How to Approach and Talk to Bands: 30 Second Introduction.

As I was preparing for the RADAR quarterly meeting, I realized that there was more information I could provide to the RADAR Advocates on how to approach bands.

I gave a lot of tips on how to talk to the bands, what type of questions to ask, and how to introduc ArtiSans. But after a show is not always the best time to try to have a conversation with bands. A music venue is often loud, and it is hard to talk to anyone effectively. Band members are usually tired and hot, and have fans and friends all vying for their attention when the show is over.

We want you to be confident and comfortable when talking to bands about ArtiSans, and we want them to be able to concentrate fully on your conversation. If the situation does not cater to having the conversation that you need to have with the artist, you can quickly introduce yourself and get their information so that you can call them to discuss their band and ArtiSans. Here is what you do:

Have your RADAR advocate business card ready. Also have something to take down the band member's information on, whether its a notepad, your phone, or the band referral form ArtiSans provides you with.

Go up to the band member, smile, shake their hand. Say something like:

"Hi! I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed your set. I think your band is awesome! I am an avocate for ArtiSans Label and find bands to refer to them. I'd love to get your contact information so that I can call you at a more convenient time to find out more about your band and to tell you a little bit about ArtiSans."

Practice what you want to say ahead of time, and make sure you can keep your introduction short. Take their information, so that you can call them to follow up, and obtain their permission to refer them. Be sure to get their name and phone number, and write down their bands name and whatever other information you will want to remember when you speak to them. (i.e. their style, how many members in the band, any other performance items you want to speak to them about.)

CALL THEM THE NEXT DAY!!!! I can not stress this enough. The longer you take to call them, the less likely it is that they will remember you, or that you will remember them.

Be sure to be prepared before you call them. Write down the questions you want to ask them. Have some notes prepared on ArtiSans so that you can explain yourself clearly and confidently.

Also, be prepared to have to leave a voice mail if they do not pick up. Be sure to leave your name and number clearly, that you met them the night before at their show at (insert venue name here) and gave them your business card. If you don't hear back from them in a few days, call one more time.

Any way in which you choose to approach and speak to an artist, the most important thing is to follow up immediately. Don't let them forget you!

Refer bands into the system as soon as you meet them, speak to them, and get their permission to refer them. The longer you wait to enter the referral into the database, the less likely you are to actually refer the band. We will do the follow up! We will educate them about ArtiSans and how ArtiSans can help them to achieve their goals. And you will get the reward for the referral!