Mastering the Art of Consistent Networking is Foundational & Essential if we are to Succeed as EntreMusicians. Advancement eludes us when we consider ourselves islands and isolate ourselves from community. Albeit, We bear the bulk of the Responsibility for our Careers, True Achievement is Not Created in a Vacuum.
Many EntreMusicians swallow the Myth of the "Self Made Artist," who Writes Everything, Arranges, Produces & Plays Everything, but never ascends from his/her basement studio because they've eschewed human social skills and ignore establishing relationships with other bands, artists and creatives.
Even Musicians who've been fortunate enough to secure management, booking or some significant 'deal' which somewhat sets them apart from their contemporaries, find they have a much rougher ride and eventually hit a wall because they have set themselves (or allowed others to place them) above or outside the Collective Visibility of the Creative Culture. The Truth is that even at the Highest Level of Triumph, Connectivity Still Rules! So here are a Few Rules to Perfect the Practice of Networking at whatever Position You Currently Occupy.
1. Reach Out!
Take the Initiative to Find Other Artists of Like Mind/Spirit/Heart whether within your musical genre or not. Arrange a Coffee or Jam Session or Gig that's Mutually Beneficial. Without Becoming a Pest, Be the One Calling, Texting or Messaging Periodically to Let Them Know You're Interested in Them and What's Happening in Their Career.
2. Give Out!
EntreMusicians are Extremely Generous. Any Valuable Information, Resources or Viable Practicality which can be freely offered, Give It! Go Out of Your Way, Be On the Look Out and Intentionally Create Opportunities to Be A Blessing to Another. Is there any Old Gear hanging around that you'll likely never fire up again? Don't Pawn It, Find an Up & Coming Hopeful and Give The Thing(s) Away!
3. Help Out!
Everyone Needs Help at Some Point in Time. EVERYONE! Even & Especially National Recording Artists. Find Out How You Can Assist - Yes You! Graham Cochrane, an Engineer/Producer I Follow & Highly Respect once said that every time he attends NAMM or some other Industry Function, he abstains from strolling up to higher profile Artists/Producers/DJs with Business Card & CDs in Hand, asking THEM to either Listen to His Stuff, Get Him a Deal or "Hook Him Up" in whatever way. Instead, He ASKS How HE Can HELP Them!!
Chances are They will be playing his City soon (he asks) and perhaps there may be some assistance they might need when they arrive and/or before they depart that he may be essential in accomplishing on their behalf. He Never asks for anything in return and Graham's (and now my own) methodology is 85% More Effective that the 'Star' will remember His Name...There are a Million Ways to Help - Find Yours!
4. Throw Out!
Discard ALL Negative Motives, Attitudes, Thoughts, Words & Actions!* Live By The Mantra that You NEVER Compete, NEVER Compare & NEVER Criticize!**
Throw Out ALL Feelings of Envy & Pride! Concentrate on Doing Your Best Work and Find Ways to Assist Your Peers in Doing Theirs. Hold The Door Open and Help Balance The Ladder for Other, Again Expecting (And Not Asking For) Anything In Return! Overtime You Will See, by Osmosis, the Law of Sowing & Reaping bearing Fruit and Your Life & Career Blessed because You have Blessed So Many Others!
I would Love to Hear How You Utilize Networking in Your EntreMusicianal Pursuits and the Profound Results. Leave Your Comments Below.
Download My Free E-Book "50 Engaging Ways to Transform Your Fans Into Family" and Subscribe at TheEntreMusician.com for More Ways to Engage, Encourage & Empower Each Other!
I was listening to Spyro Gyra's "Incognito" on Vinyl while writing this post.
* &** Quotes of Bishop David L. Thomas