Networking is essential for aspiring musicians as it allows you to build relationships with fans, industry professionals, and other musicians.
Networking is also an excellent way to leverage opportunities and kickstart your music career. Many people think networking is just about attending industry events and speaking to important people. However, it can be a lot more than that.
Being able to network effectively helps you find collaborators, get gigs, and connect with new fans.
For new artists, this can be a challenging task. To help you out, we list down some networking tips for aspiring musicians.
1. Go to Music Events
The best way to network with various promoters and musicians is through music events. These events can range from small local gigs to huge music festivals. Regardless of the size of the event, attending them allows you to make new connections and grow your network.
When attending the events, make sure to introduce yourself to as many people as you like. Attend panel discussions and workshops and exchange your phone number and email address with the people you meet.
2. Dress to Impress
Set aside your ripped jeans and T-shirts. While you should stay true to your “brand” and fashion sense, you need to present yourself professionally. Remember, first impressions last forever!
3. Share Business Cards
If you don’t have business cards, you can either get some made or offer some type of takeaway to the people you meet, even if that’s just a card with a link to your Apple Music or Spotify profiles.
4. Avoid Hard Selling
One of the most important networking tips for aspiring musicians is to avoid hard selling. Nothing is worse than hard selling yourself or your brand when it comes to networking. You’re there only to establish relationships with new people, not to overwhelm or bother them. Be subtle and smart till you find some contact who will respond to your calls and emails. Stay honest and offer something before asking for favors.
5. Maintain an Active Online Presence
As most people are now online, it’s imperative for aspiring musicians to have an online presence. There are plenty of ways to do this, but the most effective one is to use social media.
You can use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with other music professionals as well as fans.
Make sure to post frequently and interact with your followers. You can even use social media to promote your events, music, and gigs.
In addition, there are several websites and online forums that cater to music artists. You can use these platforms to connect with other musicians and find advice and opportunities.
Last Few Words
All in all, the most important networking tip for aspiring musicians is to remember that treat people you would want to be treated. And stop stressing! Keep in mind that everyone in the room is nervous on some level, and you’re all there with a single goal – meeting new people. With these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to making some great connections.
Eric Dalius is The Executive Chairman of MuzicSwipe, a music and content discovery platform designed to maximize artist discovery and optimize fan relationships. Eric is also known for his weekly podcast “FULLSPEED,” where he converses with influential entrepreneurs from a range of industries. Additionally, he supports education through the “Eric Dalius Foundation,” which grants four scholarships to US students. Stay connected with Eric on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn,YouTube, Instagram, and Entrepreneur.com.
