If you have ever tried to play golf more than once or twice then you have probably done the following:  

• Watched videos on how to putt, drive, or chip.  
• Noticed the type of putters your favorite players use.  
• Bought the same brand of golf balls endorsed by your favorite player.  

Every amateur/aspiring musician has probably done the following:  

• Watched videos on how to play an instrument or how to sing, read, or write music.  
• Noticed the type of instruments their favorite players use on stage.  
• Bought the same brand of amp endorsed by their favorite player.  

People like to emulate those that they respect and admire.  They also like to use the same equipment, shoes, and instruments.  In the days of VHS, the market was flooded with videos from Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and other golf greats.  They were popular because, just like music, there are golf enthusiasts that are obsessed with how the golf swing works and how they can emulate their heroes on the course.  There were instructional videos from guitarists too, such as Eric Johnson, Joe Walsh, and others.  Today you can visit YouTube and learn how to play Fire and Rain directly from James Taylor! (https://youtu.be/OTjd4sna_4o ) People bought these VHS videos and viewed the aforementioned YouTube videos because they wanted to learn from the players “in the game.” (pun intended!)   

By now, some musicians are starting to understand that building a connection to fans is one of the most important things to consider in the arc of one’s career.  In the book, Fanocracy, David Meerman Scott and Reiko Scott demonstrates how a powerful connection can result in stronger listenership, merchandise purchases, ticket sales, and fan loyalty.  Finding a way to build those connections can seem challenging.  One of the problems is that many artists think that they can only attempt to make those connections when they have a “finished” product. Musicians tend to think that what they do, day-to-day is not that important until it is finished.  That could not be further from the truth.   

I propose that learning the way that Eric Clapton approaches a blues solo is every bit as interesting to an aspiring guitarist as how Phil Mickelson approaches a water hazard is to a weekend golfer.   

Millions of people try to play instruments and write songs every day.  Think of how great it would be to see how your favorite artist gets that special tone from their guitar from the artist themselves instead of someone else on Youtube.  Imagine watching a songwriter take a fan from the first inspiration of a song through the entire completion.    

So, what are some quick and easy ways that can apply what the golf industry knew to help you to build your audience?  

Here are 5 ways an artist can bring their fans into the process and build their tribe along the way.  

1. Create a blog/Vlog about your songwriting process.  
2. Create a series of about how you practice.  
3. Create a video about your equipment.  Where did it come from?  Why do you like it?  
4. How did you learn to play, sing, or write?  
5. Talk about the inspiration for some of your catalog.  

Give them a try and see what happens!  What other ways can you build a connection with your fans?  Maybe you have other suggestions?  Let me know and leave a comment!