What is "Bernhoft" you ask? The real question is not "what", but "who" and what does he have to do with advertising small business marketing tips? He is, in my humble opinion, the most unique artist to hit the music scene in a long time. Seth Godin would call him "The Purple Cow" of musicians right now. I give this guy two thumbs up not only for his musical abilities, but also for his business abilities. So what can we learn from him that will help us better run our businesses?
Advertising Small Business Marketing Tips
- You notice him instantly. He sticks out like a sore thumb, but he's not weird for the sake of being weird. His weirdness makes his music better. Most musicians copy each other's look, sound, and style. Bernhoft is an island unto himself. He could have played it safe. He could have tried to fit in and be like all the other musicians out there, but he knew that taking the safe route was dangerous. Had he done so, nobody would know who he is and he definitely would not have gotten on Ellen. So what does your business do? Are you a lawyer, florist, accountant, or even a home builder? Whatever your industry is, if you are playing it safe, you're sinking your own ship. Break away from the norms of your industry and add a new kind of value that makes people notice and care about you. For example, at Ignite Spot, we're accountants and yet here we are blogging about musicians. I could blog about the standard depreciation methods for a small business, but in all reality I believe that this blog will help you grow your business more. We can depreciate you assets for you without boring you to death. If you want to read about that stuff, feel free to log on to any other accounting firms website and start reading away.
- He makes no excuses. Most musicians need a band to play with. Bernhoft doesn't have that luxury. What I love is that he didn't throw his hands in the air and say, "It's impossible for me to get famous without a drummer, guitarist, bassist, etc." Instead, he learned how to record his "parts" live and layer them on top of each other. The effect if far more satisfying that the standard band and it's a ton of fun to watch. I've heard so many entrepreneurs say, "If I could just get some funding" or "If I could hire a manager to help me". Those are just excuses. By definition, an entrepreneur creates. If you are an entrepreneur, stop thinking about what you don't have, and start focusing on what you can create that will add value and turn heads.
- He's a great front man. Bernhoft's image, personality, and style sell his music. He is and will always be his greatest salesman. Most business owners love to make the product but they don't like to be the lead sales figure. If you're not willing to be the head "frontman" and get out there, you will struggle. Go back to the day job if you don't want to sell. Yes you can outsource sales, but even if you do, you should still remain your companies greatest and proudest sales agent.
- He's passionate. Just watch the video. This guy loves his music. He didn't write it to make money. He wrote it because it moves him. As such, it now moves me and I am willing to bet that it will move you too. Don't start your business with the sole intent of getting rich. Start and run your business because you love it. The rest will follow. Just watch the expressions on his face. He is passionate.