Networking tips: lets hear them

capnsandwich · #1 07-25-2011, 03:34 AM

I know its important to have and maintain a Facebook, Myspace, Google+, Reverb Nation, etc. Site but are there any other tricks of the trade you guys use to get new gigs? It seems that being personable and polite are lost art forms but IMO, are very vital to communication and networking. Who knows, eye contact and a smile may get you a gig or even laid for that matter.

Anything else? I'm all ears.

VisualShock · #2 07-25-2011, 03:41 AM

I'm a big fan of the old gig-swap. Say you end up on the bill with an out-of-town band who have traveled a long way. Offer them a floor/spare bed to sleep on. A clean warm place to get a wash in the morning, and maybe even cook them breakfast. Then ask if they could return the favour by finding you a gig in their hometown.

Icey101 · #3 07-25-2011, 06:20 AM

this is a bit outside the square and hard to explain, if you see an ad for a band you think is pretty cool, send them an email and strike up an email conversation about gigs and working together etc, if you need a back up or they need a back up etc. minimum effort too

Snarf · #4 07-25-2011, 10:46 AM

If you want some advice on being a freelancer instead of inter-band networking, I find that being a writer and band leader has helped me connect with some people I had met but never played with, and some friends I had played with but hadn't in a long time. Instead of looking for other peoples' projects to play on, get your own project together to let people know you're around.

mambo4 · #5 07-25-2011, 02:08 PM

The best way to network is to have something to offer others:

Our drummer is also a big photography geek. He has a 2-phase approach:
Phase1: identify a band we might pair well with, go to a shw0o and take pictures. After the show, he approaches them with a card, shows them some of the pics..."email me if you want the full set"
Phase 2: next time hes goes to the bands show he does it again, they remember him fondly... he adds "I'm also in this band, here's our web site...check our stuff out, maybe we can put a bill together"

skwee · #6 07-25-2011, 02:38 PM

Don't be afraid to talk to literally everyone you know about your project, but:

Be friendly without being smarmy.

It's tough to find the balance, but it's a matter sometimes of calling friends, colleagues, and former employers to ask if there are any opportunities, but being willing to have a nice conversation otherwise. The idea is to pitch your band, even to people you know personally, but not be the guy who only calls when he needs something. Be a friend as well as a potential hire.

capnsandwich · #7 07-25-2011, 04:28 PM

Great advice guys, keep it coming!

mboogiemanusa · #8 07-25-2011, 09:20 PM

On weekends when your not playing a gig - get out there and support some of other bands. Strike a conversation with some of the band members between sets. Let them know that your the bass player for "so and so" band and you came specifically to check them out and support live music. Other musicians from other bands will return the favor and come to your shows. Always carry a stack of business cards with you to hand out. Get on all the other band e-mail lists that you can - good way to learn of new places and festivals to play. Link up with like minded bands on myspace and facebook so you get their gig alerts. Do a lot of responding and comments on facebook - try to add interested folks on your "band" facebook page. Add all your local venues/bars/clubs as friends to your facebook page. When playing a gig.....during breaks wander around and talk to anybody about the band and not just your friends / family and the normal clique. For a band to have long term success....you need to expand the fan base beyond immediate friends and family.