Networking 101 – Sound Tips

First of all, I’m not saying you should go and join a “networking group” (although Meetup.com is a great place to do that). I’m pointing out that simply getting out of your house can be seen as a networking opportunity.

There are 3 reasons why we network

To find a direct target or a client. For example, a fan who will buy tickets, music or merchandise and support you.

To gain a sphere of influence and therefore a source of referrals (ie people who like people who know and support your band).

A resource for you and your customers (yes, I’m calling fans customers).

When you enter any networking situation:

The biggest goal of networking is: Be memorable.

How do you do that?

Simple: The more they talk, the more they remember you.

After that, follow these alphabets when you go to a party, wedding or any social situation.

Know what to ask for (I suggest an email address as something you can always ask for if you don’t have a goal for that day).

Be a walking advertisement for your music and what you are doing in the world as a musician.

Be a collector. This means that when you are in any social situation, you should collect as much information about each person as possible: interesting facts about them, what they like, who they know, where they are going, etc.

TIP: Don’t think about yourself for this! Think: How can I help this person I’m talking to? So, put aside your story and your speech and let them speak for themselves.

The Follow Up: Once you get home and it’s time to follow up, never send your marketing pitch or talk about your business in the first initial email. Get people to respond to your follow.

Say something very simple without tone, like:

Dear Leslie,

It was nice meeting you. Weren’t those little piggies in blankets delicious?

If they respond, then you can cast them. So remember, the first follow up is always friendly and positive and not business oriented!

at first contact

When you meet someone, first ask a question about them. “What brought you here today? How did you meet the bride?” Make them talk.

Never walk up to someone and say, “Hi, I’m David.” That makes it all about you. So what you’re basically saying is, “Hello, this is about me.” let’s proceed. Instead, you should say something like, “So, Nancy, what are you doing?” Gold: “Are you having a good time?” So, it’s all about them.

business letters

1. If you don’t have one and you’re over 18, GET A BUSINESS CARD NOW! You have no excuse, they are free. Go here and order one:
http://www.vistaprint.com/.

TIP: Put a sentence about your music (your PITCH) on your card and the instrument you play. A card with a “name and address” on it is TOTALLY USELESS and unmemorable! Put a photo of yourself on the card or on your band logo to add even more branding and recognition.

2. Don’t worry about handing over your card; focus on getting your cards.

Never hand over your card unless someone asks you to. If you give a card, you are selling (people hate selling). If someone asks for your card, they are shopping (people LOVE to shop).

Be a shark in a sea of ​​tuna

When networking, don’t think about your industry. If you’re trying to grow your business, always go to the places that are the exact opposite of your industry.

So as a musician, go network with a bunch of other musicians if you’re looking for more people to play with or to connect with a community of other musicians. However, this probably won’t make you any money.

If you go to, say, a bridal convention and you meet a bunch of people who are planning weddings and you introduce yourself as a musician, you might get some really good gigs.

Initial follow up by phone

Something like, “Hi Larry. Laura asked me to call you. This is Ariel.” Use only her first name. Never say, “Hi, my name is Ariel,” because then people will think of you as a stranger (you would never call your mom and say, “Hi, my name is Ariel.” It’s too formal).

So, just say, “I’m ____” and then continue your conversation.

Words that should never be said:

The words you should never, never say are:

“I am just…”

“I’m not looking to sell you anything…”

“I’m not looking for connections…”

Do not use them to try to reassure them because the person will immediately think otherwise. The brain does not register “I’m just…”

When it’s finally your turn to speak: how to position yourself

When they’re finally engaged with you (after they’ve talked about themselves) and you’re ready to make your introduction, talk about what other people are saying about you, rather than introducing yourself.

Why? Because people always believe what other people say about you more than they believe you say it about yourself!

So you could say something like, “People say my music sounds like Bob Dylan crossed with a touch of The Beatles.” Or “My voice is compared to Annie Lennox’s.”

That registers very, very well.