Chapter 1 | Ms. Toni Talks
In business, but especially the entertainment business, establishing and maintaining relationships with people are one of the most important things you can do. Anyone can be introduced to another person. IT’s what you do with that introduction that counts. We all come across people everyday that we may never see again. You have to leave an impression and cultivate a relationship to make yourself be the opposite.
In business, but especially the entertainment business, establishing and maintaining relationships with people are one of the most important things you can do. Anyone can be introduced to another person. IT’s what you do with that introduction that counts. We all come across people everyday that we may never see again. You have to leave an impression and cultivate a relationship to make yourself be the opposite.
*Do Your Research
If you know that you will be meeting someone you want to do business with, the first thing you should do is look into their company, brand, label, etc. You want to go into that initial meeting as informed as possible. Plus, it shows them that you have a genuine interest in doing business with them. You would be surprised what a ten minute Google search can do for a conversation.
*BE ON TIME
The WORST thing you can do when attempting to establish a positive business relationship with someone is be late to a meeting. That gives your potential client, boss, rep, etc the impression that you didn’t take the meeting serious enough to show up. Thus, they will feel like you don’t take THEM seriously either. No one likes to be kept waiting. If it is unavoidable, make sure you call and let those waiting know you’re running late. That will show that you are invested and still want to make this relationship work.
*Be Prepared
If you’re an artist, have music available to play for, say, a potential manager or label. Have it in multiple formats as well. If you’re a writer, have your portfolio in print AND on a thumb drive. It is applicable to any field. Have all the tools you’ll need to make that meeting go well. It will show the potential business partner, manager, etc. that you take what you do seriously, and will apply that same preparedness in your dealings with them. We base our reactions to things on the actions of those doing them. The more thorough you are when presenting yourself, the more they will want to do the same when working with you.
*Be a Team Player
No one wants to deal with an uncooperative person. NO ONE! And, regardless of what they may say, no one can do anything out here completely, 100% alone. Every successful person in this, or any, industry has gotten to where they are with the help of others that shared their vision and supported them. In order to have a great business relationship with anyone, you have to be willing to do what it takes to see the team succeed, not just yourself. Otherwise, you will end up, well, by yourself.
Well, those are just a couple of my rules for building relationships in this business. People talk, so you want them to only hear good things about working with you. If you take the time to research, prepare, and present yourself well, you’ll go far in ANY industry.
-Toni
Ms. Toni C. is Co-Host of "The Hollywood Hangout Show" on GoGoRadio.com. Her career began after she started working for EZ Street and Radio-One. From there she ventured into promotion and branding assisting local artists in the DMV area. As a Promotion & Branding Professional, Ms. Toni brings years of experience in music journalism. Keep your eyes and ears opened for more news on her as she continues to make her mark in this business. Follow her on Twitter today: @ToniC813
Her motto:
"Live for today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't promised."
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