It's a new year, and that means you probably have a renewed passion and desire to have the biggest and best year ever! I'm talking to the artists, producers and DJs out there hustling and hoping to turn their passion into a career.
BUT there is enough talk in hip-hop, so don't just talk about it be about it! Here is a quick thought to help you have a great year.
Have Big Goals & Smaller Targets
Your sole focus shouldn't be, "I want to blow up this year!" or "I want to quit my day job."
Although it's important to know what you are working towards, those goals don't necessarily help you figure out what to work on day-to-day. Goals are like the north star. If you have 1 (or 2) big goal each year it can help make sure you are moving in the right direction, but it won't guide your process or daily activities.
Your smaller targets are more important to your success and will help you eventually reach your goals. So I suggest you set 10-25 obtainable benchmarks for the year. These should be incremental improvements over last year. Don't compare your growth with another artist, create your own path.
Here are some examples:
- If you released a mixtape in 2015, and had 20,000 downloads. Try and release a project that has 50,000 downloads.
- If you have 5,000 twitter followers in the beginning of 2016. Try and have 15,000 by 2017.
- If you have 2,000 fan emails. Try and have 8,000 by the end of the year.
- If you played 10 shows in 2015. Try and play 20 shows in 2016.
- Launch artist website
- Improve live show
- Find audio engineer to improve recordings
Work on these goals with your team and/or friends. You might not always know what's best for yourself and an outside opinion may help.
NOTE:
Once you have your targets for the year, begin working on your strategy. You won't hit your targets without a clear strategy.
No matter how small your targets are, you'll still need to have a strategy to reach them.
Example:
If you want to double your twitter followers, start by researching (Google: how to increase and twitter followers, tips for artists to increase twitter followers, etc.). Understand the best practices and have a plan to achieve your goals. Continue throughout the year by testing your strategy and tweaking you plan.
You don't have to figure out everything for yourself. There is a good chance someone has advice, tips and tools for you on the internets.
Here are some things to keep in mind when creating your targets.
- Stay Fan Focused
- Continue to Build Your Team & Network
- Work on Your Craft
Lastly...
Map Out Your Goals
STEP 1: Write Down Your Focus Areas
STEP 2: Write Your Goals Down
STEP 3: Look At Goals Everyday
[More in depth advice via CyberPR]
Have a great year!
(Picture of Vic Mensa performing at 2014 A3C Festival & Conference, before having a huge 2015!)
