MINDSET

 

 

As you start your journey to becoming an 'Online musician', I feel it is important to consider one's mindset, thus the title of this step.

Like anything in life, you are starting from effect ZERO. 

 

Of course, this doesn't discount your, perhaps many years of, skill building in technical/IT abilities and instrument proficiency.

 

My key point here is to mentally map out the trajectory of ZERO-HERO... 

 

I recommend 'Mapping out' specific goal posts to reach, this breaks down the journey like any goal setting (These are suggestions that can, of course, be tailored to how you wish to set up your own goals)

 

I would split the 'Goals' up into three categories; 

 

* SHORT TERM
* MEDIUM TERM
* LONG TERM

 

Let's start with my suggestions for: 

 

SHORT TERM 

 

* SET UP online profile of my chosen platform- Simply meaning signing up to your chosen platforms (Fiverr, Airgigs, etc.)You'll need to verify your identity with IDs, etc.. 
Also within this setup, take time researching other sellers to see what price they are selling their service. My STRONG advice is not to 
set your prices too low, I have talked about this 'Under-valuing' in STEP 1. 

Be bold but not crazy! It's a tricky balance, but start out strong!  

 

* SET UP technical needs for your 'Chosen' Offering, including DAW, Audio Interface, etc...

 

* IDENTIFY 'Niche' USP; Musical genre, Unique Offering (Mine for instance, Rock vocals on EDM tracks crossover)

 

* BIOGRAPHY (Text)
 

* IRON OUT any 'Lacking' skills, including at the core practicing recording your instrument/voice of choice, this will also help the practice of recording audio in your DAW

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MEDIUM TERM

 

* VIDEO- DIY or hiring a freelance video creator (Fiverr is amazing for this!) 

 

* MP3-edits/choice

 

* SHARING your SET UP gigs on SOCIAL MEDIA to start to potentially generate enquiries, on this point, by now, with the SET UP on whichever platform, you should have a LINK to add to your INSTA/FACEBOOK account.

 

 

 

LONG TERM

 

*Ten Orders- a qualitative aspect/measure here is a few 5 * reviews (Hopefully! and ten would be nice, but clients on these platforms are not obliged to leave any feedback, and some seemingly 100% happy with your work just don't bother! A cautionary note here from my experience is that on Fiverr, it's a BIG NO NO to hassle for a review; you could get kicked off!

 

In fact, you can't directly ask them to leave a review! With my research and something I do with every 'Delivery', I use a specific text I found from a Fiverr customer service person:

 

'I would really appreciate feedback about your experience as it’s important to helping me improve my service'

 

I copy and paste this onto every delivery, as it is confirmed to be safe and within Fiverr (Terms of Service).

 

*Move up a level.

On Fiverr, there are 4 categories:

 

-New seller

-Level 1

-Level 2

- Top Rated Seller

 

(**There is also PRO Verified, but that is a side level that you have to apply for, be vetted and a whole different subject I won't go into at this stage)

So, of course, you start as a new seller and to get to Level 1 you need to meet the following criteria:

 

'To get to Level 1 on Fiverr, you must meet several performance criteria, including being active for at least 60 days, completing at least 10 orders, earning over $400, maintaining a 4.7-star average rating, and achieving a minimum of 90% on-time delivery, order completion, and response rates over that 60-day period. You also cannot have received any warnings from Fiverr in the past 30 days.' 

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*Obtain sessions with a REPEAT Client.

Repeat clients are a great asset to aim for, I have had many and some I have worked on and recorded multiple tracks for. One of the benefits of a 'Repeat' client is trust, they trust you and you trust them, I have found repeat clients on the whole to be easier to work with who truly value your work!

 

This is beneficial also as they are much more likely to leave positive, and most likely, 5-star feedback! Getting a number of 5-star reviews 'under your belt' is, of course, building your confidence, but also increases your profile exposure on many of these platforms, boosting your value in the algorithm via the AI 'Assessment' software, in layman's terms, more browsing clients see you.

 

 

 

 

So, in SUMMARY: ....don't underestimate the importance of 'Mindset' and also be patient and try to reflect upon your 'Journey' with a methodical and calm approach. 
'Rome wasn't built in a day'.... 'You can't jump to the top of the mountain', two very poignant phrases that spring to mind. 

 

I have always strived to be more present, and it's so true in life. 'One day at a time' is all one can truly live by. 
Set your SHORT/MEDIUM/LONG-term goals and set out more 'Micro' actions to get busy with on a day-to-day basis. 

 

Find that balance, don't overwhelm yourself with too much at once, but also get stuck in and fundamentally 'JUST START...."