Can the Web turn your art into cash?

I’ve followed Gary Vaynerchuck (@Garyvee on Twitter) since 2007 when I was looking into video blogs (in anticipation of M-DAT’s website for aspiring missionaries, PreparingToGo.com). Back then he was known just for his daily wine vlog, Wine Library TV. Since then he’s turned into a veritable web celebrity and sought after internet marketing guru.

Part of Garyvee’s premise is that a person can make money doing what they love because of the connections and networks created by the World Wide Web. He did a spot on CNN this weekend where he talks a little more about how the internet can work for anyone, supposedly, if they’re willing to put the time into it. Some of his points are as follows.

• Everyone is talking, everyone has something to say, but success online using social media is about listening, it’s about caring.
• You have to be passionate and know your stuff.
• Use Search.Twitter.com (or, I’ll add, clients like Tweetdeck if you want to get really serious). Garyvee spends 7-9 hours a day online cultivating community by responding to emails and monitoring his brand on Twitter etc.
• Twitter and Facebook are just tools; don’t think too much of them and keep your long range goals in front of you.
• Content is king. Create good content and people will listen. This relates back to Wine Library TV, which is at the same time a very popular and lo-fi vlog.

He likens Twitter to a cocktail party and points out that when you go to a party you don’t just talk about business. You talk about other things you care about; in Gary’s case that’s the New York Jets and pro wrestling. Social media is just a translation from the real world. Don’t just talk about yourself.

I believe in the Web as a tool — and have for a few years now — that connects people with like interests. It allows communities to be created, that formerly didn’t have a chance, as we’re able to find people with similar niche interests. Any thoughts on how well the internet does work or will work to make artists money?