Module 5
"Inspiring & Engaging Others"
"Inspiring & Engaging Others"
Aim
The purpose of this module is to encourage performing artists to ask for and rely on the support of their networks to promote their work.
By the end of this module, you should be able to...
Knowledge
- identify key groups of people that can be mobilised to promote the work of a performing artist.
- find opportunities on a local and national level that can be used to inspire and engage others.
Skills
- discuss the importance of inspiring, enthusing and getting others onboard.
- assess the benefits to and challenges of trying to inspire and motivate others towards helping the performing artist achieve their business goals.
Attitudes
- be willing to rely on networks and to mobilise strangers to promote the work of the performing artist.
Key-concepts
Trust
The performing arts industries are competitive yet helpful. For your work to be shared among the network, you must trust the people involved that they are there to help you and not bring you down.
But how do we build trust? Feelings of trust tend to be built in small moments such as when we show up for each other, listen when others are upset and when we prioritise our important relationships over other people and things.
Leadership
If you plan on inspiring people, you should lead by example.
Be a great example of the kind of behaviours you want to see from others. People often do what you do and not what you say.
Be enthusiastic. The saying “enthusiasm is contagious” is common enough to be cliché, but it’s a cliché because it’s true. Small compliments have a way of brightening any day. If you don’t have something positive to say, don’t say anything at all.
Reach for the stars
No one will be inspired by a person who resigns themselves to “reality”.
Be ambitious, aim high, and never surrender if you want to inspire people that they too can accomplish anything they set their mind too.
Communication
Again, communication is such a factor in this industry. If you cannot communicate properly, then instructions, feedback and engagement could get messy.
It’s important that, as we move more into the digital world, your communication skills are as good on a mobile device as they are in person.
Who can promote my work as an artist ?
- Local newspapers
- Arts councils
- Friends and family
- Brands
- Radio stations
- Theatres
- Influencers
- Yourself
Ways to promote my work
Contact
The first thing you need to do is make contact with these people. Research online or by using the network you have to see if you can get an email, mobile number or address to contact the person. Once that’s done, it is on to step two.
Profile yourself correctly
It’s important that these influential groups/people know a bit about you and your work. You may not fit into what they offer. For example, there is no point promoting yourself trying with an influencer whose fanbase is focused on makeup when you’re to be the next popstar.
Communicate
It’s important that you communicate in a professional manner and both parties understand what’s being asked of them. Sometimes promotional work will require you the artist to pay a fee or return a favour. It works both ways so it’s important that you agree on the same terms and that these terms are feasible to you the artist.
Find your target audience
1 – Use “one-to-one” dynamic
2 – Analyse data
3 – Do it with passion
4 – Use the right platform
5 – Work with influencers
Strategies to find the right target audience for artists
https://insights.midem.com/artists-creativity/5-ways-target-audience-for-artists/
Benefits vs. challenges of trying to inspire others towards helping performing artists to achieve their business goals
Benefits
Workload is shared, so you do not have to do all the promoting.
Support – You do not think you are in this alone.
More contacts means more opportunities.
Challenges
Finance – a lot of artists are self-employed so they do not have the money to spend on advertisement.
Patience – everyone wants that overnight success story. However, that does not usually happen.
Can you think of any others ?
Benefits of getting others on board
Teamwork
There is strength in numbers. By getting others on board, it relieves the stress load and can sometimes make the journey to success more enjoyable.
During periods of trying to reach the goal you could face setbacks. Facing setbacks alone can lead to your mental health being affected but with a team by your side they are there to pick you up if you fall.
Self-esteem
Knowing that people believe in you and your work can boost your self esteem. Inspiring the next generation should be something one feels great pride in.
Challenges of getting people on board
What's in it for them?
Sometimes, it’s very hard to persuade someone to come on board with a project or idea if they don’t see themselves benefiting from it. Why would they give up their time and commitment when in return they don’t benefit from it?
It’s important that before any arrangement is agreed between parties that they understand why both are helping each other.
Competition
The performing arts industry is highly competitive and unfortunately we cant all help each other – it doesn’t work that way. You as an artist have got to sell yourself differently to everyone else. Why would someone get behind you when they can just get behind the next person?
Further Reading
Relying on networks and individuals to promote the work of the performing artists
Promoting your work
Action Plan
Gather your profile
Decide on what you’re going to promote. Why are you choosing this piece of work? Does promoting this piece of work capture everything you are about as an artist?
Identify who could promote it
Identify who you could possibly reach out to. The more the better but keep conscious of finances and time. Why are you reaching out to this person/group? Is their target audience similar to yours?
Launch
Communicate directly with whoever you chose from step 2. Discuss what’s needed from both parties and when is the best time to promote it. Once it’s promoted, keep track and see if you’re on target to hit the goals you set out.
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