INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.

Recently Kevin Price, Host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, welcomed Benjamin “BENCASSO” Barnes to provide another commentary in a series.

The Benjamin “BENCASSO” Barnes Commentaries

Publicity and PR take your brand from the algorithm to the headlines. While social media lets you chat with your followers and go viral on occasion, PR ensures you’re seen where it matters most—front pages, TV screens, or industry publications. It’s the difference between “likes” and actual credibility. PR gives you clout, authority, and third-party endorsements, which no amount of social media dancing can achieve. It’s about being in the right rooms (or articles) with the right people saying, “You need to know this person!” Let’s dive into why PR is your secret weapon.

Hello, fellow artistpreneurs! Welcome back to The Coaches Corner, where we demystify the business of the arts. Today, we’re tackling an essential topic: the battle of PR vs. social media. Are they teammates? Rivals? That awkward couple that won’t stop fighting at dinner? Let’s explore why PR still reigns supreme, even in the age of TikTok stardom.

1. PR: The Cool Older Sibling of Social Media

Social media is fun and flashy. You can share a reel of your cat dancing to Beethoven and have 10,000 likes by breakfast. But PR is the cool older sibling who gets you invited to dinner with the city mayor because your cat’s Beethoven tribute is now part of a city arts initiative.

PR turns social media hype into real-world opportunities. Media coverage adds gravitas and legitimacy. Your viral moment doesn’t just end in a scroll; it ends with a journalist saying, “This person’s story is worth telling.”

2. Authority and Trust

Social media is like a pizza buffet—plenty of variety, but everyone knows it’s not gourmet. PR, on the other hand, is Michelin-starred cuisine. When your name appears in respected publications or on a reputable morning show, people trust you.

Let’s be honest: Aunt Karen liking your post doesn’t carry the same weight as a journalist writing, “This violinist redefines classical music for modern audiences.” PR is that stamp of approval your LinkedIn bio dreams about at night.

3. The Third-Party Credibility Effect

If you post on social media, it’s self-promotion. If someone else says it in a news story, it’s validation. Think about it: “I’m amazing” sounds cocky, but “The New York Times says I’m amazing” sounds… well, amazing.

PR gets you third-party endorsements that carry way more clout. It’s like the difference between asking someone on a date yourself and having Ryan Gosling say, “You should really meet this person.”

4. Bigger Reach, Less Effort

Social media depends on algorithms, engagement rates, and endless posting. PR hits wider audiences with one shot. A feature in Forbes or a spot on NPR can reach millions overnight, without you memorizing a TikTok dance or refreshing your Instagram feed every 30 seconds.

Plus, PR has staying power. A news article lives on Google forever. A tweet? It’s buried under cat memes in 12 hours.

5. You Look Like a Pro

Nothing screams “I’ve made it” like saying, “Check out my interview on [Insert Big Deal Outlet Here].” PR makes you look polished and professional. Social media shows the journey, but PR showcases the destination.

Do both? Absolutely. But let PR be the cherry on your digital sundae.

6. Real Relationships with Industry Gatekeepers

PR isn’t just about press releases. It’s about relationships. Publicists know the editors, producers, and bloggers who can amplify your story. Social media connects you with fans; PR connects you with people who can change your career.

Think of PR as your tailored suit, and social media as your comfy pajamas. You need both, but only one of them gets you invited to the VIP table. Let your socials buzz, but let your PR bring the real fireworks.

Benjamin Barnes, aka Bencasso, is a violinist, artist, and entrepreneur. As the founder of Culture Scholar Corporation and Bencasso LLC, he bridges the gap between the creative and business worlds. A former rockstar turned classical and jazz violinist, Benjamin has over 100 recordings and a knack for turning artistic dreams into reality. His podcast segment The Coaches Corner is a must-listen for artistpreneurs looking to level up. When he’s not sharing wisdom or performing, you’ll find him crafting his next big idea—or just trying to make the algorithm his friend.

Music

The Köchel number for Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” (A Little Night Music) is K. 525. This serenade was composed in 1787 and is one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most famous and beloved works. It is officially titled “Serenade No. 13 for Strings in G Major.”

The Rilke String Quartet

https://open.spotify.com/album/0DAMHgwmrWCKicYjH4vu2k? si=zSoDOSixRb6YDBwOYkR_pg

Hard Rock Bach available at bencasso.org https://bencasso.org/featured/hard-rock-bach-pedroshea.html

https://music.amazon.com/albums/B09S2CVDWW? marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_5Zv woZXwr4ejMSMLP7bQtgW0H

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