Arie, is twitter an effective way to promote my music? -No name

Yes and no depending on the technique and timing. [laughing] No don’t worry there is no science to twitter promotion. However, the biggest complaint I hear from twits, twitheads, twiggas, twithearts and what-evers is in reference to the numerous links received from artists they don’t know. It’s a fact people don’t like being told by total strangers to click on random links and pressured to become a co-defendant in the retweet spam train.

So, although twitter is very convenient, like anything else it’s important and most effective to do your due diligence a.k.a. homework and know exactly who you’re sending your music to. You wouldn’t send your hip hop track to a rock station [that would be pointless], twitter is the same way.

My advice, get to know who your fans and followers are and start with them. By working within your ACTUAL network, you’re sharing with people who have interest in you.

Also, FYI for your mental Rolodex there are programs that can be linked with your social networks to send out prearranged material for distribution to YOUR followers in an organized and timely manner. Helping to avoid leaving every-one’s time line looking like your personal promo page and leading to you being blocked or unfollowed.

Good luck!

Do you have a question for me or something you’d like to know? I’m here every week answering your emails on industry how-to’s and important Do’s and Don’ts. Send me an email: contactsaidarie@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at:www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo

Arie, I’m an aspiring actress and I notice the attention a lot of women similar to me receive for sharing their experiences and photos of them with celebrities. I’ve been fortunate to have my own experiences etc. Do you think I would benefit for coming out and sharing that info with the public to further my career? - Vixxenesk

Are you kidding?? Chatty women with celebrity stories come a dime a dozen. Really think about it and ask yourself, what makes your story different from the next chick looking to come up? and who the hell would care?

The reality is unless you can prove you’re having some married “A” list celebrity’s kid and moving into his family home to live like a polygamist, and Barack and Michelle are leaving the White House to become your personal nannies….  NO ONE CARES!!! Reality TV and everyone sharing the most personal details of their lives via social networks makes it even harder to wow the public long enough to actually gain from it in the way I think you’re hoping to.

Don’t let all these video site “urban models” and Twitter girls get you hyped with the number of followers they have and who they’re seen partying with, cause here are a few true facts they won’t tell you:

1. Knowing and partying with thousand and millionaires doesn’t make you one.

2. The majority still work day or night jobs to support their lifestyles. What, you think those videos pay enough to cover the cost of living on top of retail? If not represented by a legit talent agency [which 98.9% of them aren't] at most the girls bring home $100 a day [union average]. Not the thousands they claim. Hell, half are lucky to get that. The usual bunch just get credit [acknowledgement for being there], the possibility of meeting the celebrity, hard dick and sore gums [no sex in the "green room" my ass] and last but not least….

3. Always having to be “on” and ready or risk being replaced by a newer, fresher girl.

Now, I don’t know what you think, but that doesn’t get you far in life. UNLESS you’re able to pull off what I mentioned above [laughing].

And, true if the people and stories are big enough you may get mentioned on a couple gossip sites and open yourself up to predictable groupie slander. But, unless you really and I mean really have some other things going on that are news worthy [i.e. a new movie, book or clothing line etc.] dropping soon that, this obvious publicity stunt could serve to benefit from. Then it’s just a waste of time, cause I’m sure based on the basic bitch material you may have to present, there won’t be any casting agents or directors banging on your door.

Also, I noticed the double XX in your name, eXactly what kind of actress are you? If you’re in the “adult entertainment” industry you better come with something BIG. Cause, porn stars and bus-hoes sleeping with celebs is as common as washing with soap and water; and depending on who you’re sleeping with to gain momentary fame, it might be a good idea to stalk up on both [laughing].

My advice, build your brand on what you do, not who you screw. That helps you stand alone and have that security of being truly confident when you walk into a room. Make people know who you are based on your business sense, and as a bonus if hooking up with those same celebrities is something you still want to do for shits and giggles then go for it. But, now the playing field’s even and on your terms and not based on what you’re trying to gain from them [Get it?]

- Good luck!

Do you have a question for me or something you’d like to know? I’m here every week answering your emails on industry how-to’s and important Do’s and Don’ts. Send me an email: contactsaidarie@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo.

I’ve received responses from emails I send out saying that my approach is ghetto. Man, I’m just trying to get my music heard, what do you suggest? – Jo Dee

[laughing] Ghetto may be a little harsh. However, it is very important to approach people [especially if you don’t know them] in a professional manner.

Let’s slip on our common-sense fitted caps shall we….

In my opinion, the best way to approach people [media etc.] is to step into their shoes. Imagine being an editor or program director who receives 100’s of emails a day, from talented people such as yourself looking to have their music posted or played. Now, imagine every other email is “Yo check my new sh*t out” or my personal favorite “You might wanna f*ck with me, I’m that n*gga”…

PAUSE followed by a [blank stare]

Oh and we definitely can’t forget the random single link email. You know what I’m talking about. An email with just a link and no additional information. Really??? Let’s be real your email and “hot sh*t” is going straight into the trash and you may now possibly be marked as SPAM.

My advice… Keep it simple stupid! Sorry, I mean short and to the point. Here’s a few pointers to help you look like you know what you’re doing and be taken serious.

1. Dear Editor or Program Director [If you don’t know the name of the person being contacted]
2. Introduce yourself and the reason for the email.
3. If you’re promoting a project tell a little bit about it. [Keep it SHORT]
4. Enclose a “share” link (in the email body) avoid sending music as an attachment, unless requested. This keeps things all in one neat presentation.
Plus most outlets prefer this format.
5. Leave your contact information.
6. Thank the receiver for taking the time to read your email.
7. Sign “Sincerely, _____________” <—— place your name here 8. SPELL CHECK 9. Press send.

There are never any guarantees in public relations, but one thing I know for sure. Following these steps will get your foot in the “door”, email acknowledged and possibly the coverage you’re seeking. — Let me know how you make out!