1. Know your target

Networking can be extremely effective when you have a clear strategy. Know who you want to make contact with and where you can meet them. Search for relevant information about businesses, artists or events that you can use to build a conversation. Once you have a clear direction, you are on your way to making solid connections.

2. Always carry business cards

This is perhaps the most fundamental tool for networking. Business cards are the quickest and easiest way to share contact info with new connections, especially when you’re on the go. Try including a few social media handles to make access to your content effortless. Go one step further and create your own website where people can view your EPK and add the URL to your business card.

3. Be prepared to perform

Always seize the opportunity to showcase your talent; that means being ready to share samples of your work in the spur of the moment. Overcoming anxiety and performing for an audience (even when you least expect it) is just part of an entertainers job. Remember, it’s far more embarrassing to be painfully nervous or rigid than to fail at being impressive.

4. Be confident

Being timid or overbearing probably isn’t going to get you results. Making grandiose claims about how incredible your music is and all you’ve accomplished is the perfect way to give the impression that you’re overselling it (besides, why do you need them if you’re doing so great on your own?) On the other hand, standing off to the sides and avoiding the action will eventually make you invisible, and while this might ease some of the pressure that comes with social interaction, relationships won’t build themselves. Instead, try being yourself and don’t force relationships. Plan a brief introduction (ideally less than 30 seconds long) that summarizes your sound, expertise and current projects or upcoming shows. Be sure to follow up by asking questions.

5. Give and you shall receive

This tip is fairly straightforward. Being helpful to others will incline them to return the favor. Seek to identify ways a relationship can be mutually beneficial. Ultimately, we are more likely to build long-term relationships with people who help us reach our goals (and vise versa).

6. Follow-through

Keep your promises! People will often make all sorts of claims about the various things they can potentially do for each other during their first interaction. In truth, many of these connections will not develop into a working relationship. Make practical commitments and be honest about your intentions. Be the first to make a move and arrange a second meeting, or follow up with new contacts within 48 hours.