How can you be proactive in your Music Industry career?

Being proactive in your music industry career means taking initiative, creating opportunities, and building relationships that can help you advance your goals. Whether you are an artist, a producer, a manager, or a marketer, you need to constantly learn, network, and showcase your value in a competitive and dynamic field. In this article, you will discover some practical tips on how to be proactive in your music industry career and increase your chances of getting a promotion.

1 Define your vision

The first step to being proactive is to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve in your music industry career. What are your short-term and long-term objectives? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your values and passions? Having a vision will help you focus your efforts, prioritize your tasks, and measure your progress. It will also help you communicate your purpose and value to others.

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Jaslyn Loftin

Songwriter/Producer
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One tip I can give is to read, read, READ! Keep tabs on music business websites that consistently post articles about AI, marketing, streaming sites, new activity happening with independent or major labels. Billboard and Music Business Worldwide are my go-to sites. Also, stay updated with current events on the TV/Film side, since that is a major source of income for music creators too.

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2 Learn new skills

The music industry is constantly evolving, and so should you. To be proactive, you need to keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your field. You also need to diversify your skill set and learn new things that can enhance your performance and creativity. For example, if you are a producer, you might want to learn how to use different software, instruments, or genres. If you are a marketer, you might want to learn how to use social media, analytics, or content creation tools. Learning new skills will not only improve your resume, but also your confidence and reputation.

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Jenny Jobring

Social Media Strategist - Social Media Manager - Co-founder - Author (Penguin Random House) - ex Red Bull/EA/SONY
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Proactiveness includes keeping your eyes and ears on new technologies and embrace them. Whether that is a new platform, new technique or new up and coming fast movers to connect with. First movers advantage is real.

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3 Network strategically

Networking is essential for any music industry career, as it can help you find new opportunities, collaborations, mentors, and supporters. However, networking is not just about collecting contacts, but about building meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships. To be proactive, you need to network strategically, which means identifying and reaching out to the right people, offering value and support, and following up regularly. You also need to network both online and offline, using platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or Clubhouse, as well as attending events, conferences, or workshops.

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4 Showcase your work

One of the best ways to be proactive in your music industry career is to showcase your work and demonstrate your value. You need to create a portfolio or a website that highlights your achievements, projects, and testimonials. You also need to promote your work and share it with your network, potential employers, or clients. You can use social media, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or press releases to spread the word about your work and generate interest and feedback. Showcasing your work will help you build your brand, credibility, and visibility.

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5 Seek feedback and improvement

Being proactive also means being open to feedback and improvement. You need to seek constructive criticism and advice from your peers, mentors, managers, or clients. You also need to evaluate your own performance and identify areas of improvement. Feedback and improvement will help you learn from your mistakes, overcome your challenges, and grow as a professional. They will also show your commitment, resilience, and ambition.

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6 Ask for what you want

Finally, being proactive in your music industry career means asking for what you want. Whether it is a promotion, a raise, a project, or a collaboration, you need to be assertive and confident in expressing your interest and value. You also need to be prepared and persuasive in presenting your case and addressing any objections or questions. Asking for what you want will show your initiative, leadership, and vision. It will also increase your chances of getting a positive response and achieving your goals.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you be proactive in your Music Industry career?

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1 Define your vision

2 Learn new skills

3 Network strategically

4 Showcase your work

5 Seek feedback and improvement

6 Ask for what you want

7 Here’s what else to consider

Music Industry

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