GET MORE CLIENTS: By Not Giving Out Your Business Cards

It seems obvious... I'm going to an event with many prospects.. Better hand out as many business cards as I can! It's what everyone does, and it works.... right??....

It may seem counter intuitive to leave yourself vulnerable in an environment where you will be potentially bumping into future clients with no trusty business cards on hand. But its not- and here is why.

It does not matter if anyone has your contact information. You need theirs.

Let's just be honest for a second. Even if you have the freshest card that you photoshopped the hell out of all by yourself and printed out at staples, the chances of someone going through the process of sorting through hundreds of cards, choosing yours, then transcribing the small print of your long domain that leads to your website and giving you a call saying "Hey I would love to work with you" - is none. 

Here are some options that work:

- If you meet someone you would like to build a relationship with or work with in the future: Say you just handed out your last card and ask for their phone number-- let them know you will give them a call within the next few days. Nine out of 10 times they will give it to you. 

- Always try to get an email address to which you can send your online portfolio. 

- From the money you save by not printing out business cards- get creative with unique, more memorable leave behinds such as a branded flash drive-- or spend it on online advertising to build your brand.

As entrepreneurs, businesses owners, and freelancers, we rely on our past work to get more work. In my case, the most powerful tool I have to sell my service is my website. When I am networking at an event, I make sure each prospect I meet will be browsing my website the next day. 

Remember to keep the ball in your court when dealing with potential future clients or people you would like to build relationships with in the future. You should never have the excuse that you gave someone your card, but they never called back. 

Top 10 Ways to Make Money as a Musician

1. Sell Your Single Online with CD Baby

– You don’t have to have a full album to start selling music. Services such as CD Baby will publish your song on almost every digital distribution site out there from the Amazon Market place to the iTunes store.

2. Create a Music Video & Publish to Youtube

- A music video is truly the most powerful marketing tool for musicians. Drop the iTunes link of your music video in the description box of your music video and watch your fan base, and sales skyrocket.

Music video production does not have to cost $10,000 - services such as Austin Hein Productions produces high quality and engaging music videos as low as $300.

3. Sell Your CDs at a Local Store

– Live near a cool local music store? See if they will carry your CD and sell it to their fly customers.

4. Crowdfund Your Next Song or Video

– Need a small community to support your craft? Tell the world about your music project and let them help you make it possible. With today's crowd funding technology, its never been easier. It certainly helps to have an audience already established, but even a start up can reach a bigger audience using these platforms. Singer-songwriter John Mark McMillan recently funded his latest album to the tune of $69,000 through Kickstarter.

5. Create a YouTube Channel and Display Advertising

– No one can prevent you from making a hit music video. YouTube has long since leveled the playing field. Take advantage of YouTube’s advertising program to make some extra money when you release your next music video.

6. Got Merch?

– Make sure to sell your fresh apparel and CD's at your next live gig.

7. Compose Songs for Fans.

– Offer, for a fee, to write a song or musical dedication for a fan. Not all your fans will be interested, but a few superfans would love it!

8. Sell Your Instruments After Live Performances

– This idea is perfect for hand drummers who may perform in tourist spots. Get a drum circle going and then allow the participants to purchase a drum to remember their experience and take the music with them.

9. Get In the Shazam Database

– Being in Shazam is a must if you expect to be featured on a TV show or commercial. CD Baby can help you get into the Shazam database.

10. Get Paid to Advertise Your Music

– Allow your fans to grab some of your fresh swag though an online merch store. Austin Hein Productions offers affordable solutions to web and shirt design.
Already have a site and dope swag? Services such as Cafe Press and Spread Shirt let you sell your shirts directly to your fans - its free and doesn’t cost anything to start selling!