Why
Networking = Success
  By
Jeri Goldstein, Copyright 2006, The New Music Times, Inc.
Networking—is
it an industry buzzword or is there really something to it? The
word is bandied about in relation to conferences and showcasing
but how can one take advantage of networking on a daily basis. The
first suggestion I make to consultation clients is to use the resources
you have at hand, rely on what and whom you already know. When asked,
most people can come up with a number of contacts they have made
in the past that might be helpful to them in their current situation.
One example that comes to mind is contacting a local media person
with whom you have developed a relationship in your hometown to
get a reference to other media people in nearby towns. If there
is one thing you can count on, people in like jobs are familiar
with their counterparts in other towns. They may even be friends
or certainly have connections with media people in distant towns.
Developing good relationships are the keys that unlock many doors
in this business and for that matter, any business. Using those
hard won hometown relationships may pay off in ways you never imagined
when you were trying to get that first mention in the entertainment
section of your hometown paper. The second suggestion I make to
clients is to know who is on your mailing list. When you become
familiar with the people who come out to see your gigs, buy your
merchandise and support your development, you may find untapped
resources in those fans. There are many things necessary to grow
a music career. Networking isn't only useful when looking for the
record deal or a gig, it comes into play when you are ready to buy
a touring vehicle or get your promotional photograph taken. You
need to begin to ask for what you need, let those in your community,
on your mailing list, know what is going on in your career. There
may be people who are in a position to assist with upcoming plans.
You may not know that one of your loyal fans is the sales manager
at the local car dealership that just happens to sell the van you've
been considering. One of my clients recently approached the dealership
where he bought his van for a concert sponsorship. He submitted
a well thought out proposal and they jumped on board with $1000...
Read
the full article here.
Jeri Goldstein is the author of, How To Be Your Own Booking Agent
The Musician's & Performing Artist's Guide To Successful Touring
2nd Edition UPDATED. She had been an agent and artist's manager
for 20 years. Currently she consults with artists, agents and managers
through her consultation program Manager-In-A-Box and presents The
Performing Biz, seminars and workshops at conferences, universities,
for arts councils and to organizations. Jeri has released a 3-hour
seminar on CD-ROM, Marketing Your Act. No expensive conferences
to attend-learn at your convenience to boost your career. Her book,
CD-ROM and information about her other programs are available at
www.performingbiz.com or phone (434) 591-1335 or email Jeri at jg@performingbiz.com. |
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