In the music industry, connections are the lifeblood of success. Be you, and connect thoughtfully.
Professional networking in the music industry.
Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth and business success. My expertise lies in fostering meaningful connections backed by a genuine interest in people and attention to detail. This approach ensures that I can effectively link individuals and opportunities, creating mutually beneficial relationships. Through my process of Professional Network Optimisation, I provide the tools and strategies needed to refine and expand your network with precision and purpose. More than just making introductions, I focus on building authentic connections that last, ensuring that relationships are nurtured over time and continue to bring value in the long run.
Insights & strategies to help you
Identify & connect with key industry players
Learn how to pinpoint and approach influential individuals within your sector. Understand the importance of aligning yourself with the right people to open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Develop & maintain long-term professional relationships
Discover techniques to cultivate relationships that endure. Learn how to maintain regular, meaningful contact with your network without coming across as self-serving.
Leverage your network for career and business growth:
Use your connections to gain insights, referrals, and advice that can propel your career or business forward. Understand how to request and offer support in a way that builds trust and reciprocity.
LinkedIn for building & maintaining a professional network
Profile optimisation
Create a compelling and professional LinkedIn profile highlighting your skills, experiences, and achievements.
Content strategy
Develop and share valuable content that engages your network and establishes your expertise. Learn what types of posts, articles, and updates resonate most with your audience.
Connection building
Identify and connect with key individuals in your industry to expand your network strategically. Learn best practices for sending connection requests and how to personalise your messages to make a good impression.
Engagement techniques
Master the art of engaging with your network through comments, messages, and participation in groups. Understand the importance of thoughtful interaction and how it can enhance your professional reputation.
Key takeaways from“Professional networking in the music industry: Building genuine connections that last", an exclusive interview with Mika Karhumaa
Hosted by Mandy Salem-Aubry
In this exclusive four-part series, Mandy Salem-Aubry teams up with Mika Karhumaa, author of "The Art of Music Business Management: For Artists & Managers", Music Business Management Lecturer at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences and Artist Manager at IRENE, to share actionable strategies for building genuine, lasting connections.
Based on their December 2024 conversation, the series provides fresh insights for artists, startups, and industry professionals looking to enhance their networks and create meaningful opportunities.
Networking is non-linear: Success often comes from unexpected connections.
Be authentic online: Consistent, knowledge-driven content matters more than popularity.
AI and algorithms matter: Platforms like LinkedIn use AI to track and enhance visibility.
We also explored LinkedIn strategies, the importance of a well-structured website, and using different platforms for distinct purposes (e.g., LinkedIn for business vs Instagram for artists).
Networking is a cornerstone of success in the music industry, opening doors to career growth, business opportunities, and innovation.
YouTube playlist
Part 1: Building your profile for networking in the music industry
Your professional profile is the foundation of effective networking. Mandy and Mika explain how to craft an online presence that reflects your values and ambitions while highlighting the importance of adaptability in this dynamic field.
Key takeaways from this episode...
Networking is a skill that requires strategy. It is about learning, adapting, and positioning yourself for opportunities.
Relationships have longevity. A strong professional connection today can lead to new opportunities years later.
Your network can bring work to you. When I started freelancing, I didn’t need to apply for jobs. My network introduced me to clients before I even had to ask.
Your career path won’t always be linear. The music industry is unpredictable. You might set out to do one thing but find success elsewhere based on where your network leads you.
Physical and digital networking go together. Digital and in-person networking complement each other. Both are essential.
Adaptability is key. Being flexible and open to new opportunities allows you to grow. Many people enter the industry in one role and find themselves in another.
Representing others can open doors. Artist managers, for example, have an apparent reason to connect with people. Whatever your role, knowing how to position yourself is crucial.
Listen to your network. It may be worth exploring if people keep approaching you for a specific skill, even if it wasn’t your initial focus.
Situational awareness matters. Knowing when and how to engage in different situations is crucial. Opportunities often come from unexpected conversations.
Networking helps you understand the industry. By engaging with others, you gain insight into how the business works and where you can add value.
Part 2: Building trust and professional relationships in the music industry
Trust and communication are the keys to forming meaningful connections. Mandy and Mika discuss cultivating relationships, navigating different roles, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
Key takeaways from this episode...
Your online presence should tell a story. Keep existing followers engaged while making it easy for new connections to understand who you are.
LinkedIn is a key platform for the music industry. Unlike film, the music business thrives on LinkedIn. A strong, well-maintained profile increases visibility and opportunities.
Networking takes time. Building connections is a gradual process. Mandy initially overlooked LinkedIn’s power, but she saw its value in growing her professional network over time.
Knowledge builds credibility. Understanding industry trends like metadata, blockchain, and web3 can help newcomers stand out, even without prior experience.
A clear and authentic profile is essential. Professionals can assess credibility in seconds. Present yourself accurately and concisely without overcomplicating your bio.
Consistency helps the algorithm work for you. AI influences what content is seen. Engaging regularly with relevant topics increases visibility and strengthens connections.
Intentional networking is more effective. Blindly sending connection requests isn’t as impactful as engaging meaningfully with mutual contacts or shared interests.
Strong relationships pay off in the long run. Trust built today may lead to opportunities years down the line. Networking isn’t just about immediate gains.
Networking should be a win-win. The best connections are mutually beneficial. Think beyond personal gain and focus on how both parties can support each other.
The music industry is a business. It’s not just about music but the business behind it. Understanding this distinction helps professionals build lasting careers.
Part 3: Optimising your online presence and networking tools for the music industry
Learn to maximise your networking potential by optimising your online presence and using modern tools. Mandy and Mika explore crafting a compelling narrative, leveraging impactful conversations, and integrating tools like AI to improve efficiency and expand your reach.
Key takeaways from this episode...
Your online presence is not about popularity. The effectiveness of your profile is determined by how well AI interprets and registers your information to support your professional goals.
AI acts as a strategic tool. It delivers information about you to the right people based on your content and interactions, often connecting you with opportunities before you even reach out.
Balance personal and professional identity. Your professional presence should be distinct but aligned with your broader online identity, ensuring clarity in how you present yourself.
Follow-up is essential. Every event has both a physical and digital follow-up. In-person meetings build relationships, while online presence reinforces your reputation when people search for you afterwards.
Online consistency matters. What you present in person should align with your digital presence. When people look you up, they should find a credible and professional image.
Social media metrics are secondary. Likes and impressions fluctuate, but consistency in messaging is key. Focus on maintaining a strong and relevant presence rather than chasing engagement numbers.
LinkedIn and AI recognition work together. Posting about industry-related topics consistently helps AI associate you with your field, improving your visibility and relevance.
Authenticity drives visibility. AI and social platforms favour genuine, experience-based interactions over forced promotions. Meaningful engagement enhances your professional presence.
Structure information for AI compliance. Ensure that your content is clear and categorised in a way that AI can interpret effectively, increasing visibility within your industry.
Experimentation helps refine strategy. Testing real-time engagement, such as posting about an event and tracking its impact, provides insight into how AI and online algorithms influence networking and visibility.
Part 4: Networking strategies for lasting success in the music industry
In the final episode, Mandy and Mika bring everything together. They recap key strategies for building an authentic profile, developing trust-based relationships, and using tools effectively to create connections that endure and inspire innovation.
Key takeaways from this episode...
Your online presence should be built step by step. Like a recipe, carefully selecting and structuring the information you share makes it more effective.
Your website is a storytelling hub. It should contain core information that search engines and AI platforms can register over time, shaping your professional narrative.
Different platforms serve different purposes. LinkedIn is best for business connections, while artists should focus on platforms like Instagram and TikTok for music-related engagement.
Consistency in digital identity is crucial. A clear and structured online presence ensures AI and search engines interpret your professional story accurately.
Networking is an ongoing process. Every collaboration, even brief ones, contributes to your industry credibility and can have long-term effects on your career.
Deleting content does not erase digital footprints. Once indexed by search engines or AI, it remains part of your online presence, even if removed.
Authenticity matters more than follower count. Focus on sharing a genuine story rather than chasing numbers. Every post should align with your professional identity.
AI and algorithms track your career path. Search engines and AI platforms piece together your interactions, reinforcing your credibility based on industry relevance.
Using author schema improves search visibility. Implementing author schema on your website helps Google and other search engines categorise your expertise accurately.
Networking is nonlinear and personal. It’s not about constant self-promotion but about making genuine connections while staying true to your personality and strengths.