4 Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Audience

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/2 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AMKnow your environment from the inside outMost people think first of what they want to express or make, then find the audience for theiridea. You must work the opposite angle, thinking first of the public. You need to keep your focuson their changing needs, the trends that are washing through them. Beginning with their demand,you create the appropriate supply. Do not be afraid of people’s criticisms—without suchfeedback your work will be too personal and delusional. You must maintain as close arelationship to your environment as possible, getting an inside “feel” for what is happeningaround you. Never lose touch with your base.~ The 50th LawAn experiment in reconnectionIn early 2007, Fifty decided to start up his own website. He thought of it as a way to market his music andmerchandise directly to the public, without the screen of his record label, which was proving quite inept inadapting to the Internet age.First, he decided to experiment. As he prepared to launch a G-Unit record in the summer of 2008, he leakedone of the songs on to the website on a Friday night, then the next day he refreshed the Comments page everyfew minutes and tracked the members’ response to it.After several hundred comments it was clear that the verdict was negative. The song was too soft. Theywanted and expected something harder from a G-Unit record.Taking their criticisms to heart, he shelved the song and soon released another, creating the hard sound theyhad demanded. This time the response was overwhelmingly positive.He put up the latest single from his arch-enemy The Game, hoping to read the negative comments of his fans.To his surprise, many of them liked the song. He engaged in an online debate with them about this and had hiseyes opened about changes in people’s tastes and why they had perhaps grown distant from his music. Itforced him to rethink his own direction.Creating a radical connectionTo draw more people to his site, Fifty decided to break down the distance in both directions. He posted blogson personal subjects, and then responded to his fans’ comments. They could feel they had complete access tohim.Using the advances in technology, he took this further, having his team film him on their cell phones whereverhe went; these images were then streamed live on the website. Made dramatic by Fifty’s flair forconfrontation, membership grew by leaps and bounds.As it evolved, the website came to strangely resemble the world of hustling that Fifty had created for himselfon the streets of southside Queens.He could produce testers (trial songs) for his fans, who were like drug fiends, constantly hungry for newproduct from Fifty; and he could get instant feedback on their quality. He could develop a feel for what theywere looking for and how he could manipulate their demand.He had moved from the outside to the inside and the hustling game came alive once more, this time on aglobal scale.

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/3 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AMFour keys to the fearless approachThe public is never wrong. When people don’t respond to what you do, they’re telling yousomething loud and clear. You’re just not listening.~ Fifty CentFifty’s approach isn’t just for pop culture icons. His insights into rebuilding connection are universal.Most of us live in a society of apparent abundance and ease. We lack a sense of urgency to connect to otherpeople. In such a melting pot as the modern world, with people’s tastes changing at a faster pace than everbefore, our success depends on our ability to move outside of ourselves and connect to other social networks.At all cost, you need to continually force yourself outward. You must reach a point where losing thisconnection to your environment makes you feel uncomfortable, even vulnerable.The following are four strategies you can use to bring yourself closer to this ideal.1. Crush all distanceIn this day and age, to reach people you must have access to their inner lives — their frustrations, aspirations,resentments.To do so, you must crush as much distance as possible between you and your audience.You enter their spirit and absorb it from within. Their way of looking at things becomes yours. And when yourecreate it in some form of work, it has life. What shocks and excites you will then have the same effect onthem.This requires a degree of fearlessness and open spirit. You are not afraid to have your whole personalityshaped by these intense interactions. You assume a radical equality with the public, giving voice to people’sideas and desires.What you produce will naturally connect in a deep way.2. Open informal channels of criticism and feedbackWhen Eleanor Roosevelt entered the White House as First Lady in 1933, it was with much trepidation.Denied an official position within the administration, she decided to work to create informal channels to thepublic, on her own.She traveled all over the country — to inner cities and remote rural towns — listening to people’s complaintsand needs. She brought many of these people back to meet the president and give him firsthand impressionsof the effects of the New Deal.She opened a column in The Woman’s Home Companion, in which she let her audience know, “I want you towrite me.” She would use her column as a kind of discussion forum with the American public, encouragingpeople to share their criticisms.Within six months she had received over 300,000 letters, and with her staff she worked to answer every lastone of them.

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/4 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AMShe began to see a pattern from the bottom up — a growing disenchantment with the New Deal. Every day,she left a memo in her husband’s basket, reminding him of these criticisms and the need to be moreresponsive. And slowly, she began to have an influence on his policy, pushing him leftward. All of this tooktremendous courage for she was continually ridiculed for her activist approach, long before any First Ladyhad ever thought of such a role.As Eleanor understood, any kind of group tends to close itself off from the outside world. From within thisbubble, people delude themselves into thinking they have insight into how their audience or public feels —they read the papers, various reports, the poll numbers, etc.But all of this information tends to be flat and highly filtered. It is much different when you interact directlywith the public, hear in the flesh their criticisms and feedback. You create a back-and-forth dynamic in whichtheir ideas, involvement and energy can be harnessed for your purposes.3. Reconnect with your baseWe see it again and again.A person has success when they are younger because they have deep ties with a social group. Then slowlythey lose this connection.In his own way, the famous black activist Malcolm X struggled with this problem. He had spent his youth as asavvy street hustler, ending up in prison on drug charges. Out of prison he became a highly visiblespokesperson for Nation of Islam, channeling his emotions into powerful speeches that gave voice to thosewho lived deep in the ghettos of America.As he became more and more famous, he made an effort to inoculate himself from the psychic distanceexperienced by other successful leaders in the black community.He increased his interactions with street hustlers and agitators, the kind of people from the lower depths thatmost leaders would scrupulously avoid. He made himself spend more time with those who had suffered recentinjustices, soaking up their experiences and sense of outrage.I knew that the ghetto people knew that I never left the ghetto in spirit, and I never left itphysically any more than I had to. I had a ghetto instinct; for instance, I could feel if tension wasbeyond normal in a ghetto audience. And I could speak and understand the ghetto’s language.~ Malcolm XThe goal in connecting to the public is not to please everyone, to spread yourself out to the widest possibleaudience. You have a base of power — a group of people, small or large, who identify with you. Keep yourassociations with it alive, intense and present.Return to your origins — the source of all inspiration and power.4. Create the social mirrorInstead of turning inward, consider people’s coolness to your idea and their criticisms as a kind of mirror thatthey are holding up to you.Your ego cannot protect you — the mirror does not lie. You use it to correct your appearance and avoidridicule.

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/5 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AMThe opinions of other people serve a similar function. You view your work inside your mind, encrusted withall kinds of desires and fears. Through their criticisms you can get closer to this objective version andgradually improve what you do.When your work does not communicate with others, consider it your own fault. You did not make your ideasclear enough, you failed to connect with your audience emotionally. This will spare you any bitterness oranger that might come from people’s critiques. You are simply perfecting your work through the social mirror.About the Author: Robert Greene is the bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power (two million copiessold) and The 33 Strategies of War. His collaboration with Fifty Cent, The 50th Law, spent five weeks on theNew York Times bestseller list. Check out Robert’s blog at Power, Seduction and War.588tweetsretweetBookmark and Promote!Bookmark on del.icio.usDigg this postStumble this postSubscribe to CopybloggerRelated ArticlesDon’t Like Top 10 Lists? Tell a Story InsteadHow to Get Huge Viral Buzz for Your Start-UpThe Two Magic Words That Guarantee Limitless Copywriting SuccessLabor Day Link KarmaCheck Out These Copyblogger Commercials{ 2 trackbacks }Matt Shelton » 50 Cent on Connecting With Your AudienceDecember 1, 2009 at 9:25 pmInspiration comes in the strangest places « Hoot Ratings BlogDecember 1, 2009 at 11:19 pm{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }1 Damilola December 1, 2009 at 11:12 amI am a huge fan of Robert Greene and I own his first two books. I am currently aiming for growth in myblog and yet as he said this can be a double-edged sword as we tend forget that with growth also comesa larger audience with often divergent opinions. I think the key as this article states is ensuring that youstill connect with your audience.I wonder how the owner of this blog himself dealt with growth and still connecting with his audience2 Dean Dwyer December 1, 2009 at 11:12 amThat last paragraph really hits home. If the work doesn’t connect with people consider it your ownfault. That is powerful.

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/6 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AMBack in the days when I used to teach, I would take that approach with my students. If they didn’tunderstand, then it was I who had the problem, not them, and I needed to find a way to help themunderstand the message. In essence I failed them.I have failed to apply this same approach to my blogging, so this has been a real eye opener.3 zach even - esh December 1, 2009 at 11:16 amRobert – that was F**ing awesome brother, an amazing insight and things I didn’t know about Fifty.I play Fifty on the I Pod at my gym a lot, the athletes love it. I can sense the influence from fans thatgot him to create the song “Get Up”.Ironically, we have Business Men like Dan Kennedy, who stray faaaaaaar away from interaction withhis clients and prospective clients, yet he is wildly successful.Looks like there is NO middle ground or plain vanilla here, you gotta be completely immersed in givingyourself and being transparent or extremely secluded and anti social.This was an awesome article, Robert, BIG thanks for posting here!–Z–4 David Spinks December 1, 2009 at 11:19 amWhat a powerful post.“The public is never wrong. When people don’t respond to what you do, they’re telling you somethingloud and clear. You’re just not listening.~ Fifty Cent”Loved that quote. A great reminder to those that are trying one way communication online andcomplain when they get no response. True, it’s tough to get started building an audience, but it’s not theaudience’s fault, it’s yours.So many companies that start small, noble and audience focused, lose that mentality somewhere alongthe way. When you separate yourself from your audience, you’ll quickly lose touch with them, and fail.There’s the power of online social communities. Understand your audience’s needs by being there, notby watching from the outside.DavidCommunity Manager, Scribnia.com@DavidSpinks5 David Hicks December 1, 2009 at 11:20 amWoah. I’m going through this now too.People who respond to my book get it right away because of the title.

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/7 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AMBut the book title is not working for my weekend seminars. People who come love it, but numbers arelow. Which tells me I have a branding problem.So I’m going to do the same and beat the bushes for feedback, ideas and preferences.Thanks for the kick in the comfy place.6 Simon Turner December 1, 2009 at 11:21 amAnother great post…. Never thought I’d be learning about customer relationships from a ‘gangstarapper’, but I guess celebrities have more experience of PR and interaction with their fans than mostbusinesses do with their customers.Particularly agree with opening up informal channels for feedback, although you have to be prepared todeal with the negative. Was checking out Pizza Hut’s UK Facebook Wall earlier and they hadnumerous negative, non constructive feedback, including some pretty abusive language. They are thenin a position where they can’t delete that as it looks like they’re hiding negative feedback. As long asyou are aware of this threat though the positives outweigh the risk.7 Andrew December 1, 2009 at 11:22 amI am really pleasantly surprised to see Robert Greene post on CB. Came here immediately upon seeingBrian’s tweet.Would love to see more of your guest posts in future!8 Sonia Simone December 1, 2009 at 11:28 am@Zach, Kennedy doesn’t hang out with fans in the same way, but he does have the same obsesssivededication to understanding his customer. Also, he’s more available than you might think, but only tothe circle he creates. He knows the value that his fans give to access to him, and he charges them for it.The more they pay, the more access they get.9 David Walker December 1, 2009 at 11:33 amThanks Robert; this sure is “rappers” week at Copyblogger.com and we appreciate what we canlearn from all.I’ve not listened to all of 50 Cents’ singles because they can be hard on the ears but I’m always open tolearning about how he got up there and better still stayed there.The part about his experimenting with reconnecting is inspiring, and the two lines that will stay with meare “the public is never wrong” and “crush all distance” If I can work on just those two the next fewmonths, I know I will get somewhere.10 Sonia Simone December 1, 2009 at 11:37 am@David, yeah, Brian & I realized that with a bit of chagrin as we were preparing this one. Just oneof those funny coincidences that we got two excellent posts in with rappers as the central angle. Gofigure.

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/8 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AM11 Stefan Pinto December 1, 2009 at 11:41 amAgreed. One blogger wrote (perhaps it was you?) “doesn’t matter how much you like broccoli icecream, if no one else does, it won’t sell.”12 Lee Stranahan December 1, 2009 at 11:50 amI really recommend Robert’s book ‘The 50th Law’ to anyone who reads Copyblogger. It’s got so muchmaterial on overcoming the fears that artist and entrepreneurs face and it uses examples from history,not just hip-hop.I recently interviewed Robert Greene about how he wrote The 48 Laws of Power, how he learned itwas making waves in the world of hip-hop and how writing that book effected him; the audio of partone of that interview is on my personal website, linked here.13 Shane Arthur December 1, 2009 at 11:52 amRobert, Welcome to the copyblogger tribe.I find something fascinating about rap and I was wondering if 50 ever mentioned anything about this.You mention “his sense of connection, so vital on the streets,” then you mention “…market his musicand merchandise directly to the public.”I would gather that “streets” refer to his black audience, and “public” refers to his overall audience,which is probably 60% white (I’m guessing here).How do rap artists like 50 balance the need to keep it real as they say, with the reality that a largeportion of their audience (and FINANCIAL success) is probably suburb-white?This must be a trip when trying to write rap songs.@Dean, as a former computer instructor, I couldn’t agree more.@David, Music and Movie references FTW!!!!!!!!14 Janet Goldstein December 1, 2009 at 11:53 amWow. Great post with depth, thoughtfulness, and freshness that immediately caught my attention. Iscrolled down to discover Robert Greene had penned it–he’s a master of creative ideas, idea sets, andexecution with huge commercial appeal. It’s a keeper I will share with many. thx.PS–The frequently heard online business mantra about people who “will never again be working withindividuals, consulting 1-on-1, etc.,” set themselves up to lose the real connection, “the juice” theyhave. All the great idea people and teachers I know continue to “do the work,” in some capacity oranother. It keeps you connected, with your ear to the ground and your heart on your sleeve.15 Jennifer Woodard December 1, 2009 at 12:14 pm

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/9 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AMVery interesting post. It definitely gives you something to think about when working to connect withyour audience. Sometimes as small business owners we can be afraid to experiment, butexperimentation helps us learn and grow.“The public is never wrong. When people don’t respond to what you do, they’re telling you somethingloud and clear. You’re just not listening.~ Fifty Cent”I have to agree this is an excellent quote and one to be remembered. Thanks for the very insightfularticle.Jenn16 Don M December 1, 2009 at 12:17 pmI guess this makes sense if your music is a mass-produced, formulaic product like mainstream hip-hop.I’m not one of those indie people that decries artists for supposedly “selling out”. I’m all for listening toyour audience. Listening to your customers. but this kind of advice is responsible for so much mediocremusic and lame, predictable, unimaginitive “product” that appeals to a bunch of suburban culturallyilliterate white suburban teenagers.17 Hashim Warren December 1, 2009 at 12:28 pmThis is great advice – listen to your audience.When businesses ask how they should use social media, the first answer should always be “to listen”.I’m impressed that 50 Cent used his social network not just to spread his message, but to listen to hisfans.18 Ryan December 1, 2009 at 12:37 pmThanks for that. I love the 48 Laws of Power and am now looking forward to getting this 50 Cent book.Looks like a lot of great info about building and connecting to people which is what all this web 2.0 isabout. Cheers.19 Jeff Friend December 1, 2009 at 12:42 pm50 Cent definitely knew something that most artists didn’t know, and that’s how he blew up (becamepopular) so quickly. Now we know why, and how. Just like Eminem (from the blog post a few daysago), 50 Cent is a mastermind. He takes time to reflect, to hone his skills, and strategically build aproduct that is EXACTLY what his audience wants. Genius.20 Sonia Simone December 1, 2009 at 12:43 pm@Janet, that’s a really good point. The consulting & other interaction I do are hugely helpful for me,they let me know the actual problems folks are getting stuck on, not the theoretical ones I imagine they

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/10 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AMwould be getting stuck on.21 Ian Anderson December 1, 2009 at 1:01 pmAll success attracts its sycophants, from the boss in an office; to worldwide stars.The difficulty is for the recipients of this kind of following to keep perspective.As Greene notes, a person MUST remain in touch with their origins and be true to themselves.Anything else is false and will eventually fade.22 Shane Arthur December 1, 2009 at 1:08 pmDon M, Let’s pretend.You are 50’s advisor…What would you advise him to do?Include exactly what “culturally illiterate white suburban teenagers” means and list your qualificationsto label such a demographic so 50 can avoid appealing to such a group.23 Suzanna stinnett December 1, 2009 at 1:12 pmSuper post, and I must point out that Michael Phillips nailed all this in Marketing Without Advertising,now in its 6th edition, first published in the mid 80s. A business and life guide which we all can benefitfrom on every level. Yes, he is my friend, but that’s not why I say READ IT. Check it out.Suzanna24 Kelly December 1, 2009 at 1:40 pmRobert,I have been reading CB for a long time and I hate to pick a favorite, but this may be the best piece I’veever read here. Thanks for this.50 Cent’s excellent observation that the public is never wrong reminds me of this one, nearly a hundredyears old by now and still fresh:Your audience gives you everything you need. They tell you. There is no director who candirect you like an audience.—Fanny BriceOff to check out your blog now.Regards,Kelly

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/11 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AM25 Ed December 1, 2009 at 1:51 pmIn response to your point about listening, I think listening has to be one of the hardest things to doproperly. I mean it seems simple enough. But it is something that, i and i know many others, find hardto do. Listening should be part of research strategy, at least in marketing. Not only are you able to pickup really useful subjective insights – as in qualitative research in general – but, sometimes/often –useful facts and figures as well – as in quantitative research.You write: “The public is never wrong. When people don’t respond to what you do, they’re telling yousomething loud and clear. You’re just not listening.” I think this is one good reason why we just don’twant to listen. That we don’t want to be challenged. We want to be right, when, of course, often themost important people affecting how we perform – our customers – think we’re wrong.But, of course, we don’t like listening for lots of other reasons as well! Whatever the reasons, we haveto listen!26 James December 1, 2009 at 2:02 pmI cannot believe Robert Greene is on Copyblogger. There is a slideshare ebook for The 50th Law that isspectacular if anyone is still on the fence. Check it out here.27 Michael December 1, 2009 at 2:21 pmGreat post. Many companies could take lessons from Fifty’s approach to feedback and reconnectingwith your base.28 Tomas Stonkus December 1, 2009 at 2:51 pmDear Mr. Greene:This is awesome! I really did not expect Fifty to show up on here. But I guess it is one of the mainreasons read through the whole articleIt’s interesting to see how very successful people handle their issues. It makes them less mysterious Iguess.Connecting with people is something that I have to learn how to deal with. The one thing that resonatedwith me the most is opening the channels for feedback and criticism.That is how I personally learn and grow by learning from my mistakes. Sometimes I do not know whenI have made a mistake until others tell me. That is why it is crucial for others to say how they feel andnot be afraid. By keeping silent you are not only hurting yourself, but the others as well.Best,Tomas29 Brian Clark December 1, 2009 at 2:55 pm

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/12 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AMI wonder how the owner of this blog himself dealt with growth and still connecting with hisaudience.Mainly by not taking myself too seriously.I cannot believe Robert Greene is on Copyblogger.What do you mean? Me and Robert are boys from way back. Okay, actually he’s a friend of a friend …and we’re very appreciative that he gave us this honor.30 Robert Greene December 1, 2009 at 3:19 pmThank you all for your interesting comments. Yes, I am on Copyblogger and honored to be among you.As for this strategy possibly being a route to selling out or to merely making you a reflection of youraudience’s tastes, it is clear in the chapter that it is not a matter of selling your soul, of bringing none ofyour personality to your work. That is as bad as not being open to feedback.In 50’s case, he has always preferred the hard sound that he wrote earlier on in his career, but recordproducers pushed him towards doing more of the softer ballads, to broaden his appeal. 50 discoveredthrough feedback that his hardcore audience—white and black—actually preferred the hard stuff. Itconfirmed to him that when he trusted his instincts, he connected better. The feedback helped him tosee how he could adapt the harder sound to the tastes of his newest fans.Soulless music or artwork generally doesn’t come from listening too much to the audience, but toconservative record executives, etc., who want you to please everyone and make you lose sight of yourbase of power.Anyway, this is all about a balance of expressing what is unique about you but using feedback to keepyour feet on the ground and connected to reality. I hope this makes sense.Robert31 Stan December 1, 2009 at 3:21 pmI think 50 Cents’ biggest coup was “borrowing” Robert Greene’s street-cred to get a New York TimesBestseller. Now, a bunch of “non-street” surburban hustlers can (at least intellectually) connect withone of the rawest gangsta rappers in the game.Brilliant.Looks like ‘fity has deciphered the “trust” code for more than just the urban audience. Hmm…32 Janice Cartier December 1, 2009 at 3:46 pmOkay, as artist I totally agree with how 50 cent makes his art, keeps it “real” and all those good things,however something about this post bothers me. You know I am a CB friend. I am trying to reconcileusing someone who is making money off drug/ violent street culture and how this all fits in the thirdtribe. I want it to be okay. It looks cool, sounds cool maybe but…having met the street culture anddodged teens with guns face to face on the street.. I am still trying to work my way around this one..anyone want to help me with that? Really. This has bothered me since I read it earlier today. It’s not a

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/13 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AMgame in New Orleans, it’s not marketing, it’s our kids.. anyone?33 Brian Clark December 1, 2009 at 3:58 pmJanice, I hear you. It’s a bit like the way Sean qualified his excellent Eminem post to get us to focus onwhat we can take away and use for ourselves.50 was dealing drugs at 12. He should be dead by now, but he’s not. His story, and his insights, arewhat we’re all learning from. It’s that part that’s inspirational and educational.I’m in no way dismissing the way you feel, or the situation in New Orleans (did you see my Saintstweets last night? ).All I’m saying is take what you need from the post, and leave the rest. We’re all about looking fromevery angle to teach (and to learn).34 Kiley December 1, 2009 at 4:07 pmLong-time fan of Fifty’s. Been waiting for the book since it was announced. Finished it two weeks ago.It was exactly what I needed.35 Sonia Simone December 1, 2009 at 4:07 pmJanice, from the reading I’ve done on the web, I think that point came up a lot during the book tour aswell. And it’s very valid.Where it seemed to come down was that 50 was as aware as anyone that the way he made a living as akid was a messed up, dangerous, stupid and bad way to make a living. He learned things in that worldthat have stood him in good stead in the (theoretically) more legitimate music business.I’m with you, I’m not comfortable with the way we fetishize street criminals, casual violence, etc. It’snot a game. It’s dead kids. Since I don’t own any 50 Cent music, I can’t speak to whether or not I feelhis music is glorifying that culture.I’ve noticed for people who come from that kind of ruthless warrior environment, there can be a fineline between celebrating and mourning. They’re sickened by where they’ve been, but proud ofsurviving it. I guess I would probably feel the same, in their shoes.36 Hashim Warren December 1, 2009 at 4:31 pmlooks like Brian, Sonia, and Robert are in the comments, practicing the “listening” this post ispreaching.37 Sonia Simone December 1, 2009 at 4:44 pmThanks Hashim.We get a lot of good insights and ideas for projects, posts, etc. from our comments. It would be verydumb of us not to stay engaged!

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/14 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AM38 Dave December 1, 2009 at 5:32 pmIt would be nice to just be able to put up a website, hit publish and get lots of useful feedbackovernight.Without an audience, silence means that you need to find an audience.At what point do you say “ok, my audience isn’t listening cause I suck”?39 Joshua December 1, 2009 at 5:39 pmThe base is the biggest thing… i see a lot of people get to the top and stop caring about the foundation.Remember a building can’t stand without its foundation.40 WebTraffic December 1, 2009 at 7:45 pmCrazy. I’m watching the True Story 50 Cent on VH-1 right now. He had his struggles but knew how tomarket himself and took off big time.41 Justin King December 1, 2009 at 7:48 pmWow, legend on Copyblogger today. Like all your books, that was awesome Mr. Greene. Thank you.(Did anyone else notice him connecting with his audience?)42 Health Mind Spirit News December 1, 2009 at 9:09 pmHey ,this is a great blog post.Some good communication principles here you have a good slant to.I think it comes through 50 Cent actually cares about people,and this comes through on his blog.People can spot a fake, and 59 Cent is genuine,it is important not to lose that, I believe if you do not care about people, you should never start up ablog, just my opinion.43 John Sternal December 1, 2009 at 10:18 pmThis is a truly insightful and inspiring post, for sure. I’m thrilled to see someone take the time to talkabout connection, and not engagement, which are in fact different. I’ll definitely be sure to address themessage here with my blog audience. Thanks again for a wonderful post.John Sternal

Four Things 50 Cent Can Teach You About Connecting with Your Audience...http://www.copyblogger.com/robert-greene-50-cent/15 of 18 12/2/2009 11:38 AM@sternalpr44 Elijah December 2, 2009 at 2:01 amTo be honest – I’ve never heard of you, Robert, before today (and I read a lot of books and produce hiphop records). But that was probably one of the most stimulating blog posts I’ve had the privilege ofreading in the last 12 months – easily.I feel like writing the 50th Law out on my whiteboard.Sweet.45 Pallav December 2, 2009 at 5:38 amHi RobertThe article truly inspired me. I am extremely touched by these lines — The public is never wrong.When people don’t respond to what you do, they’re telling you something loud and clear. You’re justnot listening. ~ Fifty CentIt’s quite an informative article.Keep Writing!46 dave December 2, 2009 at 6:03 amAs Jeff Friend, pointed out I was immediately struck by yet another hip hop topic. This does a couplethings: draws serious attention because people wonder what hip hop has to do with SEO and provideinsight to an artist’s hard work in promotional activities. Many artists do have handlers that do thiswork for them but, alas, at least the illusion (if not the true) connection is there. An artist that I havestumbled upon that promises to personally answer every email submitted is Jens Lekman, a Swedishtroubadour that is a big-name in his hometown but a cult figure in the rest of the world. I am going tosoon take him up on his offer.47 John Paul Aguiar December 2, 2009 at 7:45 amGreat post, now 2 rapper references in like a week,,lol You def got some brownie points from me.Good to see your not a “stuffy think my shit dont stink” kinda guy.Nice to see post inspiration Everywhere…Very Cool.Leave a CommentName *E-mail *Website

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