Importance Of Social Networks

Personal Websites, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Ooovoo, YouTube, UStream, etc. Social Media has taken over society. If a person doesn't use at least one of these social networking tools, they're seen as lost in what goes on in society. Me personally, I have this blog, twitter, Facebook, a YouTube Page, and a UStream account. In the music industry, it's like a priority to use these sites in order to stay relevant and have a connection with the fans. In an article on Social Media Today's website it mentions how with marketing "Using social media can not only increase reliability and build the image, but also effectively increase revenues and increase the number of customers." This also relates to artist in the music industry because it increases an artist visibility, can build their image, increase the number of fans, and can increase their revenue in terms of album sales and concert sales. Artist like Diddy has used social media to increase his brand and the sales of his many business ventures such as his group, Dirty Money; Ciroc, and Sean John. An article with Black Enterprise stated that Ciroc experienced a 552% brand growth " (Yes, you read correctly: 552%.) The brand’s exponential surge is attributed directly to Diddy’s involvement. After Diageo—the parent company for the liquor—partnered with him, featured him in several commercials and named him current brand manager and chief marketing officer in 2007." In the article it states some techniques that with the use of social media, can help propel one's growth: Be the face of the Brand, Cross Promote with Lifestyle Integration, Consistency and repetition is a must, Authenticity Sells, Provide A Quality Product, and Give to Receive. After reading about these techniques, I learned that any artist can take what Diddy has done with Ciroc and do the same thing for themselves using social media. To sum it up in order to be successful using social media in the music industry Stay relevant!, Stay connected!, Stay engaged!, Stay sharing!, Stay interactive!, Stay networking! and Stay Fresh!

To further drive the importance of Social Networking, I've attached a link to an interview with Chaka Zulu, Ludacris' Manager and Business Partner with DTP Records.

Check out the Link Below:

Chaka Zulu Speaks On Social Networking

For More Info on the Importance Of Social Media & THe Music Industry Check Out: Social Media Success: The Music Industry