These are the biggest music industry networking mistakes you can make
In the dynamic and competitive landscape of the music industry, networking plays a pivotal role in achieving sustainable success. Whether you're a budding musician, a seasoned producer, or an industry insider, the way you present yourself and engage with others can make or break crucial connections.
Two common but detrimental mistakes that can hinder your networking efforts are being vague and indulging in excessive alcohol consumption. In this blog, we'll delve into why these seemingly unrelated factors are, in fact, two sides of the same coin when it comes to navigating the intricate web of the music business.
2 of the most common music industry networking mistakes
Mistake #1 - Being vague
If there is one thing I get frustrated with, it’s drive-by messages. “I don’t know you, I’ve never spoken to you, but let me drop this message in your DM’s just to say hi. Or add, it looks like we have a few things in common so thought I’d connect. I’m not going to say WHY I reached out, just that your profile looked interesting to me.”
You didn’t connect. You might have hit that connect button on LinkedIn, but by no means did you connect with me. You didn’t even try. In fact, you were lazy. You dropped this message in my inbox assuming I’ll just start a conversation with you. That’s easy for you.
And what’s in it for me, the person on the other end? I get to put my attention, time and energy into initiating a conversation with a random person I don’t know?
Not that I don’t ever do that because I do. I’m just asking to reflect on this a little more because I do believe social media can give us a false sense of permission to be let off the hook when it comes to putting in an effort.
You’re asking for a lot when attempting to claim some of my most precious resources - no questions asked, no effort needed.
Imagine attending a networking event where everyone speaks in riddles, leaving you perplexed and unable to decipher their intentions or offerings. This is the essence of vagueness, a trait that can undermine the very purpose of networking. In the music industry, clarity is key, as professionals need to understand each other's goals, roles, and potential collaborations. Being vague about your skills, aspirations, or current projects can hinder your ability to connect with the right people who could propel your career forward.
One common scenario is the musician who isn’t mindful about articulating their unique selling points. Whether you're a vocalist, instrumentalist, or producer, being specific about your style, influences, and accomplishments helps others understand how they can collaborate with you. Vagueness can create a foggy perception, making it challenging for industry professionals to gauge your potential contribution to a project or collaboration.
Networking is about building relationships, and relationships thrive on clear communication. Being precise about your goals and capabilities not only helps you stand out but also enables others to envision how they can benefit from associating with you. In an industry where time is of the essence, the last thing you want is for potential collaborators or industry insiders to move on because they couldn't grasp what you bring to the table.
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Mistake #2 - Being drunk
While vagueness clouds communication, excessive alcohol consumption introduces a different set of challenges to networking in the music industry. It's no secret that the music business often involves social gatherings where libations flow freely. However, the fine line between enjoying a drink and overindulging can have significant consequences for your professional image.
One of the biggest pitfalls of networking under the influence is the potential for impaired judgment. Alcohol affects cognitive functions, and networking requires sharp mental faculties. Slurred speech, impaired coordination, and a lack of focus can create an unprofessional image that may be hard to shake off. Your potential collaborators or industry contacts may question your reliability and commitment if you're unable to maintain composure during a networking event.
Moreover, in an industry where reputation is paramount, behaving inappropriately due to intoxication can have lasting consequences. Word spreads quickly, and a momentary lapse in judgment can tarnish your professional standing. Being remembered for stumbling through a conversation or making inappropriate remarks is not the kind of impression you want to leave.
Not to mention the long-lasting, negative effects encounters like that can have on a person.
I can no longer count the times when someone got handsy with me during a music industry networking event. Not only did this make me feel unsafe, uncomfortable and disrespected. It also took a bite out of my confidence thinking that this person was genuinely interested in my achievements, expertise and exploring ways my services could contribute to making nightlife safer, healthier and more inclusive. To me, it’s always about the mission.
Being misled into believing that people want to support that mission whilst they actually have ulterior motives which put me in harm's way physically and emotionally is downright disappointing and traumatising. Not to mention the effect this has on my growth as a music industry professional. You bet your ass I’m going to be more weary of going to the next music industry networking event and the people approaching me. It’s made me more suspicious, introverted and potentially miss out on great opportunities to grow. And that’s sad, really.
The interconnectedness of vagueness and being drunk
Surprisingly, being vague and being under the influence often go hand in hand. A musician who is uncertain about their goals or lacks a clear direction may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism in social situations.
On the flip side, someone who is drunk may struggle to articulate their thoughts clearly, leading to vague and ambiguous communication.
This interconnectedness creates a cycle that hampers effective networking. Artists who are vague about their intentions may feel a sense of unease or insecurity in networking scenarios, leading them to rely on alcohol as a form of liquid courage. This, in turn, exacerbates their vagueness and can potentially derail promising connections.
Using alcohol can heighten your feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. And in turn, using alcohol to take the edge of, can potentially lead to an alcohol use disorder.
In conclusion, being vague and being drunk are two of the biggest networking mistakes one can make in the music industry. Clarity and professionalism are the cornerstones of successful networking, enabling musicians to forge meaningful connections and propel their careers forward. By steering clear of vagueness and excessive alcohol consumption, artists can navigate the intricate web of the music business with confidence and leave a lasting positive impression on their peers and potential collaborators.
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