I’m not picking up that coaching gig, but being in Adelaide I have watched a whole lot of international buskers at the Fringe Festival.

They are marvelous marketers for the psychology of getting cash out of people on the spot (even though they all have a similar pitch), but NOT ONE seems to have any idea of direct marketing or even basic follow-up as you suggest.

Really, really sad.

You’re spot on. Could be a good niche for a clever consultant to get into: Coaching classical musicians on how to make their businesses work.

The rock’n'roll/hiphop kids have it sorted with myspace etc… but, to be honest, I think many classical musicians don’t even realise they’re running their own businesses.

They’re entrepreneurs – whether they like it or not.

If I was Josh Viette, I’d collect an email address from everyone who bought a CD. Stay in touch and tell a story… then I’d be building an asset.

Thanks for the insightful comment Martin.

PS I think Joshua would have positioned himself to play during the 8-9am subway rush hour… just to make the point that much more obvious.

He was different.

My family stopped and watched, and yes he was a quality musician and had travelled the world including playing the Sydney Opera House. He gave us a marathon performance, and even though I have no idea of music I could tell that this was impressive.

The guy is http://www.joshvietti.com/ ‘pop violinist’ and all he earnt out of me was a $15 CD purchase (and some word of mouth.)

As a passerby I stopped. It seems like Josh Vietti is a better marketer than Joshua Bell. But he could be even better than that. Gary North warns that in a coming depression even good musicians will work for food.

Time for people to learn sales skill, marketing, and how to be an entrepreneur eh Peter?