Hustle Harder: 'If You Don't Know Me, I'm Not Working Hard Enough...'
Published: Wednesday - November 14, 2007
Words by Donny Goines
Blog by Donny Goines (Photo: Don Michaels)
"If you don't know my name I'm not working hard enough...."
Donny Goines. Every single day my name is mentioned somewhere. Whether it's on a website or forum board, blog or Myspace page, magazine or radio -- its somewhere. I make sure of it. Relentless self promotion is one of my trademarks and a vital part of my success thus far.
I have both a manager and a publicist, but that doesn't stop me from spreading my name. I also have my own internet street team and loyal supporters, but I still work as if it's just me. Why? Is it because I don't depend on my team? No. Maybe it's because I feel my name isn't mentioned enough? Yes, but that's not the sole reason. My logic is simple, the more people see my name, the more they tend to recognize me and my music, so I have to make sure that's done every single day. Even if that means I do it myself. I've incorporated this technique into my daily routine so much that it's become a habit and if want recognition of your namesake, you'll practice this method as well.
Its several ways to go about this, but lets first address some of the WRONG ways. The biggest mistake I typically see is people writing or mentioning there name a million times. Not only is this very annoying, but it is also very ineffective. If someone isn't paying attention to you the first time, what makes you think their paying attention to the second or third? It does put you on there radar, but for all the wrong reasons. Chances are they'll never pay attention again at all and simply disregard you as a nuisance. Secondly, don't try to get someone's attention unless your PREPARED (read my first blog, "Hustle Harder: Words Of Advice By Donny Goines"). The worst thing you can possibly do is get someone's attention and then not be ready. First impressions are usually lasting ones. I tell you these things because I had to learn from trial and error. Hopefully you'll read this and avoid these same mistakes.
Now here are some effective methods. Start by implementing your name to various people and in various places SUBTLY. Being loud and obnoxious doesn't really help (unless that characteristic is apart of your style, then by all means do you) and it's not really necessary. All the stupid tag lines and cliches are cool, but usually a simple name will suffice. In conversations, make sure when you greet someone above all make your name is remembered. If they don't hear or listen to anything else you have to say, at least the next time when they see you or your name somewhere, they will be a little more receptive this time around. You should also attach your names to highly visible blogs, websites, forums, etc. when posting or sending your messages (most people post anonymously, but if you think about it how does this help if your trying to be noticed?) Another suggestion I think is helpful is to place your name on things that you KNOW will get attention (be careful tho, attaching your name to everything that's popular is not always the best decision. Be smart and use your judgement). Also using items such as fliers, clothing, business cards and anything that people can physically touch and see is also good. Remember, there's no definitive method, so get creative with it. You can put your name in many places and gather a lot of attention if your smart.
I would say this falls under the category of branding, but not necessarily. I'll touch on that topic in depth at a later date. The bottom line is, your name is just as important as your product. It becomes synonymous with whatever you do and you have to make sure that it's seen. When you see Microsoft you think of "?", Rocafella/"?", Girls Gone Wild/"?". Your name is just as important as your product. So in my case, if you haven't heard my name, then chances are you haven't heard my music and that can only mean one thing. I'm not working hard enough.
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