One of the things I enjoy about my involvement with music is meeting new people and seeing relationships develop into long-term friendships over time.  I also like the process of making contacts with others and for others whenever possible, to enhance opportunities for all parties involved.  Networking (or we could say Net-working in our online world) is an important thing to do for both the professional and amateur musician alike.

There's no hidden secret or deep science to the fact that establishing a good rapport with others will benefit everyone in the long run.  That is an obvious statement and it applies to all ventures in life, including music.  When meeting someone for the first time, whether it's a music store salesman or another musician, it's good to make some kind of connection with them that will imply the possibility for a continuing relationship in the future.  There are many ways to do this.  It doesn't mean that you have to become best friends with everyone you meet.  You will run into people that you have no desire of dealing with in the future.  Nevertheless, you'll never know when you might cross paths with someone down the line who can help you out in a situation or give you the chance to help them.

Your intuition will often guide you when you meet someone for the first time.  Some people might be be abrasive, indifferent or rude.  Chances are you won't want to be around them for very long; but it's still important to be nice in return.  On the other hand, most people you'll run into will be of the "normal" everyday variety.  Introducing a personal aspect to your meetings can provide a great foundation for the future.  For instance, whenever someone approaches me at a gig and expresses a compliment or interest in what I'm doing, the least I can do is thank them and try to find out something about their interests.  I try to open up the possibilities of communication and find a common ground for discussion.  I might not ever see some of these people again in my life, while others remain in contact for a long time.  The initial conversation can go a long way to determining how things will proceed.

There have been numerous occasions where I've met people at gigs and found out that they were interested in guitar lessons or advice on equipment, etc...  Some of these have gone on to be students of mine or even good friends on a social basis.  Many times, I have been able to direct those interested in musical gear to dealers, in turn strengthening my relationships with both parties.  I always tell them to say "Jason sent you" and I also mention the buyer to the dealer.  That way, even if a transaction doesn't occur, the dealer knows I am trying to help them out.  Hopefully, it will also result in better service for the referral.

On some occasions, I might find that I share a common interest with someone that is outside the realm of music.  I've played a lot of golf with people over the years that I met initially through music.  Likewise, I've actually ended up teaching guitar lessons to golf pros as a result of visits to a pro shop.  You never know where a contact will appear.  I try to remain open-minded and receptive to those situations at all times.

One fundamental principle of making contacts is to make sure people know how to contact you.  This is why business cards were invented.  I always try to carry my business cards with me, whether it's sliding a couple of extra ones into my wallet or bringing along a dedicated case of them.  They are convenient and amazingly valuable.  A lot of musicians overlook the importance of contact cards, yet having them is vital to networking.

Unlike several years ago, you don't have to go to an office supply shop or printing company to produce business cards.  Nor do you have to spend an excessive amount of money to get nice results.  Just about everyone has a personal computer these days with some sort of publishing program (i.e.:  Microsoft Office or Works).  With these programs, it is very easy to design professional-looking cards and print them on a variety of easy-to-find blank business card papers.  When you run out, simply print up some more.

I always make sure to have my name and any contact information I wish to give out (i.e.: phone number, e-mail, Web address) printed clearly on the card.  This is another obvious point and very important.  Another great tip is to store some cards in your instrument case in the event that you forget to bring your business card holder to a show.

There are so many ways to network that the creativity of the user is all that limits the possibilities.  Radio and TV commercials, billboards, ads in magazines, etc.. are nothing more than companies networking.  The goal for the individual is no different.  The intent is to get one's name and services out to other people.  This can be done through paid advertising, or simply exchanging contact info as we've discussed.

One of the most effective ways to network is by establishing your own Web site (I know a little something about that  )  Between having a simple Web address printed on a card and maintaining a site, I've greatly increased my contacts in the music world (I stress world) and routinely receive lots of correspondence from people I've never even meet before.  It's really opened up a lot of doors for me.

There's a fine line between networking and self-promotion though they are sometimes one in the same.  Self-promotion is something you've really got to do for yourself because no one's going to do it for you.  When you network and make personal contacts, your "network" expands and you'll sometimes find other people referring others to you.  The chain reaction starts and before you know it, you will have all sorts of resources at your fingertips.

If at all possible, it's important to be genuine in your dealings with others.  Sometimes networking involves making a forced effort to expand your base while focusing primarily on it as a means to an end.  However, the best relationships always develop when you genuinely try to find that common ground with other people and put a little bit of your own personality, heart and soul into things.  This way, if someone needs something from you (and giving is every bit as important as receiving), you will not have to make a forced effort to help them.

Jason Barker
steelbender@mindspring.com
www.steelbender.com