Ep. 021: Chasing a Record Deal as a Singer/Songwriter w/ Jordan Beem

Mastering the Stage: Local Lessons in Branding and Crowd Control with Jordan Beem

In Des Moines the business landscape is more competitive than ever. Whether you’re a tech startup in the East Village or a long-standing retail staple in Ankeny, the challenge remains the same: How do you capture an audience’s attention and keep them coming back?

In the latest episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with Altuna-based singer-songwriter Jordan Beem. While the conversation centers on the life of a traveling musician and former Simpson College athlete, the insights shared offer a masterclass in personal branding, audience engagement, and the "hustle culture" that defines the Des Moines metro.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaSgLMVSJ90

The "Weird Formula" of Audience Engagement

Every business owner knows that a great product is only half the battle. You can have the best service in Iowa, but if your delivery fails to resonate, you lose the "crowd." Jordan Beem opens the episode by discussing the "weird formula" he discovered after years of playing shows across the Midwest.

Jordan notes that while singing and playing guitar are the technical skills of his trade, crowd interaction is a separate profession entirely. > "I watch a lot of standup comedians... they know exactly how to control a crowd. The music is part of it, but the interaction is its own thing." — Jordan Beem

The Takeaway for Des Moines Marketers: Are you just "singing" at your customers, or are you interacting with them? In a world of automated emails and AI-generated social posts, the brands that win in the 515 area code are those that treat customer interaction as an art form. Study how your audience reacts to your "performance"—be it a sales pitch or a social media campaign—and adapt in real-time.

Branding Beyond the "Jock" Stereotype

Ryan Snaadt and Jordan delve into a relatable struggle for many professionals: multi-dimensional branding. In high school and during his time at Simpson College, Jordan was defined as a "jock"—a standout football player. However, he was also the kid recording YouTube covers of Enrique Iglesias.

This "Troy Bolton" dynamic (as Ryan Snaadt jokingly calls it) highlights a crucial branding lesson. Jordan found that being a football player who sang didn't hurt his reputation; it set him apart. It made him a "two-dimensional" figure in a "one-dimensional" world.

Why Differentiated Branding Matters in Iowa

For local business owners, the "jock vs. musician" debate is a metaphor for Unique Selling Propositions (USPs). * Don't be just another HVAC company; be the HVAC company that sponsors local youth music.

• Don't be just another marketing agency; be the one that understands the intersection of athletics and art.

Jordan’s ability to navigate different social circles—from the weight room to the choir room—allowed him to build a broader network, a skill that is vital for any Des Moines entrepreneur looking to scale.

The Simpson College Connection: Culture Over Cash

Ryan Snaadt and Jordan both attended Simpson College in Indianola, and their reflection on those years provides a deep dive into "culture fit." Jordan turned down athletic scholarships at Division II schools to attend Simpson, a Division III school, because it "felt like home."

For Des Moines business owners, this is a lesson in talent acquisition and retention. 1. Culture Outperforms Incentives: Jordan chose a path with less "athletic scholarship" money because the environment felt right. Are you building a workplace culture that attracts talent even when a competitor might offer a slightly higher salary?

2. The Small-School Advantage: Ryan Snaadt points out that at a smaller school like Simpson, there is a "crossover" of interests that you don't see at larger universities like Iowa or Iowa State. This mimics the Des Moines business scene—it’s a "big small town" where networking across industries is not just possible; it’s expected.

Overcoming the "Perfectionist" Hurdle

One of the most poignant moments in the podcast occurs when Ryan Snaadt discusses his brief stint as a drummer in a garage band. He admits to being "terrified" during his first gig, wearing sunglasses to hide his panic.

Jordan responds by explaining that most artists are naturally nitpicky and lack confidence. However, he argues that confidence is a byproduct of consistency.

"After a while, you realize... bars are booking you over and over. You at least have to have the confidence of 'Okay, I must be decent enough to be hired.'" — Jordan Beem

The Lesson for Entrepreneurs: "Analysis paralysis" is the silent killer of many Des Moines startups. Whether you’re launching a new product or starting a podcast like Ryan Snaadt, you cannot wait for perfection. The "confidence" to lead a market comes from the "reps"—the repeated acts of showing up, performing, and being rehired by your clients.

Lessons from the "Food Truck Scene"

The conversation takes a lighthearted turn toward the Des Moines food scene, specifically the underrated food trucks in the metro. Jordan mentions the "Greek food truck with the best Gyros ever."

This segment highlights the importance of local SEO and community presence. Jordan and Ryan aren't just talking about music; they are talking about the experience of being in Iowa. For marketers, this is a reminder to localize your content. Mention the local festivals, the food trucks, and the landmarks like Adventureland. It builds an immediate, authentic connection with your local customer base.

Final Thoughts: The Hustle is Universal

Whether you are chasing a record deal or chasing a Year-Over-Year (YOY) growth target, the principles remain the same:

• Master the Interaction: It's not just what you sell; it's how you engage.

• Embrace Your Differentiators: Use your "weird" hobbies or background to stand out.

• Value Culture: Build a brand that people want to be a part of.

• Just Play the Gig: Confidence comes from doing the work.

As Jordan Beem continues to navigate the post-grad world, his journey serves as a reminder that the "social aspect" of business is often the most rewarding.

Want to hear more from local Iowa leaders and creatives? Follow the Rhymes with Odd podcast with Ryan Snaadt for more deep dives into the stories that shape our community.