Ask Dan

This is the section where Dan Kimpel responds to all of your music business questions so that others can learn from the discussion. Feel free to write in with your queries and include a photo of yourself if you like!

Dear Dan,

I’ve read both of your books and they’ve been very helpful to me, but I still find myself freezing up in social situations with music business professionals; I’m just not sure what to say? What would you recommend?

Shy in Santa Monica.

Question Mark

Dan Responds

Dear Shy,

You’re certainly not alone. In my experience, I’ve found that most people are, by nature, shy. For social situations, I would make a couple of quick recommendations:

There is strength in numbers; it may be to your advantage to attend music business functions with a friend who shares your aspirations and motives. A team can be a potent networking force. Discuss your priorities in advance of the event and work the room both separately and together. Being in tandem with a friend can relax you; make you feel more at home, and then reinforce your social impact.

Make sure to keep moving throughout the room and before you enter into the center of the mix, make a couple of loops around the entire proceedings. This will make your face familiar to strangers even before you enter into your first conversation.

In my books I always advise wearing something interesting: i.e. a lapel pin, earrings, brooch, tie or hat, to give others an opportunity to begin a conversation with you. Start by discussing – positively – whatever reality you’re sharing at the moment.

Most of all, relax. You’re not going to an execution.
Dan.

Dear Dan,

I was invited out to a music industry party last week, but I didn’t attend because I was feeling under the weather. I’ve been thinking, though, that I should have gone anyhow. What do you think?

Ill Wind from Westchester.

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Dan Responds

Dear Ill Wind,

If you’re sniffling, sneezing, coughing or projectile vomiting, it’s probably not a good idea to share these afflictions with others. Also, if you don’t feel your best, odds are you won’t look it either. That said, as entertainment people, we can often rise above our physical limitations when we have to. Many entertainers can enthrall audiences who may have no idea that they’re not feeling up to par, for example. Be aware, too that physical ailments often have emotional causes. If you have fear about attending this event you may be manifesting your anxiety through your physical frailty.

Your first responsibility though, is to yourself and your health. Take care of yourself so you can make the next party.

Dan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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