So often in this age of the information superhighway and online marketing, there seems to be only one answer to the question of ‘how do I promote my music?’ However, while being able to maintain an online presence and get your name out on the internet is essential to success, when it comes to networking, especially during the holidays, the face-to-face aspect of the business becomes crucial to your success.

Getting Personal

Social networking is its own brand of making waves in the music industry and a big red flag that screams “Promote My Music”. You may gain followers, but you’ll have a hard time finding movers and shakers in the industry. That’s because a lot of the point of making networking connections is about personality and meshing with others. That’s not something you can do without getting personal. This means it’s time to get out from behind the computer and back out in the public eye. The holiday season, with all of its social interaction, is a perfect time to get out there and learn the ropes of personal promotion.

Quality Time

Don’t look at networking at public events or in any mingling situation as speed-dating. Your goal shouldn’t be to meet as many people as quickly as possible, handing out business cards that say ‘promote my music’ will likely get thrown away. Instead, spend quality time with people who show interest. If you get into a deep, meaningful conversation with an agent, you are more likely to make a big impression through personality than if you hand over a fun little business card with a quirky tagline and a big smile. You need to leave an impression, while also getting a feel for the other individual as well so you can ask yourself, am I able to work with you to promote and sell my music?

Give Instead of Take

While your ultimate goal in networking is likely to be making contacts that can help you move forward in the music industry, consider a different approach. Rather than looking out for only yourself, why not set out to help others in any way possible? Maybe you have a contact that could help someone you meet at a party. Perhaps you get into a conversation with another independent artist who has a question that you can find some information on. Take an email address, and forward the information. Don’t ask for anything in return. First, you never know what kind of connections those people have or will have in the future that can get you where you want to be. Second, others will see and hear through word of mouth, and you’ll come up as memorable in important conversations.

Be Yourself

There’s nothing worse than going out and trying to make a case for ‘why you should promote my music’ with a false persona. What good will it do if someone with pull in the music industry likes the angle you play but then meets the real you or hears your music and is disappointed? It’s a waste of their time and yours, when you could’ve pursued another lead with someone genuinely interested in you for who you are and the type of music you create. Never pretend while you’re networking.
This holiday season, take advantage of the dozens of parties, events and other opportunities to meet influential people in the industry. Consider in advance the perks of getting out there in person, and be sure to utilize these tips to come out successful in the end.