[First, an announcement: Congratulations to Jill Stodola, who won the random drawing for a copy of Nely Galan's book, "Self Made". Now, on with the show.]
My Aunt Sue was a fixture in my childhood. She was also somewhat of a role model for me. She was a federal employee, she had a social life, and she was an entrepreneur. She and my mom started a DJ service when I was young. I remember helping to carry milk crates loaded with 45's and LP's from the van to the venue. I'd sit in the back of the room while Aunt Sue tested the sound equipment and we'd play my own private version of "name that tune". She'd spin a classic from an era well before my time. After hearing a song only a few times, I was usually able to guess the song and often the artist, but rarely the year. I'd get close, but Aunt Sue could almost always stump me if she asked me for the year of a song.
Thank God the Internet now helps me find the dates for all the songs in my 300 Songs project.
When I was lucky, she'd play Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" - a song I enjoy so much, me and The Damn Whippersnappers played it at our first "Front Row Sessions" online concert. The song doesn't really offer fifty options, but Paul's list of tactics was so catchy and repeatable that you could get all the guests at the wedding reception to start singing along. It was mesmerizing to watch a room of random conversations stop and transform into a singular chorus of voices when Paul offered up his 50 ways.
That or Margaritaville.
But it was Paul, not Jimmy, who gave me my first understanding of the difference between marketing tactics and marketing strategy. I've invited him back for a "guest appearance" in this week's episode of Creative Freedom - where one man's bad sales pitch turned into a teachable moment for us all.
Marketing strategy is more than just a single tactic. It has to be, or it's not a strategy. (Tweet This)
Incidentally, Des, the amazing keyboardist from The Damn Whippersnappers has enlisted, and will not return from boot camp until October, just about the time our bassist, Owen, relocates to Nashville... which is where I'm headed, too. So there's a lot of movement happening in the coming months for all of us. Say a prayer, wouldja?
Share your thoughts comments and questions about marketing strategies and tactics in the comments. What is working for you? What have you tried that didn't work? We'd love to hear from you!
It's not every day one of your heroes gives you a public acknowledgement. Perhaps that will change one day, but for now, I'll keep savoring the occasional tweets, nods, and virtual hi-fives that come from people I admire in the world.
Sometimes we forget that competition isn't always about "winning" in the traditional sense. In truth, there's often a slew of other lessons and gifts that come when we show up and do our best, regardless of whether or not we actually win.
Here's a story and a song that I hope inspires you to keep showing up and doing your best, even if you don't think you're winning.
Subscribe to Lisa’s YouTube Channel | More from the 300 Songs Project | Buy The Show Replay
Subscribe to Lisa’s YouTube Channel | More from the 300 Songs Project | Buy The Show Replay
One last clip from the May show. This is our original jazz arrangement of that classic Mowtown hit "Tears of a Clown".
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If you missed the May show, you can catch the replay here.
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Saturday, May 17, 2014, will be the day I count as the day my dream began anew. My whole life I wanted to be on a stage and perform for an international audience. Well, the first installment of the Front Row Sessions played host to people in London, Canada, and all over the US.
It's the first time in my life I've had the honor of playing my own original music with a live band. And WHAT a band! The Damn Whippersnappers are simply a fabulous bunch of boys - and fun, too. This monologue and song opened the show and set the tone for what I believe (from all the comments on social media) was a powerful and fun afternoon for everyone watching. This was also the debut performance for my new song, "Photoshop Me" - a song about self acceptance and being proud of who you are (the song starts around the 6:40 mark).
This afternoon wouldn't have happened without this awesome band I call The Damn Whippersnappers:
Piano: Desmond Sheppard
Bass: Owen Ananich
Drums: Joe Neminski
Guitar: Kris Kress
It also wouldn't have happened without the gracious support from the folks at Gigee.com and my behind-the-scenes team of Tanya Brayer and Jen Harris. They kept the broadcast working like a charm and the chat room hopping.
And lastly, this dream come true wouldn't have had any meaning without an audience. My fans all over the world are the biggest reason I put this show together. THANK YOU for being so awesome and supportive!
