Link: Scott Andrew - lo-fi acoustic pop superhero! > blog > archives > 2005 > 11 > overexposed and http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2005/12/posture_matters.html
I frequently hear "I want to be on Oprah" from authors and other entrepreneurs I coach. There's a belief that being on Oprah will create instant fame and fortune. But, sadly, that's not true.
I know people who have been on Oprah, and their sales have not risen one iota, they have not gained even one client. Nada. Zilch.
That's true of other exposure as well. I've been quoted and written about in the local papers, the NY Times, a syndicated column that appeared in major newspapers all over North America, and more. I can't say it's brought me anything more than visibility and credibility...nothing to sneeze at, but not fame and fortune.
Further conformation came via a musician's blog. Scott Andrew writes about a colleague that was prominently featured at MySpace:
" One of the band members posted the numbers:
number of times their music was played: around 20,000
number of MySpace friend requests: 1200
number of mailing list sign-ups: over 100
number of CDs sold: ZERO "
So what does this mean? Truth is, in today's over-glutted world, the best way to fame and fortune is your friends and family. Your network and six digress of separation is the best way to get yourself out there. Good old-fashioned grass roots and buzz.
It's not just a numbers game. It's about getting known to the right people. The people who crave who you are and what you have. Seth Godin is right when he says " It's not just what you say, it's where you say it...it's an essential lesson in the value of permission... done right... over time. Not all at once."
So go out and party. Make some friends. And turn them into raving fans. Enjoy!
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