Worship Musician Magazine August 2021 | Page 129

objectives that include everything from network build to advancement of the art of game audio to assistance in grant discovery and writing .
AND THERE ARE MORE I ’ ve mentioned these few organizations because of the way I ’ ve personally seen them in action and I know that they offer a land of opportunity for those who participate . However , there are many more organizations that serve the creative music and technical communities , focusing on everything from licensing to songwriting and to specific musical genres .
SOCIAL MEDIA Virtually all of these organizations use Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , and so on to help reach the world and connect members .
MAGS ‘ N ’ RAGS Keep track of what ’ s going on in your industry . That ’ s such an important part of your preparation for meeting new people . Become informed . Try to be that person who is informed . That will speak extremely well for the amount of passion you have for what you do . It ’ s very uncomfortable to not be able to respond in the affirmative when asked about different industry pros . And , that will come up . Read . Listen . Read more . Watch . The resources are there . Just do your due diligence and pay attention .
I really like MixOnline , Tape Op , Sound On Sound , FOH , and other magazines that singlemindedly drill down into pro audio topics . For the worship musician and technician , there really isn ’ t anything better than Worship Musician . I always share the link with my Berklee students and social network , whether they ’ re church goers or not , because it ’ s absolutely full of great information on a wide range of topics . Publisher and conference producers Bruce and Matt , have given so much to the worship world and I ’ ve seen their character and passion for the church and music in action for many years . They are easy to support and I recommend it , highly . STUDENTS , ARISE ! Almost all of these organizations include student members as a very important segment of their membership . Several include special student activities ranging from artist meet ‘ n ’ greets at local concert venues , to recording , mixing , and producing competitions .
Every organization depends on student interaction for vitality and to help bring new professionals into the workforce . I ’ ve participated in many organizations like those mentioned previously , and I can testify to the fact that - STUDENTS PLEASE LISTEN UP - every business or organization is excited to help a student who is eager , respectful , dependable , conscientious , talented , trustworthy , hygienically aware , and hard working .
OPTIMIZE YOUR PARTICIPATION There ’ s so much opportunity awaiting you in these types of organizations ; however , it ’ s up to you to go after those opportunities . Membership is about far more than paying your annual dues ! The networking opportunities at industry events , alone , can be extremely valuable - even game-changing but , combined with the seminars , events , and other continuing education activates , everything adds up to a big win for you when you participate .
THE REALLY BIG PROBLEM Like I mentioned previously , many in the technical side of this industry are hermits . We prefer being isolated in our domain - creating the best music or recordings we can - over standing in a room full people feeling a little awkward . My advice : Get over it !
ACTIVELY BUILD YOUR NETWORK Be assertive and build confidence . Do everything you can to meet new people . Have the guts to walk up to someone and say “ Hi ” while shaking their hand and offering your name . Remember , your reticence isn ' t unique - almost everyone else is going through the same thing . Your single act of openness will probably make the day of each person you meet .
CARDS AND CODES Be prepared with business cards . This is the simplest - and very analog - form of leaving a little bit of you with your new acquaintance . And , always be ready to accept cards from others . When you give them your card , ask them if they have a card . Asking someone if they “ have ” a card is a very non-threatening way to ask . If you ask someone if you can have their card , you ’ re stepping into their bubble a bit too far ; but , asking if they have a card gives them the chance to decline without having to say , “ No way . I ’ m not giving you my card .” In reality , it ’ s super rare that your new industry contact won ’ t politely hand you their business card .
Always include your digital contact points on your card , or on a separate card . QR codes are a fantastic way to augment the normal business card info : business name , your name , address , phone number , and email address . Include a single QR code to take them to your website ( you really must have a website ). Use a link that takes them to your resume on your site , or to an “ About ” page . Make sure your “ About ” page touts your accomplishments and skills , but also make sure it has links to your resume , credits , accomplishments , and all of your social media .
AIM FORWARD Have the courage to be the one who walks up to someone at an event . Look for someone who isn ’ t engaged in a conversation and make your move . This might be the contact that could change your career ; or , and this is more likely , it might be the third , tenth , or twentieth time you talk with them at another event down the road where everything clicks . At that point , you have credibility . You ’ ve become a known commodity and the people you meet start to see you as , at least an ally , but hopefully as someone they
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