Networking is one of the most important skills for anyone in the music industry, whether you are an artist, a producer, a manager, or a promoter. But how can you make the most of the opportunities that music industry conferences offer to build your network and advance your career? Here are some tips to help you prepare, connect, and follow up effectively.
Before you attend any music industry conference, do some research on the event itself, the speakers, the panels, the workshops, and the attendees. Find out what are the main themes, topics, and trends that will be discussed, and who are the influencers, experts, and decision-makers that you want to meet. This will help you plan your schedule, prioritize your goals, and prepare your pitch.
At conferences, build your music network strategically, not randomly. Use the P3I matrix to assess contacts: Power, Interest, Importance, and Impact. This way, you prioritize genuinely beneficial connections - influential individuals interested in your work, relevant to your goals, and capable of positively impacting your career. In events with limited time and opportunities, focus on the right relationships. A strategic approach increases the chances of building a strong and productive network in the industry.
Your pitch is your introduction, your elevator speech, your value proposition. It is what you say when you meet someone new at a conference, and it should be concise, clear, and catchy. Your pitch should include your name, your role, your project or company, and what you are looking for or offering. It should also show some personality, passion, and curiosity. Practice your pitch in advance and tailor it to different situations and audiences.
Many of my clients struggle with branding their artistry properly. One tip that I share with some of them is to describe their music based on: 1. genre, 2. colour, 3. theme I had this one artist say her music was “black electronic music coming from a spaceship” which was so useful at painting a mental picture of what it sounded like. She was so successful!
Attending a music industry conference is a great way to connect with people who share your interests, goals, or challenges. However, it can be difficult to approach them without being awkward, annoying, or intrusive. Therefore, it's important to remember some dos and don'ts of networking at conferences. Smiling, making eye contact, and being friendly and polite are all important. You can also use icebreakers such as compliments, questions, or comments on the event or the speaker. Additionally, listening actively, showing interest, and asking follow-up questions can be beneficial. Exchange business cards, social media handles, or contact details with people you meet. Introduce yourself to the speakers, panelists, or moderators after their sessions and thank them for their insights. Joining group conversations is also encouraged but don't interrupt or dominate them. On the other hand, don't be pushy, salesy, or desperate; don't ask for favors right away; don't talk too much about yourself; don't be rude or judgmental; don't be shy or passive; and don't wait for others to come to you.
Networking doesn't end when the conference is over; in fact, the most important part is following up with the people you met and building relationships. To do this effectively, sort out your contacts and make notes of who they are and what you talked about. Then, send personalized emails or messages within a week of the event, reminding them of who you are and what you discussed, expressing your interest in staying in touch. Additionally, offer value such as feedback, advice, referrals, or resources that can help them with their goals or challenges. Invite them to connect on social media, join your newsletter, or check out your website or portfolio. You can also propose a next step such as a phone call, a meeting, or a collaboration if you have a specific reason or opportunity to do so. However, don't spam, stalk, or harass them; don't send generic, automated, or irrelevant messages; and don't expect immediate results. Additionally, don't be impatient or demanding and remember to follow through and update them on your progress or news. With these tips in mind, networking at music industry conferences can help you build a strong network that can aid in your career growth.
If it is a multi-venue conference (such as The Great Escape), try to find a place to base yourself for all your meetings so you can schedule them back-to-back without having to allow for travel time between venues in between!