You're navigating the music industry maze. How do you connect with key players for success?

Early in my career, I went to an industry event and got so distracted by the food and drinks that my contact list was empty by the end of the night. Social anxiety and imposter syndrome played a part, but I turned it around by focusing on connecting with just one person at each event. Over time, I increased the number of people I engaged with, allowing conversations to flow naturally. Here’s the takeaway: It’s about making authentic connections. So, remember to: Pick one person to engage with. It’s less daunting and more manageable. Be present in the conversation. Authenticity wins over small talk. Gradually expand your network. Once you’re comfortable, you can start mingling with more people.

Perfect Your Pitch: How to Narrow It Down When making connections, your pitch should be concise and impactful. Start by clearly stating who you are and what you do in one or two sentences. Focus on your unique value or what sets you apart. Next, briefly explain what you're seeking—whether it's collaboration, advice, or partnership. Tailor your pitch to the person you're speaking to by highlighting relevant aspects of your work that align with their interests or needs. A well-narrowed pitch keeps the conversation focused and memorable, increasing your chances of forging a meaningful connection.

To create quality content that's easily digestible, keep it concise and focused. Start with a clear and brief introduction of who you are and what you do. Tailor your message to the interests and needs of your audience, highlighting relevant aspects that address their specific concerns. Ensure your content provides value by offering insights or solutions that are pertinent to the person you're speaking with. Engage them by inviting questions and feedback, fostering a two-way conversation. Finally, follow up with a summary or thank-you note to reinforce key points and offer additional information.

To leverage digital platforms effectively, start by identifying where your target audience is most active—LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Create high-quality, relevant content tailored to each platform’s unique features and audience preferences. Keep your posts concise and engaging, using visuals and compelling headlines to capture attention. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and participating in discussions. Use analytics tools to track your performance and adjust your strategy based on what works best. Regularly update your content to maintain visibility and relevance.

To cultivate relationships effectively, focus on building genuine connections. Start by actively listening and showing genuine interest in the other person’s work or experiences. Offer value by sharing insights, resources, or opportunities relevant to their interests. Follow up consistently to keep the relationship active, whether through regular check-ins or sharing useful information. Personalize your interactions and acknowledge milestones or achievements to show appreciation and support. Building trust and maintaining open communication are key to nurturing strong, long-term relationships.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable! If you aspire to build or level up a career in the music industry, you will face hard situations, so get to practising how to handle adversity. This industry is up there with the most challenging when it comes to competition for places. Please don't take this as a deterrent. There is a false stereotype that powerful figures in are hard-nosed, ruthless, or impossible to communicate with—simply not true. Some of the most incredible and down-to-earth people I've had the pleasure to know are working at high levels within this industry. Good people can be tough, and most are, but that toughness was built like a muscle over years of overcoming rejection or setbacks to reach their heights.