I recently came across this heart wrenching March 2013 TED Talk featuring Amanda Palmer of music groups Dresden Dolls and Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra. In this presentation Amanda hits on the popular topic of how do you make money while pursuing your passions? Must everyone get a job? She gives examples of how she generated income through her own artistic efforts and would frequently be scolded by people telling her to get a job, but she’d say, “This is my job!” She actually made enough to get by.
Her band the Dresden Dolls experienced hardships with their record company when their album didn’t make enough sales. Instead of giving up Amanda turned to her fans for help by launching crowdfunding campaigns that were a major success, absolutely phenomenal! Rather than having fans pay a fixed price for the album, she encouraged fans to download the music for free and make a donation if they chose to do so.
This method of generating financial support seems like it would be a total failure right? Wrong! Because of Amanda’s deep connections with fans and authentic presentation she was able to reap more funding than originally asked for. Her fans knew for certain what their money was going towards because they lover her music, keep up with her blog and other activities which allows them to donate with confidence. She was amazed how people reached out to her and offered support in this unconventional method. Not to mention she showed that the individual can be successful without a mediator like a record company.
Amanda’s situation is just the tip of the iceberg in amazing changes that are happening in the consumer mindset and business system across the globe. Because of the internet, individuals and business owners are able to develop a much deeper connection with their customers and fans. The question is no longer “What will this product do for me?” but instead “How does this product relate to me?” Businesses now openly display their daily activity through social networking platforms that clue the consumer in about what the business does outside of producing a product which creates a more intimate relationship.
Take note of Amanda’s experiences and her concept of asking for money. She is tapping into a deep subject that relates to many industries and is a base to my own services at Grow With Lauren Ell. Business is changing and positive movement in thriving!
To speak more about pursuing your passions or crowdfunding… Be sure to contact me!
About the author: Lauren Ell
Ell is an Online Marketing consultant based in Southern California. She shares online business opportunities to generate income as well as assists small and large companies develop their marketing strategies. Contact Lauren Ell directly or follow her on Twitter and Facebook.