Musicians, Magicians and Money

"Don't reinvent, reimagine." - Sonia Sanchez

Go to any sizable city in the U.S. - or the rest of the world for that matter - and you will always find two things.

• Street Performers
• Public Transportation

In thinking about solving problems for clients I almost always begin with a three word phrase:

In what ways...?

Initially, today's idea began as a way to solve a city budgetary problem.

I asked, 'In what ways might Street Performers and Public Transportation work together for the benefit of both?'

The resultant original idea was to have street entertainers - musicians, magicians, mimes, etc. - on board busses,?street cars, etc. to promote ridership.

Just as they do in the street, they work for tips from passengers.

It gives them an audience and there are no weather related issues.

This would cost the city nothing and, by using a little imagination, other sources of revenue could result.

That by itself is a great idea.

But, I always consider how this could be a boost to business.

So…

Sponsorship

Next Level Guerilla Marketing

A business could sponsor street performers (on or off of public transport) by matching the amount they earn in tips for a day – with an upper limit.

Each sponsored street musician displays a sign or banner that promotes your business.

This banner should have a QR code on it that offers a Street Performance Special to anyone who is stopping by.

As many of these street performers ply their trade in areas that are frequented by business owners and executives, this would be an ideal fit for businesses that caters to those folks.

To give this marketing investment traction that lasts longer than just a day, shoot video of various performers and share on your YouTube Channel, web site and Social Media pages.

Short snippets from these videos would be work well on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube Shorts; any short form video platform.

And, hey, you might help one or more talented Street Performers get discovered!

What are your thoughts?

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Expert Tip

This week's subject matter expert, Amy Blaschka, has made a career offering “stories as a service,” from her degree in film to her three decades spent branding products, places, and people. These days, she’s a social media ghostwriter who helps founders craft their stories to communicate and connect better, magnifying their reach and impact. (Think personal branding and thought leadership.) Amy also writes engaging, original, and authentic career stories for her clients to position them for success and change how others perceive, pay, partner with, and promote them.?A longtime Leadership Contributor for Forbes, Amy regularly shares original content through her popular?Illuminate Me?and?momentum?newsletters and active social media channels.

Here, she offers tips on improving your communication, enhancing your thought leadership and bolstering your personal brand. All these will help bolster your career. Amy calls these her Power Trifecta.

1. Clarity

When you’re clear, everything becomes easier. People understand you, the intended takeaway of your content, what you offer, your value, what differentiates you, how you can help them, and how they can assist you. Clarity also helps others know, like, and trust you. And when in doubt, choose clear over clever.

2. Consistency

Those who put in the hard work, day after day, and make a deliberate choice to continue to show up, matter what, ultimately prevail. Though simple, it’s definitely not easy, which is why so few actually do it — and why it will set you apart.

Consistency demonstrates your commitment and accountability and earns you a reputation as someone who always means what she says and says what she does, building and maintaining trust. And because consistency is all about playing the long game, it also raises your profile. Taking small daily steps that align with and showcase your talents, putting them to their highest and best use, is an excellent way to build awareness of your personal brand.

3. Discipline

Without discipline, you run the risk of trying to be all things to all people, which lowers your competitive advantage and waters down your offering. Worse, people won’t know what to think of you (if they think of you at all). And if you confuse them, you’ll lose them.

Instead, pick a lane and stick to those few areas where you are an expert, consistently sharing your wisdom in your (targeted) zone of genius. This discipline allows you to go deeper and stay within your wheelhouse so that your name becomes synonymous with those things. It also attracts your intended audience, helping them see you as the go-to person in your arena.

Want more from Amy?

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Puzzle and Trivia

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About?Bob Sager

The Founder of?SpearPoint Solutions, Bob’s professional background includes over three decades of experience in sales, leadership and training. Combined with creative thinking, he uses that experience to develop business strategies that help organizations increase sales and margins. Additionally, Bob facilitates training on methods of thinking more creatively that organizations can practically apply to all aspects of their business so they can thrive in the modern?economy.?