How to Set Effective Music Business Goals as an Artist This Year

Originally published on the Artist Collective Blog

Not all dreams and goals are created equal.

If you’re a musician coach, artistpreneur, the important practice of GOAL-SETTING will set you apart from your peers and help you build and sustain a profitable music brand.

In fact, there are only TWO types of goals you need to help you reach the success you’re looking for this year and beyond – process and outcome.

But what are they and what are some examples you could apply today?

OUTCOME GOALS

This type of goal focuses on a specific milestone or achievement that may be out of your control. In this instance, “dreams” and “goals” become very similar.

For example, an outcome goal may be to earn $100,000 this year. Another may be to grow your fanbase by 1,000 followers or build your email list to a specific number of subscribers.

The outcome is the WHAT where the process goals are the HOW.

PROCESS GOALS

A process goal is one that you have complete control over. You base them off of your outcome goals and strategize what steps it will take to get you there.

Let’s look at our examples…

First the outcome goal, then the process goals; a few repeatable steps to achieve the overall result you’re looking for.

1. Outcome Goal: Make $100,000

Process goals for this outcome could be…

– create one high ticket offer that encompasses your expertise

– define your ideal client and their pain points

– send 5 DMs per week pitching services/offer

– send 2 emails per week adding value based on your offer

2. Outcome Goal: Build a list of 1,000 engaged email subscribers 

Process goals for this outcome could be…

– setup a lead magnet enticing superfans to subscribe 

– create engaging automations that engage superfans to open and reply

– post everyday with value and an email CTA 

3. Outcome Goal: Get your first sync placement in a movie/tv show. 

Process goals for this might be…

– Update your home studio set up to be able to create quickly

– Database 50 contacts in that space

– Reach out to 5 new contacts per day

– Add metadata to all of your songs, etc.

What are your goals for the year? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to help!

Check out this YouTube video for more info!

With 2021 in the rear view mirror—good riddance!—I can’t resist taking a few minutes to reflect on the events of the past year and think ahead to what’s in store for 2022. Let me start by saying how proud I am of our team, who showed incredible resilience over the last 2 years adapting to the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID. 

2021 started with a massive COVID surge followed by increasing optimism as the vaccine program rolled out. Then came Delta, then came Omicron. Just when we thought it was safe to go out and celebrate, we had to retreat again. And now it’s deja vu all over again.

Call me a pathological optimist (guilty as charged) but I believe this surge is different. There is strong evidence that it will be shorter, allowing live music to come back with a vengeance this spring and summer.

Here’s what we accomplished in 2021:

– Launched Gigmor Tickets, a low fee ($1) ticketing service integrated with our booking platform

– Launched Gigmor Presents, booking Gigmor nights at multiple venues around the US, earning ticketing and promoter fees in addition to subscriptions

– Began a partnership with BMI to promote Gigmor’s booking platform to BMI artists and venues across North America

– Partnered with Bull City Summit to be their exclusive talent submission platform and to offer Gigmor-branded showcases at the festival.

So what’s next?

In 2022, we’re focusing on helping artists promote their music and live shows. Fan engagement is the missing element on current live event promotional platforms (it’s fair to assume Facebook Events is in decline). We want to help artists grow and monetize their fanbases.

Our upcoming artist profiles and event pages will be a global hub for promoting artist’s shows, music, merch, livestreams, NFTs, etc. to new and existing fans. Gigmor profiles will also have social elements to help artists and fans connect, driving engagement and virality. 

I strongly believe the most compelling and memorable experiences take place when we’re all physically present in the same space. Livestreams are here to stay but they’re an unfulfilling facsimile of the real thing. At Gigmor, we’re betting on the unique and enduring power of shared experiences. So come join us at our next shows at The Mint and Harvelle’s in February! We’ve got some awesome artists lined up.

Oh, and 2021: don’t let the door hit you on the way out!

Best, 

David Baird

We sat down with Ian Cochran, the frontman of Cowboy Diplomacy, to discuss the new single “Easier When I’m Stoned,” released on November 5, 2021. The smooth, swinging track stands in stark contrast to their previous release, a hard rock-esque album “Burn Down the Road,” that debuted in 2019.

This new release touches upon the subject of substance use — Ian said he noticed how people would turn to various vices to make living and completing tasks easier, and was inspired to collaborate with the band on a track that could comment on that. While the title refers to smoking as a vice, Ian noted that the sentiment of the song could revolve around anything one turns to in order to get through every day.

After the past year, I’m sure many can relate to the central message of the song. It’s interesting to note how the more intimate sound of the song following the loud, rocking “Burn Down the Road” comes off the heels of a pandemic where many of us were faced with wide introspection. It seems many artists have produced and written more living room-friendly records and tracks following a time period where the world was indulging in music from the comfort of our homes (i.e. the more introspectively written “folklore” from traditionally pop Taylor Swift).

Cowboy Diplomacy formed in Austin after Ian and bassist Brad Bentley moved to further pursue music, and from there, Ian remarked that meeting people who were interested in the band’s intended southern rock sound was easier than ever. Their success in the Austin music scene is evident, complete with various accolades and audience-voted awards from the Austin Chronicle, including the runner-up title for Best Austin Band in 2019.

The return to live music, Ian says, has been successful for the band and they look forward to more shows in order to promote their new music.

Here’s “Easier When I’m Stoned,” available on all streaming platforms: