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Any successful musician has a team of people promoting and showcasing them 24/7. These people are in the background, but their efforts place artists in the limelight. A "street team" are dedicated individuals who work the street. A street team puts up posters showcasing upcoming performances, meets with radio executives and disc jockeys to feature artists' appearances and partner up with nightclub owners to promote concerts and album release parties.

The musician's main concentration is on their music. The street team works all promotional and business ends. An effective, street team is a well-oiled machine of enthusiastic workers circulating the malls, parks and business districts meeting and greeting bystanders. There are tips to top-notch promotion for an artist. Here are some ways.

First off, promote a "people person". An artist should be willing to mix with their fans early and often. Even the most brash artist can attract potential fans. If the artist enjoys being around the public, fans will be drawn to them.

Second, promote an artist who has charisma. Curtis Jackson, 50 Cent came from a miserable upbringing and almost died violently. However, his physique, business sense and magnetic smile drew attraction from Corporate America. Jayceon Taylor, The Game evolved from similar surroundings. Both artists' street teams promoted their mixtapes before any record labels came offering bids. 50 Cent and The Game were financially established prior to them signing multi-million dollar, record and distribution deals. In 2000, both artists were underground legends. In 2007, both artists represent two members of Billboard Music Power 100.

Third, be willing to work long hours and everyday. Sean "P. Diddy" Combs claims to get only two hours of sleep a day. This man is a music and entertainment mogul, but he works like he's trying to get his first show booked. A street team's energy is only exceeded by their artist's hunger for success. If your artist is putting more time to promote themselves than you are, your street team position won't last long.

Finally, offer cheap or free samples first. When you hear about an artist "grinding", they are promoting themselves for little or no money in return. A successful artist works like a drug dealer. An up-in-coming, drug dealer offers free samples to prospective "customers". Once the competition is economically forced off the street, that dealer can sell their product and be the only supplier around. Music is as cutthroat a business as the drug game. An artist needs to promote themselves as the only act in town.

Effective promotion and word of mouth can keep an artist's name hot. A street team's mission is to make their artist's name hot. In simple terms, a successful artist is only as successful as their street team.

Learn more about this author, Marcus Brooks.
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