You’ve heard the term being thrown around like it was a game of hot potato! “Network, Network, Network!” What is so important about Networking? One would be tempted to jump right in and “Network,” but unpacking some of the “whats” and the “whys” can go a long way in making your networking experience more efficient and useful to you.
What are our goals?
It all starts with understanding your goals. Is your goal to become the next big thing in music, or is it to mix and master people’s records? Do you want to score movies, or does your heart pulsate when thinking of connecting artists and helping them bring down the house in the most incredible venues in the world? Who are you, and what makes you want to be in music?
It may seem obvious to ask yourselves these questions, but you would be surprised at how many just jump into music because “it’s cool” or is “just what I want to do.” Music is perhaps one of the most competitive industries you can be in and is often not thought of as a business but rather as a “fun way to make a living.” However, failing to think of it as a business, and thereby not building in a business model (even if only a simple one) into your road map to success, can often set one up for a bumpy road. So spend some time thinking about what it is that you want out of music, why, and if you think it will satisfy the very depths of your soul!
What is networking?
It can be useful to think of what “Networking” actually is. We often toss words around without much thought to what those words mean, but it can bear fruit to tune your mindset into the full meaning of the term “Networking.”
Throughout humanity, groups of people, or networks, have been on the lookout for one another. Find something you have in common – boom – you’re more likely to think favorably of one another. Come from the same place – bam – you’ve got something in common to talk about, strengthening the bond. Having commonality is hardwired in our DNA as a species to bring us closer together. At its root, this is for our own betterment and our survival. But as now civilized and organized beings, we hijack this system in our favor. We do it already, all the time, and if we fine-tune our approach, we can then do it to accommodate our ambitions.
Many have a negative outlook on Networking, but in the end, it’s something we do as a basic function of our species. We may miss out if we ignore this.
How to network?
Networking, in the end, is just a fancy word for “meeting people.” In certain cases, we like those people, in others, we don’t. The point is, the more people we meet, the more likely we are to find others that resonate with our way of being, and in even stride with the above, the more likely we are to open up opportunities in our careers. Networking is a numbers game.
The good news; meeting people in the modern world is actually extremely easy. Of course, you can go the more traditional route of going to trade shows, NAMM, SXSW, or a CDBABY conference. You’ll certainly meet people, but you can also meet a ton of people on Facebook, Instagram or wherever else you can think of on the net! The key thing is to create a bond, and I will say that again: The Key Thing Is To Create A Bond! When you create bonds with others in your fields, you become top of mind, and you are more likely to be invited toward opportunity. Of course, remember to work into conversation what you do, and you’ll be networking in no time!
Suggestions for places to get started
Effectively engaging in networking can be facilitated through various channels. While traditional avenues such as trade shows and industry conferences remain valuable, the digital age presents diverse opportunities for connecting with peers and industry insiders. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook groups, Instagram, and TikTok, offer extensive networking potential. Active participation in relevant online communities and following industry-specific hashtags can help musicians expand their network and visibility.
Attending educational courses and industry events, as well as actively engaging in local music scenes, are also effective networking strategies. Additionally, creating and leading one’s own networking groups can attract like-minded individuals, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations.
Here are 10 offline music industry events and conferences where aspiring musicians can network:
1. Mondo.NYC – New York City, USA
2. Canadian Music Week Digital Conference – Online
3. AmericanaFest – Nashville, Tennessee, USA
4. A3C Hip Hop Festival – Atlanta, Georgia, USA
5. Winter Music Conference – Miami Beach, Florida, USA
6. Sync Summit – New York City, USA
7. The Great Escape – Brighton, United Kingdom
8. SXSW (South by Southwest) – Austin, Texas, USA
9. NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants) – Anaheim, California, USA
10. ASCAP Experience – Los Angeles, California, USA
And here are 10 virtual music industry events and conferences that aspiring musicians can network:
1. Canadian Music Week Digital Conference
2. Winter Music Conference
3. Sync Summit
4. Mondo.NYC
5. DIY Musician Conference – Online
6. Music Biz 2023 – Online
7. Music Tectonics Conference – Online
8. Berklee Online’s Take Note Conference – Online
9. International Music Summit (IMS) – Online
10. Music Expo Virtual – Online
These events provide valuable opportunities for networking, learning about industry trends, and connecting with others in the music industry.
About PIVODIO™ Coach Julian Cassia
Julian Cassia is an Award Winning and Celebrated Film and Game Composer, Music Producer, Songwriter and Educator. His music has been heard in Films in Festivals all across North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. The Music he has produced and written has amassed several millions of steams on various platforms like Spotify, leading to a record deal with NYC based label with his Project “Japan, Man,” fronted by his Niece, Laeticia Acra. He holds a dual degree from Berklee College of Music, and a Masters in Film Composition from NYU in NYC.
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