Here is a great post I found on one of our many contact sites. This is very important reading if you are serious about moving your music career forward. Most of all it is written by someone who is in the business you are trying to get into. Enjoy!

Networking 101 by Pam “AJARIAH” Greer
“Networking is defined by many as approaching, pitching, and sealing the deal on what you just presented to the prospect. Yet, many people often overdo networking in the first 15 minutes. I believe these tips are the most important when it comes to networking.

1)Break your stereotypes about networking.

Do not be afraid to approach someone and introduce yourself. I have never met a person that will say, ” Do I know you?” I believe before you attempt to network; you should break the fear of rejection. Check your ego and place your game face on. FYI, just do not be pushy, rude, and arrogant. If you are just that shy then I would suggest you craft an email and use social sites like Myspace, Facebook, Ning, and etc. Example: I was listening to Kanye’s album and these lyrics stayed on my mind. I thought about the times I met film directors, producers and artists that I could have pitched some proposals too; yet, I did not do it. Here are the lyrics:

(found on www.musiclyrics.com)
Its the hard knock life tour/Sell out, just picture us in the mall/Copin iceberg and yelling out Jigga/Yea that’s what we would yell out/You know the name dude/Do I gotta spell it out or just tell you bout it/J -a -y an Ye so shy/Now he won’t even step to his idol to say hi/Standing there like a mom/Let the chance pass by/Back of my mind he could change your life/With all these beats I did at least let him hear it/Atl east you could brag to your friends back at the gig/But he got me out my mama crib/Then he help me get my mama a crib

Now honestly, how many of you have felt like that in the past? Be honest. My big brother was bigs brother/Used to be Dame and Bigs brother/Who was hip hop brother/Who was No I.D friend/No I.D My mentor/Now let the story begin. Classic. Man, I love that Kanye album.

2)Build your network.

I suggest that you build a strong network when hoping to launch your career and your company. I suggest that you create your “elevator pitch” and be prepared. The elevator pitch is a proper corporate term that suggests you prepared at all times. It’s a 30 second speech that introduces you, your company, what you do, and why your product or service. Now, do not do information overload because you can easily bore the individual. So, eliminate the walking up to people and handing out your business card. I like to say this: Card, Face, and 15 sec intro. If you know your business then you should have no problem. Remember Umms,You know, know what I’m talking about, and more will make you seem like you lack confidence. Be prepared, smile, and go. Have your cards prepared, ask for others, and always FOLLOW-Up within 24 to 48 hours. Keep that face to that memory. I almost forgot to say this always shake the person hand. I hate when people who do not know me do the hood hand shake…you know…grip your hand, knock shoulders, and hold it there…get out of my personal space.

3) Invite people out.

I personally like to invite people out to dinner or somewhere you can talk more in depth. I believe you can utilize this time to learn more about their business, industry, who they are and etc. I often like to ask their opinion on the meeting place; because, some people hates certain areas of the city. I like the 1st expression(networking event) and 2nd expression (invitation) because that person will better respect you; in my opinion. If you can not afford to take them out; then stay abreast of how you can network with them more.

4) Respect people business hours.

I know everyone claims they do not sleep in this industry and they are available 24/7. I understand that and I feel all the people who are awake while the competitors are sleeping. Honestly, if you do not know the person; do not call them at 2 am when you leaving the club. I like to ask people what are there business hours and go from there. I just do not believe in calling people after 8 pm and that is really pushing it in my opinion. Now once we have created that rapport; then I usually text to see if they are available before calling. If it isn’t important then I usually opt for email.

Well people I just had to express my opinion on networking. Expect more blogs from me on tthis topic and more.”

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