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What Lady Gaga Can Teach You About Being a Star

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"I always knew I was a star and now, the rest of the world seems to agree with me"... Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen"

It seems like you can't buy a music magazine these days without reading some article about Lady Gaga. Entertainment TV shows are abuzz with Lady Gaga this and Lady Gaga that. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that she is the new big thing in the music scene. But have you ever wondered what made someone like Lady Gaga (Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) rise to the top while other female artists are still struggling to get recognized? What exactly is the secret to her success and what can she teach you about succeeding as a female musician. The following 5 tips will help you understand why Lady Gaga is the new "girl on the block".

1. Guerillas rule the Jungle. Guerilla marketing, a phrase coined by modern marketing geniuses is a must for anyone seeking stardom. Lady Gaga is not only talented but understands that aggressive self-marketing is key to rising to the top. It's necessary to study how marketing affects every aspect of your career, like what you wear, the places you hang and of course the songs you sing.

2. Image is more than a pretty picture. What does Marilyn Monroe, Madonna and Lady Gaga have in common? Each of them possesses a very compelling image. The media understands that a strong image translates into strong sales for them. This makes them very hungry for female musicians who master this art. Lady Gaga was recently accused of being a clone of Madonna who was also accused of imitating Marilyn Monroe. Fact or fiction, it's obvious that Lady Gaga's visual persona is working very well in her favor.

3. Find the unique "you". Every musician has been influenced by other musicians. But within those influences you must strive to find something that sets you apart from every other female artist. Lady Gaga seems to have accomplished this very task. Although her image and sound is very relevant for today's market, she still distinguishes herself from everyone else. Her extreme fashion sense exudes that "je ne sais quoi" that makes her the cream of the crop.

4. What's your story? The media is always looking for newsworthy stories. If you want to get noticed, you will need to create something that is newsworthy. There are hundreds of stories out there all trying to get the attention of the powers that be. When you pick up a magazine, don't just read it, study it. Look for clues as to why certain female artists get all the fame while others fade into the background. Oftentimes, stars have some fascinating story that lures their audience in. Lady Gaga's fans can't seem to get enough of what she is about and has to say. They want to know everything they can about her. Are you media friendly? Do you have a story that will cause others to be captivated by what you have to say?

5. Preparation meets opportunity. Today's music market is not for the faint of heart. You need to have a tough skin in order to forge ahead. As with any worthy goal, there are many obstacles along the way that you must overcome. Stars, like Olympic athletes, prepare for that special moment where the rubber meets the road. So be sure to hone your craft with precision and spend the time necessary to be the best you can be. This way you will be ready to shine like a star when your opportunity knocks at your door.

Hopefully these 5 tips about Lady Gaga will help you understand some important aspects of pursuing the road to fame. Regardless of where you end up as a female musician, you can apply these tips to help further your career.