I've just read your article "Is Networking Important In the Music Business?". I get that it's really important. And I wanna do it. But think I'd feel like I'm trying to take advantage of people if I started going out and networking intentionally.
Answer:
Hi Patrick,
I understand your concern. When people hear the word "networking" they usually think of trying to get close to important people and exploiting them in some way. Some people do that. But it's not the smartest way to go about it. In fact, you'll probably fail if you do networking that way.
Successful networkers have one thing in common. They all understand the main principle: "Make other people more successful, give more than you get and be generous". It doesn't mean that you have to do grand gestures to everybody all the time. Helping someone succeed can be a little thing such as sharing your expertise about proper mike placement in the studio or an efficient workout routine. And this way it's not "taking advantage of people" because you give AND get valuable things. It's good for you but good for them too!
If you follow the above mentioned principle, sooner or later, in some way, it will all come back to you tenfold. Maybe not today. But if you help a lot of people, after a while, when you are in need, you'll have plenty of people who'll be happy to return the favor. When the time comes, however, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and ask for help.
For more music industry specific networking advice I recommend Dan Kimpel's book Networking Strategies for the New Music Business
.
No comments:
Post a Comment