is great practice to alleviate social anxiety. If you train yourself to take initiative to say "Hey!" to people that attend your shows, it'll allow you to 1. Thank them and 2. welcome them into a conversation.
NOTE/Mini-rant: If you're an artist that has zero interest in talking to people who love your music, I pity you... but if it comes down to blatant selfishness -from the most selfish of selfish standpoints-individual conversations lead to potential superstars in your street team. These people love your music after your show, but if you give them the time of day, they'll love you as a person, too. What does this mean for you? They'll attend your shows, they'll help promote your shows, they'll listen to your music, they'll talk about your music, they'll buy your swag, they'll interact with you on social media, and they'll stick with you through thick and thin. If understanding that still leaves you with zero interest in talking to the people who love your music, I don't know what to tell you besides... good luck.
Again, it all starts with a 3-step / 3-second interaction (just like you can practice at the grocery store -remember?)
1. *Eye contact*
2. *Smile*
3. Say "Hi!"
// Here's where we add in one more *very important* step:
4. Say "Thanks for coming to the show -It means a lot!"
That's it! If you follow that as a script that you memorize -you're going to be just fine! It puts the ball back into their court -and if they have anything they want to say to you or questions for you -they'll say it/ask it then and there. If they have a question for you regarding future shows, music, influences, anything like that -answer it the best you can and then tag it with something like "we're pretty active on Facebook -and we'd love for you to give it a like! You can find it here: (say your Facebook page name)".
I think that'll do it for today's post. If you guys have any questions about dealing with post-show awkwardness, feel free to ask away in the comments! I can't promise that I'll have an answer for you, but I'll be happy to open up the conversation!
Until next time,
-T.