POST CONFERENCE SUCCESS

As a independent artist most of you attend regular conferences  to expand your network, learn about emerging trends, book your events, or gain sponsorship opportunities.   SXSW,  ASCAP Award Expo, NACA, Folk Alliance, NAMM show are just a few examples of big national conferences  where individuals are clamoring for attention & recognition.   

In  Networking at a business conference we discussed things you can do to best prepare for the conference.

 Did you have a compelling “pitch” that resulting in full showcases?  Or meet someone that DID?

(if not, this is essential part of your business strategy that you must do well to have success).   Think back on what folks told you “they do” The #1 way to get peoples attention is to  ask yourself

What can I do for them? 

Did you find out why people attended the conference, notice any differences or similarities, or something that you felt worked REALLY well?  If you are terrified of talking to strangers.

Just start with HI, my name is_____  invite them to join your table for dinner, or sit down and have a drink,   people that are super “in demand” sometimes appreciate having a  little break from the maddening crowd during a multi day conference.

After a introduction, I like to  ask WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP YOU? 

People are human, and EVERYONE needs something-  & often when I ask this question it is a simple act of consideration that changes the dynamic of the conversation.

IF  THEY ASK what you do,  have 1-3 lines (concisely telling them what you do* and what time your next showcase is)   then SHUT UP.  *DO NOT give your products to people unless they ask for it. Unless your goal is to immediately turn them off and have your product thrown in the trash.   ONLY give them a cd or product IF THEY ASK FOR IT.  & Make sure and collect their business  card before they leave, and make any notes about your chat.  (you are at a conference it’s ok to take notes!)

Add your contacts to your contact list:

Before you call it a night input all the names and contact info to your contact database (Use excel or a simple spreadsheet software) this is a separate list from your monthly newsletter / performance schedule.  

Organize them by region, or Booking Agent,  Venue Owner, DJ,  Publicist, Collaborative Partner, Artist, etc.

After the Conference:        Where the real work begins!

Send them 1 SHORT email within a week of the conference simply thanking them for meeting them- In your note, you can remind them that they are the person that also loves the Matrix movies, and traveling to far away lands). 

Additionally, was there anyone at the conference who helped you out?   They also get a thank you note!!!  Remember, you are developing your professional network, Treat people like you want to be treated,  when someone does you a favor, THANK THEM, and by adding the personal note you will stand out as the considerate, and a reminder of  the context of your conversation with them.

 Make sure your email signature at the end of your note  is SIMPLE:

Your Name (first and last) a phone number and your web site URL.  (they already have your email, you just sent them a email note!)    Do not include lengthy quotes,  multi links to all your social media sites (if you want to be perceived as a pro).  The 1^st sign you are a rookie is having  4 links to various social networking sites.

If you want to be treated like a professional- read: Get your own website

THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU,   Do not sell yourself, just say THANK YOU

 

Do not bombard them with follow up emails every week, you are 1 of thousands of people they have met.  If you have done your homework and prepared, finish your conference with your thank you’s.

 I find that MOST artists neglect this important follow up step.  You want to be remembered as the the thoughtful, professional artist, that THEY want to work with.

DO YOU NEED HELP?

Creating you pitch and to professionally pitch and present yourself like anything else requires refinement and practice, If you are not cultivating good leads, or getting work following attending events you can work with a business strategist that can HELP YOU succeed in the evolving art / entertainment business community. 

Artists ready to get started?  You can contact Tamra at:

guitartam@gmail.com

http://www.tamraengle.com/  

 "Providing business solutions for creative minds"

NETWORKING AT A BUSINESS CONFERENCE:

 You are excited to be attending a big conference- 

Learning tricks of the trade, and meeting new people to your network.

After dishing out a registration fee, made travel plans, and possibly a hotel or lodging expenses- You want to make the best of your conference experience so you earn back the money you invested in simply attending the conference. 

 Ask yourself- how much new business did your career get from the last conference you attended?  

If you don't know or you know you DIDN'T get anything from that investment 

 here are a few tips to insure your conference experience is the best possible:

Bring Along Your Business Cards

1) This is the one tool that will connect you with people- you should include contact information, such as a phone number, email and mailing address.

2) Choose a design that is professional- SIMPLE one sided, odd sized  and NOT glossy-*you can’t write on a glossy card.  

3) Get an email address that is not too personal or gimmicky.it's better to conduct your business emails through an address that is formatted similarly to the industry standard, such as "first firstnamelastname@domain.com." Services like Gmail offers a great free email account that has a pretty good spam catcher- and flexibility.

4) Have your cards printed professionally. Remember you never get a 2^nd chance to make a first impression and you can buy professionally printed cards for as little as $14.00.

You should choose a good-quality card stock  (remember no glossy cards) for printing and be sure to double-check your card for errors before and after printing.  I recommend Psprint.com, or PrintsMadeEasy.com

WRITE A ELEVATOR PITCH / INTRO STATEMENT: 

THIS is what separates YOU from everyone else at the conference. 

1) Compose an "elevator pitch / into statement"  to use when you meet new people at the conference.

 2) Include information such as your name, concisely describe what you do (something more descriptive than “I am a singer” or “I am a songwriter” this doesn’t explain who/what you do and what you need or are looking for while attending the conference). This speech can be geared towards different contingencies, such as one for meeting the decision makers another for meeting individuals who might be interested in sharing contacts.

3) Keep it brief. Your elevator pitch / intro statement should last no more than 30 seconds.

4) Practice your speech before you get to the conference. Use a friend as a Guinea pig. Watch their reactions to gauge the effectiveness of your speech, altering it to fit your purposes. 

 5) Attend sessions at which you can network easily with others, such as mixers or breakfast events, and use your elevator speech as an icebreaker.

6) More important than giving out the cards is GETTING cards from your prospective new partners so YOU have THEIR contact info. WRITE DOWN info on the back of their card that will help you remember who they are and what key points you discussed (something brief to jog your memory later after you have talked to 150 people!)

FOLLOW UP W/ THE CONTACTS YOU HAVE MADE.

This step is often neglected and a main reason you attended the conference-

1) Get in touch with your contacts directly following the conference using a short email. Reiterate your pleasure at meeting them and follow up on any conversations you may have had. MAKE SURE you have included links to your website & appropriate social media sites if you need to direct them to the content you want them to see or hear.

2) Send a handwritten thank-you note to anyone in your new network that may have supplied you with additional assistance.

DO YOU NEED HELP?

Creating you pitch and to professionally pitch and present yourself like anything else requires refinement and practice, If you are not cultivating good leads, or getting work following attending events let me help you!   “Providing business solutions for creative minds” so YOU can succeed in the evolving art / entertainment business community- I look forward to assisting you with growing your career and having success.

Individuals interested in making a difference in their lives and careers may contact Tamra at: guitartam@gmail.com