This is wonderful as I’m on the last week to completing Ariel’s Music Success in 9 Weeks blogging challenge. Win or loose, I’ve come away with a much greater understanding of “social networking”and have now implemented all the right tools to really take my music career to another level! I truly mean that, this is a very, very good, up to date book and program.

I’ve bought and read a lot of books online that for me was a total waist of time and money however, Ariel Hyatt’s book and program is a must have and more importantly a must do program for all indie artists!

Social Networking to me 9 weeks ago was a total mystery. I’m a solo artist with no current street team however, now at week 9 I’m gaining an average of 4 to 10 followers every day on Twitter & Facebook alone.

I now have a blog with over 130 posts that is now drawing a lot of relevant traffic and comments. Last week I had a day with over 800 hits!

My website traffic 9 weeks ago averaged 100 to 150 each day now I’m averaging 250 to 300.

My online sales remain the same however with my new and now regular news letter format as well as creating my continuum programs I know it’s only a matter of time before my online sales increase.

Not only has my online presence increased, I have learned how to better network in the real world, learned to create a better brand for myself, how to set goals and put a task system in place to chip into each goal daily until it’s done. I wake up each day now full of enthusiasm, just itching to begin chipping into my task list! I can now realistically see and predict were I’m going and it’s really very exciting! I don’t say to myself “if only I had a good agent, manager, a record deal…”

The cool thing is once I’m finished my 9 weeks I’ll now have everything in place to begin my soon to become very successful music career.

To date I have accomplished a lot but just watch me now…

So let’s begin the final week.

Week 9 – Day 1… Week 9 is about creating a continuum program. It involves getting my customers to purchase my merchandise as well as how to create other revenue streams such as fan site subscription, etc. This is the week I’ve been waiting for! So time to hit the book and see was Ariel has in mind for me this week…

Today I’m going to begin by creating 2 funnels. Funnel 1 is for the “music listener” and funnel 2 will be for the “guitar playing” fan. This is good as you will now see some of the potential revenue streams that has been getting me so amped up.

I’ve taken Ariel’s funnel and applied it to my Funnel No.1 – the music listener/fan/customer and for Funnel No.2…  It’s going to target my guitar player fans that would like to learn from me. I still have a few blanks to fill in with both funnels however, I’m almost there.

I believe I could create a 3rd funnel to sell my services as an online session player. The ideas seem to be coming quickly. I’ve also heard of an artist from the cdbaby DIY podcast that has been extremely successful selling video songs. I’m also good at working with video and video editing so that may also be a potential download income stream.

Week 9 – Day 2… (I think) It’s now 12:38am and I’m finally using phplist to manage my newsletter and mailing list! It wasn’t as hard to setup as I thought it would be. So much to do however, I need sleep! Zzzzzzz….
I’m back and awake. Today I’ve finish configuring most of phplist. What a great program for handling and managing my email lists! I’ve also finished uploading all my cd’s and music to bandcamp and now fans can street, share and purchase music much easier from my website and blog. My music is now available as 128k mp3, 320k mp3, flac, or just about any other format you could possibly desire. Now it’s time to get back to my week 9 tasks…

Week 9 – Day 3… I think I’ve decided to continue my music success in 9 weeks blog as my now public on going music career journal. It feels so good to be doing this and I don’t want to abandon it just because the challenge has ended.

These post are keeping me accountable to myself and on task. I also think other artist may find the posts helpful. Maybe it’s a good way to pay it forward. Other artists can see were I began, all the ups and downs and see that it does make a difference. Every little goal and task, every little day. Some days are great and some not. They can bounce around from week to week and see were this is taking me.

Next week will be the beginning of Week 10 and beyond. (there is a lot of book left) and there is so much more to do, on going, from the previous chapters.

Also, because of my new social network of artists, fans and friends, I’m now connecting with other artists that are creating great work and are really doing well. I’m surrounding myself with like minded people that I respect, admire and look up to. Artist’s such as Matt Stevens and Tomas Michaud. (to name only two however, there are many. I’ll introduce you to more through my newsletters)

These are people you may not know because you don’t read about their Allien girl friends in the National Enquirer. But these guys are brilliant and have 10′s of thousands of fans. Myself as one!

Let’s all continue to get to know each other, continue to create great musical works and live our artist career and lives!

Ok, back to work… Today I spent most of the day re-configuring phplist. Always, back up your files! I know better however, I was messing around with a config file without a backup of the original and it cost me half a day’s work. All is back up and running with phplist and for those of you that maintain their own websites and files I highly recommend Filezilla. It’s a free program for transferring files from your computer to your web host site. I get a little frustrated when I’m not on task and having to take a little detour. Today is one of those days.

Week 9 – Day 4… Today I’m continuing to tweak my Funnels. I’ve added a $5 per/month fan club to implement. There are a number of continuum programs for me to implement so I’m setting goals, dates and tasks for these to get them going. My first task is to learn to create a password protected site for my Fan Club, Guitar Lesson Club, Song of the week Club for paid subscribers to log into. Anyone have any ideas. My friend Tomas paid $250 for software for this to work with his blog. Is there an inexpensive solution for this?

Decided to try something new… I still need to increase the number of people I follow on twitter. An interesting thing I think I’ve learnt about twitter followers is that most of the people I follow tend to follow me back. So I thought I would begin following the people who follow an artist I feel my music is very similar too as these followers may like my own music. It’s also another good way to research my own demographic. I think? Ok, so it’s just a thought but who knows? Stay tuned and we’ll see were it goes.

Week 9 – Day5… So here’s something else I didn’t know about Twitter. You can only follow 2000 people max. (1000 per day) However you can be followed by an unlimited amount. Also, twitter may not allow you to follow 1000 if only a handfull are following you. As you gain more followers twitter will allow you to follow more. (up to a 2000 limit). I hope that all made sense.

Thanks to Carla at Ariel’s CyberPrMasterming group! This is the answer to my Day 4 question regarding a membership site. There is a  (relatively) inexpensive software program that can do this. If your blog uses WordPress, there is a plugin available called WishList Member. And it’s only $97.00 for 1 domain or $29u.00 for unlimited domains. The program come highly recommended! I’ll purchase it once I’m ready to implement my members site. If anyone else is interested here’s the software link: http://member.wishlistproducts.com/

So, my 1st performance of the day is for a grand opening of the Wired Monk in Murrayville in Langley, BC. This is a good event to play as I have been lazy and stopped using my loop station. It was too much extra gear to lug around however, I’ve been re-inspired after watching an amazing performance by bass guitarist, Tim Parent. This guy is going to be a star!

I arrived at 10:30am to set up for an 11:30 start. I play until 3pm then rush home to let the dogs out (15min) Then I’ll drive out to Ladner were I’ll perform at Taverna Gorgona from 6pm to 10pm.

That will be the finally to my 7.5 hour performance marathon.

Playing at the Wired Monk was great and it was nice to be using my RC50 loop station again.  The machine is so cool and the live sampling sounds great. I’m going to begin to use it a lot more as I’m much happier with my sound incorporating the AKG EB535 microphone with my LR Baggs element pick up. I just have to come up with a way to have it all in one rack to make the setup faster. I performed until 3pm then John and Lesley (owners of the Wired Monk) made me a delicious Turkey Club Wrap to have while on the road to my next gig. The food and coffee there is fantastic! And it looks like live music there will become a regular event. It’s so wonderful to see small businesses supporting live music and the arts.

Back at Taverna Gorgona!

I really like this place and Franco the owner is a great guy to work with. I arrived at 5pm for a 6pm start. This setup again is a little tricky as I’m performing out in the court yard and with my wireless system I’ll hook into the restaurants sound system. Today was nice as I had my wife and her friends here from work hanging out with me on my breaks and after the performance. Once again, at 10:30pm, it was time to pack up and hit the road home to wind down today’s performance marathon.

Tomorrow afternoon I’ll be out rehearsing in Andre Stephanian, Stephanie Pedraza and Lyndon Dewitt for our October tour.

Stay tuned…

The event is to show case McBurney Junctions new Pandora jewelery collection. There won’t be a lot of room for my setup so I’ll keep my sound system small. I’ll use 2 small Yamaha PA speakers with a single powered monitor. I’ll also plug my guitar in rather than using a mic that everyone would most likely be bumping into as the are strolling around the venue.

I’ll arrive shortly before 5pm to get set up.

So… I did arrive at 5pm and I didn’t bother with the monitor as I had less room than I thought. The nice thing about playing in Langey is the parking is close and it’s free. Also it was nice to see my Mom and sisters at the event as they are be pandora fans. (and I think they like to come out to see my perform)

As a corporate function I’m still playing to provide background music for the event. All went very smoothly and everyone one in attendance seemed to really enjoyed themselves. Once I was done I packed up and headed home. (Only a 15min drive!)

Tomorrow I have a rehearsal in the morning, then a meeting with a new agent. (keeping my fingers crossed that this could be my door to performing in Europe) The next day I’ll have a double header performing at the Wired Monk for an event then Back to Taverna Gorgona.

Stay tuned…

This week is a great one for me! It’s all about networking face to face and it’s something I’ve had trouble with. I’ll go to a function and never know what to say to create a conversation. I’ve just finished reading the entire chapter and it’s exactly what I needed! I can’t wait to put this chapter to work. I totally get it now! I’m going to re-read this chapter each day this week to really burn this stuff into my head. Also I keep this book in my blackberry so I’ll skim the chapter before each social event and follow up.

Week 8 – Day 2… I began my morning finishing up the details for an upcoming October tour then spent time networking on Facebook. ( Commenting on a few relevant posts ) I haven’t been using facebook much, only to post what I’m doing from twitter and reverbnation and I continue to add freinds as the requests come in. So today was really the start of my Facebook socializing.

I’m off to walk the dogs again and will re-read my week 8 chapter. I also watched Ariels week 8 video last nigh with Laura Allen http://www.youtube.com/ArielPublicity#p/u/6/BPsrClNXzQY – some good info here.

Week 8 – Day 3… Last night went out to see and support a fellow artist that been very successful with his own social networking skills. Also met with a musician that could be a great addition to my own projects. Excited to be using all my new “live” social networkings skills. Again I spent time tweeting a lot and growing my twitter network by adding more followers. (I’m up to 74 followers and I’m following 63) My goal is to hit 500 by the end of the year!

This morning I’m re-reading my chapter 8 and spending more time setting up bandcamp.com for digital music sales and downloads from my blog and website. (I’m haveing an issue with it on my wordpress blog and hope to have it sorted out today) Btw… I know have, like my dad, a note pad on my desk that is my written task list. It’s the best to keep me on track with my career progression. I’m always adding to it and always drawing lines though finished tasks. I do have a task list in my blackberry however, the note pad list is still my primary. It works extremely well to keep me on task and moving forward everyday! I Wish I Had More Time Each Day! There is so much to accomplish. It’s very exciting.

Checked my webtraffic and I’m close to 300 hits a day as my average. (very good! as my old average before the blogging challenge was 100 to 150) However, my online sales are still about the same. I know this is only temporary as I now have so many new ideas and plans to put into place. Then to share with my new improved, growing, interactive, social fan base.

Week 8 – Day 4… Woke up before the sun came up, too much to do today! I began posting to a couple of blogs and jumped on twitter to catch up, got involved. Now it’s time to finish up a few tasks regarding digital downloads from my sites. Tonight I have another live performance and will now use and apply my new networking skills. Once again I’m going to re-read chapter 8 on my walk with the dogs before my gig.

Week 8 – Day 5… Today I have a meeting with a new agent. He’s a good guy with great contacts in Europe. I”m keeping my fingers crossed maybe this could be a window to performing there. I’m very grateful to have received a gig from him last night for a local upcoming performance. I’ll take Ariels chapter 8 advise and be memorable!

Week 8 – Day 6… Today I didn’t have any time to social network as it was a 12 hour performance day with 2 long back to back gigs however I did find the time to tweet and blog about the events.

Week 8 – Day 7… I spent some time finishing up a couple of blog posts and I’m going to have one last week 8 re-read before I move on to week 9.

I can’t believe I’ve almost completed Ariel’s blogging challenge!

Along with performing guitar I’m also a private guitar instructor and last night I received to following email…

Hello,

My name is Danny Brookes during my search For a Guitar Lesson lesson teacher that would always take my son(Lowell) and I found your advert while searching on the Internet and your advert looks great and it is very good to me since you specialize in the area i am seeking for him.

My Son would be coming to Canada (your city) Before the end of the month for a period of time for 3 Months he is just a beginner and he’s 15yrs Old i want you to help me teach lesson during his stay.So, kindly let me know your charges cost per week’s ,in order for me to arrange for his payment before he travels down to your side.

I have also made preparation for his traveling with caretaker who will be taking good care of him while he arrives .

Please Advise back on;

(1). Your charges per 1 hour twice a week for 3 Months?
(2).The Day and time you will be available to teach him During the week?
(3).Tuition address?

I’ll wait to read back from as soon as possible.

All the best.
Danny Brookes.

So far there is nothing here to indicate a scam so I considered his son to be a potential student and sent the following reply…

Hi Danny

I teach Monday, Tuesday & Wednesdays from 3pm to 10pm.

Lesson are $60 per hour. My address is ##### – ### Ave in Langley, BC, Canada V1M2E4 and my phone number is 604.###.#### (sorry, I edited out my number and address for privacy)

If you wish to take 2 lessons per week, I would suggest one Monday and one on Wednesday. I can give you a time late in the afternoon or in the evening.

I’m currently finishing up my schedule for the fall so your timing is good and I could fit your son in with a regular time beginning in September.

Best regards,
John Gilliat

Once I replied I actually received a phone call from Mr. Danny Brookes. (Btw… His phone number is 1.704.990.6856. Just in case you are crazy enough to want to teach his son or better yet if you know who to contact to report him to the proper authorities.)

His phone call was hard to hear and I think he just wanted to let me know that it was great I was available and that he was sending me a follow up email.

Here is his 2nd email to make arrangements for his son’s lessons and lesson payment.

See if you can catch the scam here in Mr Brookes reply…

Dear Mr John Gilliat,

Thanks very much for your quick reply and I’m so sorry for getting back to you a bit late.Meanwhile,I’m pleased to read from you back concerning my son’s lessons and i am giving you my word that i have no doubt about all what you said in the email.

As for the lesson fee,everything is okay by me and i want to let you understand that my son will be coming in few weeks time probably before the end of the Month and I think the lesson twice a week will be good for him as a beginner.

Concerning the payment arrangement,I’m also assuring you that there wouldn’t be any problem as one of my Business associate would be the one paying on our behalf and we had already spoke with him about this and he said that won’t be any problem we should let him knows when everything is set so that he can issue you the cheque or Bankers Draft for the lessons fee and moreso all the total money will be paid at once for all the lesson period and the payment that you’ll received will be in excess which you’re to deduct the cost of the lesson fee 1hrs twice a week for 3months and the rest of the money will be send to our caretaker.

Kindly get back to me with the full calculation and estimation of the lesson fee 1hr twice a week for 3months then e-mail me this this below details for the payment.

Name:
Address:
Postal Code:
Telephone Number:

I wish you all the best and I will be looking forward to read from you as soon as possible today.

Best wishes and God Bless You.
Daniel Brookes.

Well, did you figure out how he was going to scam me out of a lot cash?

First of all this is a tweaked form letter. How did I figure that out?

- Mr Brookes asked me for my name, address, phone, etc… What the ?? He already has this from my previous email.
- Mr Brookes changed his name. Again What the?? He was Danny in the first email, now he’s Daniel.

Now here’s the scam…

He wants to pay me for his son’s lessons for 3 months (ok, that’s cool) however he also wants to pay me for his son’s caretaker and asked if I would pay the caretaker when I see him.
If you don’t see the scam here I’ll explain shortly…

So… Here’s my reply to Mr Brookes…

Hi Daniel

All I require for lesson payment is a check that your son (or his guardian) can bring to me in person, the day of the first lesson to cover the lessons for the month.
And we’ll do the same for the following 2 months until the end of his lesson term. (3 months) This is my lesson policy and I am not interested in taking money for your caretaker, that would be your responsibility.

If we are in agreement, then we can schedule the lessons for your son.

Best regards,
John Gilliat

So this guy doesn’t give up easily and feels he can still con me.
Here’s is reply once again…

Dear Mr John,

I understand everything which has been explained about my son’s lesson with you and inrespect of the payment we don’t have any alternative that seeking for your help receiving the payment from my business associate in excess then you’ll be deducting the lesson fee at once then you will do us a favour by giving the rest of the money to my son’s caretaker .

I’ll wait to read from you .

Mr Daniel

It’s now becoming a little amusing as Mr Brookes is now Mr. Daniel. What the??
So to wrap this up I sent the following reply…

Dear Mr. Brookes,

I’m sorry however my lesson policy for private lessons stands. I can not and will not take money for your caretaker/guardian.
You will have to find another teacher for your son.

Best regards,
John Gilliat

So if you’re still not sure how this scam would work here it is…

Mr. Brookes (or whoever he is), will send me a cheque for three months lessons and include lots more for me to pay his son’s caretaker. My bank, as always, will show I have the money in my account. (banks tend to do this if you have a good history with them) I will then pay Mr. Brookes buisness associate a cheque for his son’s care taker and a little time later when Mr. Brookes cheque has bounce I’ll be out the money I paid him for his imaginary son.

So please beware!

In today’s age we all have to be on our toes.

Oh btw… I haven’t heard back from Danny, I mean Daniel, I mean Mr. Brookes, Ooops, Mr. Daniel for quite some time. My guess is he’s found a new teacher. (I really hope not!)