I get approached everyday from people that want a package.
I'll sincerely try to help here:
* First off, and this IS important: YOU (the artist), is NOT endorsed....it is the other way around. And this is a very common misunderstanding. If an artist approaches me and doesn't understand this........
* Common mistake I see: "Dude, I'm like ....umm...in a band and would really like and endorsement". My response: "Ummm....like, I don't see any ummm like dudes here. Ummmm.... which model of ours do you like?" Artist: "Ummm...wow man...Ummmmm ...I've never played your stuff....whatya got?"
* Another common mistake I see is that people will want "an endorsement". I then ask them what "promotional consideration can we expect in return for supporting you?" This is often greeted with blank stares.
This type of conversation often stalls because it is one of the first times an "artist", under the age of 22 for example, comes face to face with a business man. And the artist rarely understands the economics of business or simply the hundreds of such requests the business man gets each week.
What is successful?:
"High, I'm Leonard Repman....I manage (insert name here)". "My client played your rig/instrument at the last blah blah. He loved it. He's going on tour with so and so. You can log on to.....and see there tour schedule. You can also go to my artist's site....
www...blah blah. If you support us we will....... " And this is how business is done: it comes down to that "if you support us ...we will". That is what promotional consideration is.
Way too many artists approach manufacturers on their MySpace, at NAMM shows with yello badges etc.
Also, state what you want up front: are you looking for free gear?....be honest. Very often an artist will approach: "hey ..love your stuff. I used to play Brand X but can't stand their stuff. Can you support me?" My reply: "Based on the exposure we'd get ...yes. Your price would be .....". The artist: "Wow man....umm.....like I want it free. The brand I currently play gives them to me for free." I say: "But you said you love our and hate theirs. I'm so confused....do you want free gear or gear you like?" I've even referred people to competitors that give stuff for free.
I hope this doesn't come of as being a wet blanket.....I'm truly attempting to be helpful. It's just that I fear I might offend somebody here because this is where love and art start to cross over to business.
