One of the best things you can do to have a successful music career is finding the right people to make connections with. Attending festivals, conventions, and other events with key music professionals, meeting the right people can lead to a plethora of opportunities. This is why we put together this guide to help you with social skills in your music career.
You might want to sit home and watch Netflix over making time to be a part of your local music scene. Meeting other musicians, potential managers, songwriters, and music industry professionals can have a huge impact on your future in the music business. The stronger your network, the more opportunities will come your way. Some people complain about having to know people to get anywhere, but the people that “know” people that can help them go there by putting in time and effort. They’ve supported others in their work, so that when it’s time to reach out to these people to get their support, they are happy to help.
If networking isn’t a skill that comes easy to you, here’s some tips that may help:
Eye contact
It’s a small, but important detail that can is a crucial social skill. Eye contact is a demonstration of your self-confidence and social hierarchy. Whether you’re talking about your latest music project or negotiating a record deal, it matters. Try to find the proper balance between looking someone in the eye and looking elsewhere. Too much of either is less effective.
Etiquette
Your manners matter. People in the music industry are watching how you behave and treat others. Etiquette has two parts: respect and conformity. Demonstrating proper etiquette for a situation shows respect for those you’re communicating with. Showing that you know how to behave in a social situation is a crucial social skill in music.
Humor
Everyone likes to laugh and smile. Learn a few jokes and learn how to land them. People like seeing artists who know what to take seriously. Yet, showing your sense of humor will create a better connection. This makes you seem more personable. The people you meet in this industry may be bound to become people you work with closely. Use humor to help speed up the process of getting comfortable with each other.
Empathy
You can communicate better with others when you’re empathetic. It allows you to adopt a more reasonable and understanding response. Relate what you’re hearing to your own experiences. Be willing to share your own stories, especially with other artists. People are attracted to people that have empathy.
Listening skills
Few things are more important than good listening skills. Listening is another way to show respect to others. People feel important when you pay attention to them. As an artist, you’re gonna interact with many people that help different parts of your career. It’s important to people your undivided attention. They will notice and appreciate it.
Ask questions
The music industry contains a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes beyond what you contribute to it as an artist. With that being said, asking questions and wanting to get a better understanding of the industry will help you get taken more seriously about wanting a career in music. Asking questions also relieves social pressure.
Body Language
Practicing open and confident body language is good for both of you. When you are relaxed and confident, others will feel this too. Appropriate body language is inviting and reassuring to others. This is important in every situation you’re in, whether its business of personal..
Smile
Would you rather communicate with someone that’s smiling or scowling? A smile lets people know that you’re a safe and friendly communication partner. Plus, you’ll feel better when you smile.
The ability to introduce yourself
In this industry, it’s all about who you know. How can people expect to know you if you can’t walk up to them and introduce yourself? If you can’t introduce yourself, you have to sit around and wait for someone to talk to you. With some practice, introducing yourself will be second nature.
Consider how your life would be impacted if you strengthened your social skills in music. You’d have more influence at work, more friends, stronger relationships, and more dates. Social skills are far-reaching. Improving your social skills can help in launching your career. Spend a little time each day working on your social skills and notice how your entire life changes for the better.
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