Redefine The Hustle

Latest Episodes:

Ep 15: Why No One Cares Mar 07, 2018

Show notes

Hearing crickets on your posts & waiting for your streaming numbers to increase? Here is a list of reasons no one cares about your music & how to change that.

"It's the one thing about you that shouldn't have anything to do with you, you see?"

Key Highlights

The best way to get people's attention [02:00]
How Lysol reaches customers [02:57]
How Gary Vee engages fans [05:10]
How Sue B. Zimmerman grows her following [06:52]
The Ashlee Simpson & Kardashian Effect [09:13]
Questions to consider before posting [11:00]
Time-sensitive info about my new course with Ariel Hyatt of Cyber PR [14:14]

Start getting your fans engaged & taking ACTION by downloading my FREE worksheet - 20 Ways to Get Fans to Care - here!

Links/Rocksources

Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
More podcast episodes can be found here
You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
You can sign up for Ariel + Suz' Facebook Pop Up Course here
Check out Ariel Hyatt's latest book, Crowdstart
Follow Gary Vee on Instagram here
Follow Sue B. Zimmerman on Instagram here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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Ep 14: Don't Get Screwed! Mar 01, 2018

Show notes

While you should always consult a lawyer before signing a contract, you better make sure you understand what you're signing! Learn how to gauge for yourself if a situation is right for you and empower yourself to understand music industry legal terminology and how certain clauses in common contracts effect your career.

"Lawyers aren’t just there to dig us out of holes, they’re there to help make sure we never fall into one in the first place."

Key Highlights

Why musicians struggle with contracts [01:22]
Why getting signed shouldn't be your end game [06:03]
Common clauses found in contracts [06:28]
Legal terms to be familiar with [15:28]
Questions you should be asking a lawyer [21:38]

Download my Contracts eBook & break down most contracts, make the tough decisions, and find the right lawyer for YOU! http://www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep14

Links/Rocksources

Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
More podcast episodes can be found here
You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep13: Music-Preneur Spotlight: Sub-Radio Feb 21, 2018

Show notes

The other day I sat down with four of the six members of the DC-based pop-rock group Sub-radio. As the composers of this podcast's theme music I felt it was only right for them to be my first guests. We discussed everything from social media assignments to time-traveling.

"We can all play instruments so we should be in a band that releases music. And those aren't the minimum standards. You should have something to say... You should make music because you want to do something with it."

Key Highlights

Let's begin the interview! [03:10]
How they assign roles [05:06]
How they handle the business side of things [07:48]
What do they wish they knew back then? [13:11]
The importance of living in the moment [18:00]
How to handle being the newbie band [19:24]
Singles vs. EPs [25:48]
What would they do with 1 extra hour in your day? [28:18]
What's their big ask? [30:38]
What band would each of them wish to join for the day? [34:00]
Where to find them & how to connect! [34:49]

Take a listen to their latest single, What Are We, and be sure to follow them on Soundcloud & Spotify!

Links/Rocksources

Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
More podcast episodes can be found here
You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
Music video for "Up" by Sub-Radio is here
Check out Chrissy Borsellino of WMA here
The Festival Beat's Firefly review is here
Check out Mister Wives here
Check out Twenty-One Pilots here
Check out Walk the Moon here
Check out Mountain Goats here
Check out Small Pools here
Check out Two Door Cinema Club here
Check out John Bellion here
Get tickets for Sub-Radio's upcoming shows!
Sub-Radio on Twitter | Spotify | Instagram | Facebook

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Ep 12: Stop Hating Your Day Job Feb 17, 2018

Show notes

Day jobs can be a drag! They take you away from your music & often drain your energy. But there's a way you can shift your mindset so you can make the most of the time you're away from your music.

“If you decide the job is awful and out to destroy your happiness, you will find evidence of that every day. If you decide it’s a necessary component to the overall growth of your future career in music, you will find ways to support that vision.”

Key Highlights

Why day jobs don't have to suck [01:22]
How I approached my day jobs [01:52]
4 Skill Sets found in most day jobs [04:30]
The secret to fan engagement [04:43]
Marketing & branding [09:09]
Clear communication [12:40]
Public performance [14:23]

Download my Day Job Audit worksheet & leverage the skills you learn & use during your day job to help you in your music career! http://www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep12

Links/Rocksources

Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
More episodes can be found here
You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
Ryan Levesque's Ask Method eBook can be found here
Sonicbid's post on 8 Famous Musicians Who Waited Forever to Quit Their Day Job is here
Join us in the Rock/Star Collective here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep 11: Silence the Fraud Talk Feb 07, 2018

Show notes

A missed deadline, an under-attended show, a fight with a friend, or even seeing someone else's highlight reel on social media - they can all trigger those feelings of fear of self-doubt.

“Mistakes don’t make you a fraud, they make you human.”

Key Highlights

Fraud Litmus Test [01:47]
Not believing what you preach vs. Not following what you preach [2:19]
My Fraud Story [03:36]
You’re more than your mistakes [06:24]
What it means to believe in yourself [07:10]
A 2nd Fraud Story [08:12]
What I learned about being flawed [09:34]
3 first steps to a fraud-free life [10:48]

Download my Shut The Fr@^d Up! worksheet & create your own way to shield yourself from unwanted doubts & distractions! http://www. therockstaradvocate.com/ep11

Links/Rocksources

Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
More episodes can be found here
You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here!
Join us in The Rock/Star Collective here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | SoundCloud | Stitcher | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

EP 10: Creating Your Self-Care Routine Jan 31, 2018

Show notes

The New Year can often cause us to take on too much too soon. In order to find balance, Suz breaks down how to determine what practices help you maintain your focus & energy and then how to ensure you turn those practices into daily habits.

"Awareness is the focus, not judgment."

Key Highlights

A note for music-preneurs re: creativity [01:40]
New Parents vs. Music-Preneurs [03:16]
Danika Brysha’s Daily Self-Care Routine [04:02]
Important tip to remember when creating a routine [05:10]
Charles Duhigg’s tip about habits [05:41]
Routines vs. Reality [07:52]
Creating your own routine [09:30]

Decide what you need to do each day to feel recharged & focused to take on the day! Download a free copy of my [FREEBIE] here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep10

Links/Rocksources

Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
More episodes can be found here
You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
Want to Be Creative on Purpose? NYT article by Carl Richards is here
Carl Richard's The Behavior Gap Radio episode re: schedules is here
Charles Duhigg's The Power of Habit can be found here
Danika Brysha discusses her daily self-care routine here
Danielle LaPorte created a daily ritual worksheet here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep 9: Are Pity Parties Helpful? Jan 24, 2018

Show notes

Having a bad day? A bad week? Year?!?! Let Suz show you how to give yourself permission to grieve, sulk, complain + when & how to pull yourself back up and get back to work!

“Giving yourself permission to feel crappy, even if the reality is not as bad as it seems, is ok.”

Key Highlights

What's the point of planning & creating structure? [01:06]
The importance & purpose of having structure [01:45]
Pity Parties: should we have them? [03:30]
The 15-minute rule [03:58]
5 Ways to leave your Pity Party [05:56]
An important list I keep near my desk [07:34]
Boundaries & expectations [09:49]
Your Pity Party Contract [10:47]

Give yourself permission to express your frustrations/sorrow/fear over a certain situation without allowing it to overtake you and prevent your productivity. Download a free copy of My Pity Party Contract here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep9

Links/Rocksources

Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
More episodes can be found here
You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
Read Fast Company’s 5 Ways to Crash Your Own Pity Party here
Print out Thought Catalog’s 20 Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think You Are here
Check out Psychology Today’s explanation of why pity parties are ok here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep 8: Knowing What to Spend Your Money On Jan 17, 2018

Show notes

Finding it difficult to manage your finances as a music-preneur? Suz explains some key concepts when it comes to having a healthy money mindset + how to manage your finances without the overwhelm & judgment in order to grow your music career.

"Empower yourself with that knowledge in order to make a confident decision. If you have money to spare - treat yourself! If you are on a tight budget - where will that money create the most positive impact for you?"

Key Highlights

Mistakes I made with my last businesses re: money [01:37]
The importance of understanding your finances [03:00]
Why we avoid money management [03:33]
Why YNAB is an important tool [04:16]
Why I love Brunch & Budget [07:17]
Using The Rock/Star Life Planner’s Rocksources [09:14]
How to know what to spend your money on [10:12]
The Music-Preneur’s money mindset [12:29]

Take control over your finances without feeling overwhelmed & emotional about a few numbers! Download your free gift here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep8

Links/Rocksources

Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
More episodes can be found here
You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
Sign up for a free trial of the YNAB App here
Take the Brunch & Budget Money Personality Quiz here
Purchase The 2018 Rock/Star Life Planner here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep 7: Things to Do Every Day to Grow Your List Jan 10, 2018

Show notes

Struggling to grow your fanbase? It’s more about relationships than it is about numbers, and Suz shows you things you can do every day to strengthen those relationships & attract more people to your email list.

“A large list of followers with a low percentage of engagement is useless. Numbers don’t buy products - people do.”

Key Highlights

What NOT to do when learning something new [01:57]
2 of my favorite List Building resources [03:16]
What is an Opt-In or Squeeze Page? [04:31]
What's meant by Double Opt-In? [05:31]
What's an Incentive Email? [06:15]
Understanding Email Funnels & Sequences [07:37]
Purposes of Automations & Segmentations [09:05]
Using Tripwires & Up-Sells [10:24]
Understanding Conversion Rates [11:48]
Daily actions you can take to grow your list [13:11]
Getting the word out [16:53]
Keeping a healthy mindset [18:52]

Determine actions to take each day to grow your fanbase in an engaged & authentic way. Download a free copy of my Relationship Building Routine worksheet here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep7

Links/Rocksources

Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
More episodes can be found here
You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
Take Nathalie Lussier’s 30 Day List Building Challenge here
Amy Porterfield’s List Builder’s Lab 2.0 online course is here
My Fan Funnel Checklist from Episode 6 can be found here
Try ConvertKit {*this is an affiliate link}
Try MailChimp
PopUp Ally is the plugin I use for my Opt-In pop-ups & embeds
Rick Mulready has great resources on FB Ads here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | SoundCloud | Stitcher | RSS feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep 6: The Art of Being a Music-Preneur Jan 03, 2018

Show notes

What does it truly mean to be a Music-Preneur? Suz delves into the differences she sees between a “DIY Musician” and someone who sees themselves as a someone growing a sustainable career in the music industry.

"Always remember that mindset matters. If you set out to achieve your goals but spend more time focusing on your doubts and setbacks, then that’s what you’ll attract."

Key Highlights

2 crucial tools for building a career in music [01:12]
What it means to work smarter not harder [03:31]
How to prioritize [04:43]
The power of time blocking [05:39]
What's more important that your message [08:09]
Mindset & power of attraction [10:16]
Biggest difference between DIY musician & music-preneur [11:58]

Decide what to give your fans in order to attract new subscribers to your email list + build better relationships with your followers. Download a free copy of my Fan Funnel Checklist here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep6

Links/Rocksources

Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
More episodes can be found here
You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
The 2018 Rock/Star Life Planner supports health habits for a better mindset & is now available on Amazon
How to Feed a Starving Artist by David Duchemin
One Page Financial Plan by Carl Richards
Marie Forleo's 6 Little Money Mindset Shifts That Payoff Huge

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | SoundCloud | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.