I have been thinking about how the universe works.  Yes, I do read some “out there” books from time to time, but you have to admit, there is much to learn from these types of books.  There is advice worth noting and using in order to build your audiences too.  So here are my top three (3) advice from the Universe:

1. There’s no such thing as competition, only opportunity.  There may be other artists and organizations out there that are similar, but you are the only one out there that is like you, that is, if you are branding yourself properly.  The Universe is a big place, and you are a unique entity.  We can realize that everyone can be successful when we have this mentality.   Everyone can have an audience if everyone is uniquely themselves.  All of us can attract our particular audiences this way.  The other opportunity of “competition” is to continue to improve ourselves.  When we take a look around us and someone raises the bar, we can raise our bar too.
2. Win-Win is the most natural way to succeed.  If you look at how our ecosystem works, it is a very delicate balance.  We are all connected.  In order to make things work, we can create Win-Win situations, Win-Win collaborations, community programs and solutions.  Win-Win means that it is a balanced agreement.  There is give and take on all sides and everyone benefits from the arrangement.
3. We are here to learn from each other and give each other a helping hand.  Why else would there be so many unique people in our Universe?  We each have something special to offer, an individual perspective and creative spirit.  Everyone can be your teacher and a guide to you, yet you have to be open to this way of thinking and to making good connections with other people.

In relation to the arts, we definitely can not afford to have this “me, me, me” thinking.  We are a vulnerable industry, and we absolutely need to stick together to be strong and healthy.  The progress that is being made for arts advocacy is due to people becoming aware of these universal truths.

In relation to audience development, if an audience member were to see that you completely subscribe to these truths, I am willing to bet that they will be more attracted.  We are now in an age where people want to know what you stand for as well as what you provide.  If you stand for the all instead of just yourself, there will be more people interested in supporting you.

The alternative to not following these truths is a dog-eat-dog world.  Only one entity “wins” in the end.  This mentality is creating big gaps between people and nations.  It is causing war, financial chaos, and personal harm.  Since we are all connected, further down the line, we are simply shooting ourselves in the foot. Tearing someone else down may boost you momentarily, but in the end you are most likely in for a very big fall.

It is our choice which type of universe we wish to live in.  I firmly believe that following these universal truths is the better way to go and the better way to build your audiences.

There are other universal truths that can serve as advice for us.  Please feel free to share with us your favorite universal truth. 

Cheers to happy and loyal audiences,
Shoshana

Shoshana Fanizza
Chief Audience Builder
Audience Development Specialists