Loyalty and passion are two attributes we wish that all of our fans had. They don’t. But superfans do. How do you go about attracting more of these kinds of people into your tribe?
I’ve been fascinated around the ability of some people to draw in the uncommon fan and supporter of creative people, folks who will go way out of their way to support the artists they love. These people are the diehard members of your fan base known as your superfans, which was an idea originally posed by Wired Magazine founder/editor Kevin Kelly.
Kevin is a man with a rich background in writing and science. His wisdom and thoughtfulness is pervasive in not only his writings but also his lectures.
He’s someone with an eye and ear to the future, looking at both trends and technology paired with the human psyche to see what futures await us.
The artistic side of this approach to vision casting is brilliant. It’s also intriguing.
His article titled “The Secret To 1000 True Fans” created a brand on its own, and an idea that you didn’t have to reach a fan base of millions of people to be successful. If you could gain just 1000 passionate people who wanted what you have to offer, you’d live a very successful life.
How I came to understand and embrace Kevin’s theories on growth goes back a few years to when I was starting my first endeavor in the creative entrepreneurial realm.
The Birth Of The SuperFan Idea
Back in 2008, while starting the initial syndication build for The Appetizer Radio Show, I first met an artist who would become a good friend. William Fitzsimmons had transitioned from one career as a therapist into becoming a full-time musician. He wasn’t famous, but he did have a really strong core audience that propelled his growth.
Years later, I’d connect with several other artists who’d share with me how they’d built their growth strategy around reaching 1000 true fans (superfans). It was a theory created by Kevin Kelly in an article he wrote that was published a few decades ago. Intrigued, I looked it up and found it contained the exact formula I was using to build my platform.
Fast-forward to this past summer. My good friend (and fellow DIY Artist Router) Chandler Coyle told me of an opportunity to speak with Kevin. Kevin has a new book out called The Inevitable, and was looking at some artistic, entrepreneurial and marketing related podcasts to get on to promote the book. I put my name in the hat and was privileged to get to talk with him.
The result of that connection is this podcast episode. It’s been several months in the making, but it’s brilliant on a variety of levels. The are several things I loved about talking with Kevin Kelly, especially how down-to-earth and open he is. It was like talking with an old friend.
He’s also incredibly objective, which is refreshing for someone who has done so much in their careers.
Insight Into Kevin Kelly’s Story
Kevin Kelly is most known for being a writer, author, and co-founder of Wired Magazine. He’s also got a rich history in science, photography and digital marketing. He’s the founder of The WELL, a virtual community created with Stewart Brand.
He’s written for publications like The Economist, Esquire, GQ, and the New York Times. His lectures cover subjects ranging from marketing and economic growth to scientific and technological innovation.
His writings and books include New Rules for the New Economy: 10 Radical Strategies for a Connected World (1999) and his most recent title, The Inevitable: Understanding The 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future (2016).
Our conversation in the DIY Artist Route Podcast features the insights of Kevin into the philosophy and method of relationship building with your fans that lead to them becoming your SuperFan.
How To Capture Your 1000 True Fans
What started as a concept and an idea has become something that is used by the truly successful indie and DIY musicians, artists, and creative entrepreneurs to build lasting success. It’s no longer a theory. The method of Growth Farming for success that my private coaching clients use is a big part of tapping into your superfans’ passions to build a powerful fan base.
Book your free strategy session now to build your SuperFan tribe!
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