Matt, you have made quite a reputation for being an excellent Tenor, singing in several quartets, however, you have some other talents also. What else is in your heart pertaining to Southern Gospel Music?
Besides being an artist, I am a fan of Southern Gospel music. It is no secret that the industry has struggled over the last few years in attracting new fans. It’s my desire to see artists find creative ways to reach new audiences. We have been blessed with so many amazing groups and soloists but they often lack the marketing to garner the attention they deserve. Recently I started a marketing firm, Beyond Measure Marketing, designed to help ministries make a more significant impact with their efforts. My vision is to give artists the tools they need to see their goals achieved.
What are your qualifications for developing a marketing company?
I graduated college with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Prior to embarking on a career in music, I spent several years as a marketing consultant for a number of Fortune 500 companies. It was exciting to see the concepts I fashioned develop into award winning campaigns used around the world. My goal is to take that level of experience and share it with the Southern Gospel community.
What you are offering, in my opinion is something very needed in our genre, however as most of us know, SGM is not the quickest to respond to education to further our cause. What has been your experience when you offer your services to others in this industry?
It’s true that change is sometimes greeted with resistance. I think that’s because as artists, we put so much of our heart into our ministries that we become “married” to it and don’t like to hear criticism. My approach is to search for opportunities for growth and spotlight the uniqueness of each artist. Typically, they already know what isn’t working and are coming to me to help find the solution. Once an artist can see that you respect what they are doing, they are more open to suggestions. The more a group is open to fresh idea’s, the more success they will likely have. The old expression is true “Do things the way you always have and you will get the same results”.
You know that we have three levels in our industry: local, regional, and national groups. How does your ideas fit each level?
We work with artists at every level. Each of our clients start by receiving an in-depth analysis and consultation that helps us design their marketing plan. I take into account where the group is currently and where they would like to be. A local group will typically have much different objectives than a national group and also a different budget. One myth that many local groups carry is that marketing requires a large amount of financial resources. I show them that there are concepts that will work for them with no upfront capital and in many cases help to discover new ways to generate income. Any group that desires to see growth in their ministry needs a marketing plan.
Can an artist or group realistically make it to a successful level without any marketing plans?
What groups need to realize is that even without knowing it, they already are marketing their group. The question is are they helping or hurting their cause? What is the message they are sending out? It’s true that you only get one chance at a first impression. A bad message can takes years to correct. Unfortunately, some groups never get a second chance. Marketing is like a kid jumping into a pool. You want to make the biggest splash possible. You may be the greatest singer in the world but if no one knows it, its hard to succeed. Without a marketing plan, a group can never fully reach the accomplishments they are capable of.
Who is responsible for getting marketing started, the label, the booking agent, the group or artist?
The best answer to that is….yes. Each of these may require a different approach but all have an interest in gaining the most exposure for an artist. Unfortunately, many labels or agents don’t apply a great deal of effort into each artist. They tend to lump all of their groups together. A label could benefit greatly from a comprehensive strategy for each of their artists. Even if both the label and the agent have a plan, it still benefit’s the group to have a marketing plan in place that is designed with their goals in mind.
What else is in your immediate future besides getting a marketing company established?
Founding my firm has allowed me to use the experience I gained in the business world for Christ but singing will always be the primary calling on my life. My heart has always been in singing with a group and I look forward to getting back on stage with one as God opens the right door but I will be in the studio shortly to begin work on a new solo project. I am really excited about it. It will include several Southern Gospel classics as well as some new songs from some of the industries best writers. We also have a few surprises in store so keep watching for more details.
If someone has figured out that this marketing idea may actually do them some good, how would they get in touch with you?
I would love to discuss how our services can benefit ministries at any level. In the current state of the economy, it is important to know that the decisions you make are wise and will have tangible results. To find out more about what we offer, artists can go to http://www.beyondmeasuremarketing.com
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 03/03/2009
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 10
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I wish Matt the best of luck and hope to see him singing again, I would be very intrested in hearing some of his marketing ideas, However, I must admit I'm some what skeptical and would have quite a few questions. Such as what fortune 500 companys has he worked for? What position was held? What awards has he won? (As was mentioned on his Web-site)I hear people mention being an award winning artist yet I have never seen or heard about the awards.I'm truly not trying to down play Matt's accomlishments or in anyway discredit him, but if these kind of statments or claims are made I think it is only fitting to be able to valadate them if your going to offer a particular service based on these statments.
Amen Gene. Good post and very valid questions!
I just love it when people get on web sites and makes statements like "I'm not trying to down someone", and then proceed to cut down that person. And then, someone "usually a plant, quickly agrees with them.
This article wasn't meant to be a magnifying glass of Matt's efforts, but rather introduce someone offering a service that is badly needed in this genre. Gene's questions should have been asked of Matt privately, if he really had questions.
The place to validate any claims is with Matt personally, not on a website where he is unable to defend himself against what ends up being an attempt to discredit him.
I know Matt personally and I know his character and have listened to his educated ideas about marketing in SGM, which are astounding.
Perhaps you should talk with Matt one on one before you try to discredit him on this web site.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
I agree with Deon here. How many people buy toothpaste that three out of four dentists recommend without seeing a written reference? If I was going to hire a company's services I might check their credentials before writing a $10k check. However, I would encourage people to use discernment before posting benighted comments. Articles like this do not require the author to cite sources. This is not a thesis.
I am pained by the blogs I read on the sothern gospel sites.
I rarely respond to any postings on this site or any other for that matter. I think this is only the second time in a year I have done so. So I will take the time to respond this time then I'm done. First of all I was not trying to cut down Matt or discredit him in anyway. I don't know of any so called "plant". However, according to the popular opinion postings, that seems to be exactly how my remarks have been construded. I will appoligize, and I have made a personal appoligy to Matt as well, I do so because I'm perfectly willing to admit that sometimes we as humans can make mis-stakes, or say something that can harm someone even when that is not our intentions. I wish Matt well in all of his future endeavors and truly hope he can be of help to someone for the good of the Kingdom.
Gene, your Christian integrity is showing.
Sometimes on the internet, it's easy for things we say to come across differently than we thought they would, because unlike speaking to someone,the inflection of our voice does not come across.
Your apology and explanation shows you live the Christian life you claim to have.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog
Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown
It is always wonderful to know that God has all things under control, especially our next step. It was my priviledge to have had the opportunity to sing along with Matt in his very first quartet several years ago. Let me share this with you all. Matt has never forgotten where he came from in the idea of that first weekend warrior quartet. He is without question a man of character and seeks counsel BEFORE he makes any big decision. Then, he heeds to that counsel. Matt also has passed up many opportunities to be with many well known groups because they didn't have a serious vision for ministry. That alone makes him superior in character to many who hold a microphone today. After many years of friendship and seeing Matt rewarded by our Lord for his faithfulness to MINISTRY my soul is so blessed. I know Matt's wife and his parents and they are all Christians in the truest sense of the word. As another old saying goes, "Matt comes from good stock!" Jen, James, and Lorna call all hold their heads high knowing that Matt is a wonderful example of how the Lord will bless someone who honors HIM FIRST and in ALL THINGS! I am very proud to say that Matt is a friend of mine. God bless you Matt. Like I've told you many times, "stay close to the cross and keep your shoulder to the wheel." One last note, Matt and I have a mutual other friend. This one time please allow me to drop a name. Our friend's name is JESUS!
Proud of you Matt! You are one of the finest singers in SG music. A fine person too. Blessings!
Matt, First I say a deep hearted THANK YOU for all of your time you invested into my Ministry! It was following the Elijah Conference Oct 08, when we first visited one-on-two. My wife & I had the privilege to spend quality time digging into the heart of our Ministry as well as yours. Encouragers are needed throughout the Christian Community & I dare say Sincerity in this area is rare. Matt, you not only are sincere in your efforts, you bring much needed knowledge as well as talent with fresh ideas. KUDO'S my Brother in Christ for all that you continue to strive for because I know it is only because you are driven to please the Spirit of Christ who lives in you & directs you to DO HIS WILL! Please feel free to have anyone contact me for any reason about how you have added to our Ministry!
With The Joy Of Jesus Inside,
Keep Looking UP Redemption draws nigh.
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