Networking Tips For the Music Business - The Real Way to Network in the Music Industry

Tons of business owners, managers and musicians network, but perhaps the most tedious networking job is that of a person in the music business. Most of us are guilty of clutter and disorganization when it comes to networking in the music industry, so here are some tips on getting it done successfully.

The first thing you need to do is have a clear cut goal. I can't tell how much this makes all the sense in the world for networking in the music business. You must write down your goal. I know you may think it's just a waste of time but unless you do this, you are not serious. I'm not speaking on a life goal, I mean your goal for networking. A good place to start is ask yourself this question: What do I want to accomplish with my music business networking? Is it getting on your favorite television show. Then you need to contact that show or find a booking agent. You don't need 50 business cards from barber shops so you can put out fliers unless your goal is: Getting people to hear and read your name.

Second you need to begin to organize yourself. Where do your important business cards go when you get them? On a table, in a drawer, under the bed, that's not organized. You need to keep them in a binder. Any office store sells business card holder slides. Only keep cards in your folder that have a direct relation to what you want to do in the music industry. It's a good idea to have someone type up the email addresses in your online address book, you never know when you may need them.

Now here's a useful checklist to networking in the music business:

1.) Learn to remember people's name at least 30 minutes after you meet them. (There are some books on this subject.)
2.) Always call your new contacts and stay in touch with them once a month through the phone or email.
3.) Giveaway products and services from time to time to your key contacts. (Yes giveaway means free)
4.) Attend key contacts events from time to time. If you know a key DJ is throwing a party or at a club, stop in. You'll be surprised at how valuable this is.
5.) Have more than one business card designed. One for music business people another for fans and another for media people. Unless you want your fans calling you at home.
6.) Listen to your new point of contact and look for a need that they have. A good question is what do you want to get done in the next sixty days? Once you find a need see if you can fill it.
7.) Build a long lasting relationship with all your contacts. Think of this person as someone in the industry that you will know for the rest of your life and not just a day.
8.) Don't be afraid to ask for what you want, if you never ask you might not ever receive.
9.) Establish yourself with other known musicians. A great way to do this is advertising on music websites like this one. Most sites do pay per click, hit or flat rate for per month.
10.) Go to shows of other artist in your genre and pass out fliers, meet the artist and club owners.
The author Trete Lo has produced independent films that include comedian Katt Williams and the late legendary Pimp C and also writes for many music websites including his own. http://www.undergroundsouthconnection.com

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