A huge help in networking at this concert was interning with CI Records over the summer and keeping close contact with my boss, Jeremy Weiss. When I got to the venue, I decided to squeeze into the front row to enjoy the bands. I knew that a priority was to talk to the band August Burns Red, because we had a similar connection, Jeremy at CI. CI was ABR’s first label before signing with Solid State, and Jeremy is still close with the group today.
I began networking during the concert after ABR’s set, because I had not listened to Bring Me The Horizon, so I was not going to fight the true fans for my spot up front. Also, timing was right. Another tip for networking, just open your mouth and talk. Do not be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and meet new people. I went to ABR’s merchandise table because Jake, the lead vocalist, was doing a meet and greet with fans. I held back and let the fans have their time because I was there to talk, rather than get an autograph.
As I was hanging around the table, I began a conversation with a man standing at the This Is Hell merch table. I found out that he was a Full Sail University alumnus. Through that meeting, we kept in touch through Facebook. After talking with him, I moved on to the next table, Polar Bear Club. There I spoke with the lead vocalist, Jimmy. When initiating conversation, I told him how much I enjoyed his set (awesome band, please check them out!), and gave him my ‘Elevator’ or ’30-second’ speech. I told him about going to Full Sail and that I am an aspiring Tour Manager. I then found that we had a similar connection; his band played a show with my friend in The Wonder Years. He then was able to get me connected with his friend, a female tour manager, to ask her questions about the tour managing and the industry. Finally I made it to ABR’s table. Jake was ready to leave, he had been signing for what seemed like hours. Before he walked out I introduced myself and told him about my internship with CI. Before I left I made one more connection that night, I talked to a woman at the AP information table that was the Assistant Tour Manager for the whole tour.
By building all of these connections, I have begun relationships with these individuals. Building relationships builds your team. You never know when you will run into somebody you have met, and by networking, they have a better chance at remembering you. This team can then be called upon for advice, to ask questions to, or even suggestions on where to apply while job searching. Since I am an aspiring tour manager, I can ask what bands are searching for a merch worker or even a tour manager when job hunting. Keep in contact with the people you meet so they can get to know you. I believe in the idea that it never hurts to just talk, you never now who you will meet where and when.
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