Published: Friday - November 30, 2007
Words by Donny Goines
Blog by Donny Goines (Photo: Don Michaels)
By now we've covered several topics and if you've been following some of the advice I've given you, chances are you're within reach of some people you need to communicate. This blog will talk about some different approaches and things you should know when dealing with some of these industry types.
Rule number 1: There's a time and place for everything. What I mean by that is simple, imagine you're at restaurant with your girl. You're enjoying a nice quiet dinner when suddenly some random stranger approaches your table and starts a conversation about his music. Wouldn't you be annoyed? I'm sure you would. When you see these people at certain events, forums, etc. it makes sense to talk business, but when you're at places that are not intended for networking and such leave that at the door. Use your better judgment, if it's imperative you speak to that person or it's a once in a lifetime encounter simply introduce yourself, slide em a CD or business and make moves. Don't give them your whole life story. Just a couple of line will suffice. It's that simple.
Rule number 2: Don't name drop. That shit is sooooo cliche and typical and the truth is that no one really cares. Keep that information to yourself. The only time you should name drop is when it has a direct relation to the subject at hand. For example, let's say you meet a producer that you're interested in working with and he deals with a certain artist you collabed with. Then it would make PERFECT sense because he now knows that you are on the same level and would be more receptive to what you have to say, but name dropping just for the sake of it is seen as "corny" by most industry types. So my advice when it comes to this, don't do it unless you need to. Rely on your own name not others.
Rule number 3: Speak accordingly. Just because you're a rapper doesn't mean you have to speak like you have no grasp of the English language. When you are speaking to professionals speak PROFESSIONALLY. This is a common mistake and one that's easily avoidable. Walking up to a 40-year-old record exec saying things like "Yo Son" or "What up B?" really doesn't help convince them of your intelligence and makes you look foolish.
It's just like anything else in life, you can't talk to everyone the same way and the music business is no different. Learn to switch up your dialect and converse with others in a professional manner. If you want people to really take you seriously in this biz present yourself seriously. Point blank.
How you approach people is very important. This business is a small one and people talk. You don't want them talking about the wrong things. Some people I approached in the past still don't deal with me to this day. I wish someone would've told me these things early on.
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