How To Get Your Big Break

Unfortunately not enough indie artists can say they’ve gotten their big break and have taken advantage of it. Instead they are working nonstop to get someone’s attention in the business such as a manager, a record label, a booking agent etc. They might be praying for an influencer to like them enough to promote them to their millions of followers. Whatever it looks like, it’s often painstakingly elusive!

Artists aren’t the only ones counting on a break. Entrepreneurs seek that one capital partner to fund their company, or that one client who buys enough to keep the company afloat. Workers seek that golden job offer. It never ends.?

I believe in and follow a philosophy that I heard many years ago. ‘Success only comes when opportunity meets preparedness’. I find that there are opportunities for breakthroughs all day, every day all around us. The problem is that most people never find out about them because they haven’t earned the trust of the people who are aware of the opportunities.?

Here in Nashville, and I’m sure in other major cities, there are countless valuable behind-the-scenes music events such as label showcases and private industry social gatherings occurring every day. There are labels seeking new artists as well as publishers seeking talented new writers. Great music companies are seeking key employees. But even the most deserving artist, writer or employee might never be told about a great opportunity, either because they haven’t built the right relationships or because they haven’t shown that they are ready to take advantage of such an opportunity. But when it all comes together, it can be magical!

I recently attended a non-music-related online networking event where I told the attendees about Cartne and asked for introductions to reputable people in the industry. After checking my credibility (the Indie Connect and Cartne websites), one of the attendees introduced me to an absolute icon in the industry. She forwarded his resume to me, along with a note from him that he was producing a new Broadway play. I knew he would be looking for a lead actor/singer with a very specific talent. I manage Daniel Panetta, an artist with a 5+ octave range who matches those needs perfectly. Most importantly, I already had a video of Daniel illustrating that he has the necessary skills and talent for this role. I asked him to record it 2 years ago, just knowing that someday it would be needed. I pitched him the video and he loved it, so we’re moving forward with it. If I had to wait to have Daniel film a new video for me, we most likely would have missed this incredible breakthrough opportunity.?

So the bottom line is this. You need to do 3 things to create your own 'big break'.?

1. Hone your skills, talent, personality, image etc. so you are perfectly prepared and ready for the opportunity you want.
2. Be prepared to take advantage of the right door opening for you at any time. As an artist you need to have your website, EPK, photos, promo video etc. all in place and up-to-date. If you’re seeking a job you must have your resume and references all lined up and ready to go. Many opportunities have very short windows.?
3. Start building solid, trusting relationships with as many people as you can. Exchanging phone numbers does not constitute that kind of solid relationship. Take people for coffee or lunch. Do your homework so you can speak confidently with them. Work towards establishing that mutual trust factor. Be in servant mode, not sales mode. It makes a world of difference!

Keep in mind that not every door opener is in the industry. The next person you meet might be a relative, or even a neighbor of a key person. It could be a receptionist or other employee. They might just go to the same church or belong to the same social club.??

Your goal is to be the very person someone thinks of when a prime opportunity presents itself to them. If they don’t know you well enough to trust you, or they don’t think you’re prepared to take advantage of the opening, they will immediately move on to someone who they feel more closely fits the bill. And you will never even know that you were in the running.

About Me: I am an artist manager and consultant. For a limited time I am offering free 30-minute consultations to artists who need support and direction to move their careers forward. I can be reached at [email protected].