When talking with artists about online promotion, there’s a simple, yet effective approach I use – start with the theory and abstract idea, and then decscribe it using specific examples and details. From there, make simple observations about the ways the band can start using it themselves. It helps to hear the abstract first, solidify the idea with specifics, and drive the point home with specific suggestions.

Sometime I get weird looks when I start using specific numbers. It’s because the numbers don’t match the size of their fan base. For example:

Me: If you do this x and this y using twitter,you could add 1-5 people to your attendance.

Them: Man, I don’t care about those numbers. Our list has xxx (it’s a large number) people of it. 1-5 people doesn’t help us.

Me: Ok. Let me explain what I meant.

And then I do into a diatribe about scale, percentages, and the initial size of the fan base.

You’d be amazed at how many people will turn down an idea because they don’t quite get the numbers. Most people are skeptical and very wary of new ideas, but the next time you hear an idea, you’ll be better off if you ask yourself 3 questions:

1. Is this something we could use?

2. Will our fans respond to this?

3. Will we see significant returns based on our existing fan base?

Using these 3 questions should help you get past the scaling question.