Fan Mail

Bill did.

Bill ran a weekly television program that followed music artists like Stevie Wonder and John Lennon as they recorded in a studio. And every week he’d get mail from a fan of the show offerings suggestions .. and inviting Bill to come see the fan’s own band … the fan even sent a hand drawn pass to get Bill in. Well Bill’s tv show didn’t last and curious about the fan .. Bill showed up one night at the sleazy, rundown hotel ballroom where the fan’s rock and roll band was playing all-nite along with others. Bill was wowed … enough to become their manager… 30 days later he had them a recording contract. And life really became difficult … the record label had challenges ... and Bill had to max out his American Express card just to finance a tour.

But finally, after a few years, the hard work paid off and the band had a hit. And that’s when Bill, essentially the 5th member of the band, had his great idea … merchandising the band as a brand … and not just t-shirts but all sorts of products … and it worked … really, really well.

Today, over 40 years later … the band is still playing sold out concerts and has sold over 100 million records … but its Bill Aucoin’s merchandising initiative that now makes all the difference … as the band currently has 125 global licensing deals generating over $100 million in sales annually … KISS

Kiss’s merchandising is a great idea … because you can’t make this up … developing a rockin brand can sustain your business and help you party every day!