Have you ever been into a tattoo shop?
What's the first thing they have?
Its a stack of stickers that are for people to have.
They aren't worried about $$$$ for the stickers they are focused on the value that a dollar sticker brings.
Let me ask you this...would you rather walk up to a merch table and be greeted by a random girlfriend of one of the band members begging you to please buy a sticker because they need gas money to get to the next show (literally happened once...).
orrrrrr
would you rather walk up to the merch table and be greeted by a member of the band with a smile and a rad conversation while handing you a free sticker?
Who are you going to remember the next day you roll out of bed at 10 am?
I have been hounded by so many bands that are touring (technically living the dream right?!) needing gas money and to please buy something!.
Focusing on always Adding Value and leaning towards making "20-year fans rather than 20-minute fans" or random people to pay for gas money...
Focus on the long game and your long term goal and you will always make wise decision for your band.
Your mindset going into every conversation should never be about a quick $ but about creating forever fans!
Enjoy episode 31 of the Virgil's Sound Den Podcast and think about adding value off stage with a free sticker or a killer friendship bracelet and a friendly conversation!
p.s. ...if I goto a METAL show and a band gives me a friendship bracelet...I would lose my mind and instantly be a 20-year fan!