In the previous edition of the musician’s business guide series, we discussed some fundamental ideas on how to get started in the music business. This post will cover how to develop a strong social music network for your business.
The One Many Army Doesn’t Exist
There are very few businesses in this world that can function with only one individual running the show and the music business is no exception. Having an active social music network is critical to your success in the music industry. Your colleagues should not just be comprised of close friends, but instead be an assembly of strategic business contacts including but not limited to: entertainment lawyers, music managers, A&R’s, recording artists, music producers, musicians, marketing specialists, et cetera. Your social music network needs to be filled with a diverse group of legitimate music professionals.
Social Music Networks: Offline
The first thing you should recognize when you’re developing your social music network is that people do business with people they like. A likable personality goes a long way in business, especially in the music industry. The best way I’ve found to develop strong social skills is through reading books and then taking that information and applying it in social settings. The following books have helped me and would be a great addition to your personal library:
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- Skill With People By Les Giblin
- How To Win Friends and Influence People By Dale Carnegie
- Bringing Out the Best in People: How to Enjoy Helping Others Excel By Alan Loy McGinnis
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Reading these books and applying the information will help you expand your social music network offline. Don’t limit yourself to these resources, however. Get out and start talking to people in your local chamber of commerce, at recording studios, music venues, concerts, music stores, and any other places music professionals might frequent.
And by all means, make sure you follow up with any business contacts you make. This is what separates music hobbyists from music professionals. Having a business card or cellular phone number of your contact will aid you in these efforts.
Social Music Networks: Online
Social media has taken the internet by storm and if you’re simply thinking it’s just another way for teenagers to waste time on the internet, you’re sadly mistaken. Social media has provided businesses with an incredible marketing platform to engage consumers and other business owners. If you take a look at just about any major company, you’ll notice they have, at the least, official twitter and facebook pages.These social networking websites allow companies to directly connect with the global marketplace on an unprecedented level. When these companies start engaging social networks, they are implementing powerful branding strategies with residual benefits. As a music professional, it would be in your best interests to follow suit.
Social Music Websites
Recommended Books On Social Media Marketing
Inbound Marketing: Get Found Using Google, Social Media, and Blogs (New Rules Social Media Series)
Socialnomics: How Social Media Transforms the Way We Live and Do Business
No Bullshit Social Media: The All-Business, No-Hype Guide to Social Media Marketing
Final Thought
Social music networks are the driving force behind many successful music professionals and business today. In order to really dive into the music businesses, one should start immediately engaging people online and offline to create a brand that is built to last.
Be sure to read the next post on How To Sell Music Online
