Nowadays, Startup companies have been commonly compared to rock bands. Rock bands bring together members of similar abilities, create a DIY demo tape, network with comparable bands, and start playing gigs anywhere they can. The same can be said for today’s tech startups. People of varying skills are gathered together, to create their first prototype, and begin networking with additional startups and investors. Selling merchandise at trade shows is the same as starting from scratch. Whereas startups have angel investors, rock bands pursue indie record-labels.

Years ago, or perhaps decades ago, the coolest thing a young person could do was to join a band, the ultimate in coolness. At a time when “loose change funding,” was set aside for drinks, weed, and cigarettes, aspiring band members assembled in their parents basements and garages hoping for the day to be discovered. Today, being “cool” is about creating a social media startup. The bass has turned into a MacBook Pro. The disheveled diehard drummer has been replaced with the e-book version of “How to be a Startup Mastermind.”

Like any extremely pursued dream, there are those who manage to make it work.

Here are 8 reasons why startups are like rock bands

#1

If you take a rock band like Nirvana, they would be the Facebook of today. Who would think that a few guys innocently strumming chords and beating a drum would turn into such a legendary group? Facebook attained the same thing, and a generation of newbies are on the go within the company in the social media age. The popularity of startups was just beginning during the initial phase of Facebook. It’s just cool to see your idea reach millions of people, making your own startup the new “in thing.” The same goes for rock bands, having their music heard by the masses is something they deeply aspire to.

#2

Another reason why having a startup in the digital media age is so popular, because there’s little startup cost. If you can turn your computer on then you have the basic tool to run your own startup. Remember the days when rock bands would take whatever instruments they could find to get started? Most, if any, guitarist in a new rock band started with a Jimmy Hendrix designed Fender Stratocaster. Simple means created legendary musicians. The same is with startups, humble beginnings, as in Facebook, has generated a billionaire!

#3

Rock bands started with everyone having a passion for what they were doing. They loved having the opportunity just to play their instrument! Today in the digital age, passion is the driving force that gets new start-ups off the ground. As with a rock band, a bit of fame and fortune thrown in wouldn’t hurt. Nevertheless, in the beginning, it’s the getting there that creates the motivation.

#4

Once a rock band is formed, they throw themselves out there to try and get a gig. It’s a bit like “on the job training.” Nonetheless, they understand the importance of contact. With digital start-ups contact is all there is! Whether through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or whatever social media network the entrepreneur selects, products are no different. Selling products requires contact with people. Even though the contact will primarily be online, it will help any startup digital company refine their product and service.

#5

Usually, rock bands are not sitting there twiddling their thumbs waiting to get a record deal and get their product to the populace. Today, they cut their own records on their PC or 4-track recorders. They create their own record covers and print their own labels. Start-ups are the same. They have to get out there and create their website, blog, write Tweets, design a mobile app, and anything else that will push their product.

#6

Rock bands are great at self-promotion. They hand out flyers, send demo tapes, the lot. Successful startups are a bit the same. They create mobile apps, send emails, create a Facebook page, and get all their friends to friend them, who in return have friends that friend their friends! Somewhat like live beta testing.

#7

Rock bands tour and digital media startups network. It’s two and the same except digital media entrepreneurs can sit in their homes and make themselves known to thousands, perhaps millions of people without actually having to hit the road!

#8

Usually known as customers in the business world and fans to rock bands, they both have to treat their supporters with gratitude and respect. Rock bands know their fans matter and they admire and value them accordingly. Start-ups must do the same if they want to survive in this digital age. The competition is tough and usually what makes a business “stand out in the crowd,” is appreciation and superb service to their customers. No one is ever too small or too big when it comes to helping your customers, think this way and you will have tremendous longevity and a reputable name, both online and in the real world.

Article By Joel Brown | Addicted2Success.com