What’s A Challenge You Faced Early On?

Transitioning to the music industry, I had neither knowledge nor a network, so I had to build both.

I wasn’t afraid to ask questions. I’d rather look stupid asking a basic question than pretend I know something and mess it up.

I did a lot of research — on subject matter, topics, and people to learn as much as I could.

For network building, I prioritized in-person interactions. LinkedIn and social media are great but weren’t available then. And it was true then as it is today, nothing beats connecting in person.

I’d frequently go to NY and LA to meet with as many people as I could. I was young and new to the industry but was able to accomplish some really amazing things and it was all relationship based.

FOLLOW UP: How did you build authentic relationships when there was a business motivation?

The music industry runs on relationships.

I’d meet some people knowing they had an immediate need, and others knowing they had a large client base, and it was a matter of time before one of them needed something.

I approached it as any new relationship. Presenting who you are, trying to learn what you can about the other person. Understand who they are personally, professionally, and what their pain points are.

These days, everything is instantaneous. But relationships don’t work that way.

Sometimes they start off awkwardly, or even adversarial, but if you approach them openly, you can build real long-term and trusting relationships.