How are you at karaoke?

Me? I consider myself more of a karaoke spectator than a participant, but for some: that time in the spotlight is the highlight of their week.

And rightfully so, as some are really amazing, and some are... well... less awesome.

This got me thinking, karaoke singers are a lot like people starting a business or launching a new product line. You need to know your audience, then it takes the right mix of product, circumstances, and effort to be successful.

Let's take a deeper look into what's needed to win at karaoke (and in business).

Take a Moment to Read the Room

Before jumping in and picking a song to sing, it's important that you first take a look around and get a feel for your room.

Does it look like the audience is older? Younger? Country music fans? Rock music fans? 90's hip-hop fans?

Figuring this out first (and choosing a song that will work best for the crowd) will give you your first valuable leg up in winning over the room.

Consider this your "market research" step.

Remember, Everyone is there to Have Fun

Now that you've figured out what genre of music your crowd will respond best to, it's important to remember that everyone is there to have fun (not to fall asleep).

Accordingly, it's important to choose a song that 1, you know really well and 2, that will foster a good time for the observers.

Case in point - if given the choice, it would be better to roll with "Sweet Home Alabama" (1974), vs "Cats in the Cradle" (also 1974). Don't get me wrong, both are great songs in their own right, but one is upbeat and happy to listen to and sing along with, while the other is a bit more somber.

Now couple a somber song, with someone that can't really sing in the first place, and you have a recipe for an incredibly painful experience for everyone in the room.

Showmanship + Effort > Raw Talent Alone

Ok, it's your turn. The lights come up, and your song starts... This is your moment.

If singing is more your passion than your profession, it's important to remember that showmanship and effort in working the crowd has the opportunity to pay off even more than standing in one spot - reading the words as they flow across the screen.

Being present, and engaging (while not maybe hitting all of the words) will still lead to a room of smiling, happy faces, that will fill the gaps for you when you forget your next line.

Bringing it All Home

Mastering the sections above will give you the best possible opportunity for winning at karaoke.

Now let's take the same steps and apply them to a business or product/services launch.

The same things are true:

1. Know your audience
2. Choose products and services that you know best and work best for that audience
3. Apply the hard work and effort to achieve mass appeal

What's your favorite karaoke song? Need some inspiration? Below is a list of proven party rockers for you to have in your back pocket when the need arises [you're welcome].

Top 15 Karaoke Songs of All Time

1. "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey
2. "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
3. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
4. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
5. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
6. "Summer Nights" by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
7. "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard
8. "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette
9. "Baby One More Time…" by Britney Spears
10. "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice
11. "Redneck Woman" by Gretchen Wilson
12. "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond
13. "Wannabe" by Spice Girls
14. "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles
15. "Rapper's Delight" by Sugarhill Gang

Thank you for reading and make it a melodic week!