The idea that one person can make a difference is a thing of the past. There are few cases where I would back the notion. The truth is that most people today are incompetent. Everyone wants everything done for them and handed to them. And if they don't get it easy, they won't try.
You could go a million different ways with that with respect to music. However, consider this: you can never view your fans as though one person cannot make a difference. It is impossible to know the capacity of every one of your fans and to know their connections and motivations in life. Sure, some will give you an idea, but when it comes down to it, you don't know.
This also extends to potential fans. There is no way of knowing whether a fan or potential fan will be the one person who actually can make a difference. So treat them like that and make yourself available.
In the past few days I've emptied my wallet of business cards and have given out a cd to a stranger. In almost all of those cases, this involved a discussion about music. These were conversations both during work and during my climbing time. Taking a break from work is one thing, but to take time from climbing to just talk music is showing a bit more importance to it, especially when one guy apologized for keeping me from climbing.
And the one time where handing out a card didn't involve a conversation? A public bulletin board. Why not? I was waiting for Kelly outside of a bathroom and was reading what was posted on the board. Why couldn't someone else end up doing the same and seeing my card?
What it comes down to is that you have no idea of anyone's potential. It's pretty safe to say that most people will let you down and perform pretty poorly through life, but unless you know every fan and potential fan on a personal level, you have no idea what they could do for you.
Invest time in everyone when it comes to your music. For all I know, I could book a string of house concerts from that business card on the bulletin board. I already know that one lady I talked to is getting me some information on open mics in the area, yet she was someone that I had just met.
Think about it.
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