TruSource Technology DL2 Integrated Digital Mixer

orking a room” is a variant of the art
“Wof mingling, of blending into any given
space containing groups of socializing people
and becoming part of the action. Making the
transition from foreground to background, from
intruder to “one of us,” is no easy matter, and
requires considerable finesse, especially in music
circles. Here are some time-tested tips from author,
MC Song Biz columnist and expert music-biz
mingler Dan Kimpel:
a conversation. We are sometimes so focused on
out like a sore thumb. Be easy on yourself. Learn
cess
the dynamic of the room. Enjoy the art, the
imaging that no one can see you.
conscious of your reaction to alcohol. For some,
anxiety, but nothing can be more detrimental to
creating a good impression than being under the
mise.
Pace yourself.
event, and then offer to introduce them to some-
people pick up on that.
gives, it’s easy for others to
give to you in return.
-
talk to is the only goal of
needy if you cling to the first
for meeting and greeting. If
-
evening.” Don’t pretend you don’t see them.
people are in conversation, feel free to join them;
-
permissible to intrude. Odds are, they’re discussing
something private (maybe even you!)
shoulder more interesting than you? Being a good
listener is the most important part of being a great
Dan Kimpel is the author of several acclaimed music-industry books,
including Networking Strategies for the New Music Business and It
All Begins With The Music. Visit http://dankimpel.com.
recently where the performers
who showcased were given a
booth in the exhibition hall. Going
to the showcases is a great
opportunity to meet potential
contacts before, during, and
after the performance, and also
provides a place to reconnect
with attendees you met earlier.
EXHIBITION BOOTHS
Music confabs will typically
have an area for exhibitors,
who are providers of products
and services to the industry.
This is another great place for
you to network and establish
contacts. And take note that
the exhibition booth area is
usually a good place to find free
snacks, pens and other conference
goodies.
AT THE PARTIES
Most conferences have various social events
including opening-night and closing-night parties.
Some have parties at nightclubs, and are
little more than a typical club night
so they may not be ideal for
networking. Others have
cocktail “mixers” where
you have a great
opportunity to meet
people. Get to the
party early because
there is no
benefit to being
fashionably late.
Sometimes if
you get there
early, when it
isn’t too crowded,
it is easier
to meet people.
Most conference
websites
have pictures and
bios of the speakers.
Since you have
already researched
and targeted people you
would like to meet, you
may notice some of them in
the room.
What you say when you meet someone
at the party depends on the circumstances
and your personal style. Of course have your
business cards ready and a warm smile. Carefully
limit your alcohol intake. Stay focused.
Hold your drink in your left hand so that your
right hand is available to shake hands and is
not wet from holding your drink. Again the best
networking opportunity at the mixer may be
waiting for the restroom or waiting in line to get
into the event. If you have someone with you at
the conference (husband, wife or friend, etc.),
they might also make good connections for you
to meet.
minBio: Glenn Litwak is a veteran music and entertainment
attorney who has appeared at numerous music
conferences as a panelist, moderator, and keynote
speaker. He represents recording artists, production
and management companies, music producers, and
independent record labels, as well as songwriters
and music publishers. He can be contacted at
glenn@litwakand havkin.com. Learn more at his
law firm website: http://litwakandhavkin.com.
AFTER THE CONFERENCE
When the conference ends it does not mean
that your networking should end. I have
shared a taxi from the hotel to the
airport and have made excellent
contacts. When you get
home, input all the data
from the business cards
and other information.
Then send follow-up
emails to those you
have met saying,
“Nice to have met
you. Let’s keep
in touch.”
You can post
on your social
networking sites
what you did at
the conference
and pictures that
you took as well.
Consider sending
new friend requests
from your Facebook
and/or LinkedIn pages,
etc. In your follow-up
email afterward, make certain
to remind the person of who
you are and what you do. Perhaps
in the future you will both be attending another
music conference where you could
meet again.
September 2012 www.musicconnection.com 43