The CMAs, Country Music Awards, were held recently.  In my opinion, the country music industry puts on a great, well run, well organized, fast paced, truly entertaining awards show each year.

The lyrics of country music songs speak about life, its joys, its hardships and everything in between.  But have you ever thought about how country music can be a model for how to run a better business?

Now I’m not talking about how the guy who lost his pick up truck and his dog ran away.  Or the woman who’s done everything for her man and he did her wrong.  Those are just great country songs that tell a story.

And I’m not talking about the famous country singer who, in real life, trusted his/her manager and then ended up bankrupt either.  Though that would probably be a business lesson in and of itself!

I’m talking about how country singers work at the business of country music and remain popular with fans for years.  Country music stars relate to their audience.  The fans feel comfortable with these people enough to invite them into their homes, if they could. 

What’s unique about country singers is that they are consistent with their image and their song.  They tour constantly.  Country entertainers always find multiple venues to stay in front of their audience.  Many attend the annual CMA Music Festival, formerly known as Fan Fair in Nashville every year in June, which is simply a big convention of country music fans. (I just checked the official website, www.cmafest.com and the top ticket tiers are already sold out more than seven months in advance!  That’s a dedicated fan base!)  Not only do they perform at concerts held around the city of Nashville but also spend time in autograph booths so they can meet the fans up close and personal. 

What can we, as business people, learn from the country music industry?  Plenty.

Get a following.  Be consistent. Continue to deliver the message.  Work hard, give them what they want, keep your name in front of the customer, relate to your audience and don’t take anything for granted.  Keep working at it every single day.  And then, start over and do it again and again and again and again.