How to Make Networking Suck Less

Networking. It’s the thing every artist is told to do. And the implication is that if you only network enough, and smart enough, you can network your way to success.

This asinine thinking makes networking such a pressure-filled activity for the average artist that a) they don’t do enough of it, b) they dread it, and c) they mostly do it wrong.

In his quest to make life just a smidge easier for today’s artist (and to take a bit of pressure off), Disc Makers CEO Tony van Veen has created this week’s 'Indie Music Minute' (a bit longer than usual, clocking in at around 12 minutes – but worth every second 😉) with his counter-intuitive networking advice. In it, Tony offers a dozen or so tips that will help you more easily establish contacts and build relationships.

We hope you’ll find at least a couple of his tips helpful.

Go forth and network!

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[DavidJohnson-iopl]

One networking tip that's worked well for me: when you walk into a room where everybody's talking and you panic (which happens to me all the time-- I'm an introvert), try to find the person who's even more uncomfortable than you, and strike up a conversation. You're not just helping yourself; you're throwing a lifeline to somebody who's struggling.

[SherryAnne]

One networking tip that works well for building your audience is to find another local act that does something similar to you and ask if you can open with one or two songs at their event/gig in exchange for allowing them to open at one of your concerts with one or two songs. Do a handful of events with that person and it can end up being a very positive collaborative experience, plus you build your "gig list."

[shadowsearcy]

Thanks Tony! This is one of your best!! One of the best lessons I learned from a late but incredible guitar player was that, instead of reciting his life story of playing the guitar, he asked the other person what he or she did and then sat back and let that person tell their story. EVERYONE has a story and many ordinary, everyday people who SEEM not very interesting have a story to tell. So remember their name because that is their favorite song and listen to their story. Get others to talk about themselves!

[johndurant]

This is a great video Tony. I live in Nashville, and the big mistake people make when moving here for music is trying to indiscriminately accumulate industry contacts instead of building meaningful relationships. If I sense that someone only wants to use me to get to a higher level I’m probably not going to be very inclined to help them. Take the time to get to know someone so they don’t feel like they’re just being used as a stepping stone. Before you know it you’ll have a network of friends who will be glad to know what you’re up to and will help make connections because they like you and respect you as a peer.

[petecolorado]

Someone once told me. If you ask for help YOU DONT DESERVE IT. Thanks Tony good call.

[Bruce]

Well done. As a life-long introvert, this is not what I would normally do, but I am learning that other people have value, and that it isn't as painful as I thought it was, to simply talk and be friendly. Thanks for spelling it out.

[DazzleRebel]

Thanks for the tips. Looking forward to the world to get back some semblance of normality so I can test them out!

[masonpm]

I'm always learning new valuable information from you!!!

[RockwellDulcimer]

excellent and very helpful advice Tony!!! My favorite of all your videos so far.

[frankgarso]

I place my business cards in my wallet and also different bags i take with me so I always have them on me to give out to who ever I meet when networking or if I meet someone new.

[tomtiedjens]

Thanks for the business card tip always have done that. I really love the time you put into paying forward with all the videos Thanks Tony

[wesleymarkmusic]

Great advice. Thanks. Really like your delivery style.

[menacerisamir]

thanks a lot Tony, your advices are really helpful

[craigkeefer]

Great points! I have been slack on the business cards...

[ColleenKitchen]

waiting in line.... a self limiting situation where ppl don't fear being buttonholed by some boring jaw jacker, sooo true! thanks for the reminder

[prafizy]

Good stuff, networking in church today is possible too...

[Lachenmann]

"We have known each other many years, but this is the first time you've come to me for counsel or for help. I can't remember the last time you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee, even though my wife is godmother to your only child. But let's be frank here. You never wanted my friendship. And you feared to be in my debt." ---The Godfather