The Top Five Reasons Why Following Up Will Make Or Break Your Career In Music

Follow up is critical. It is the difference between someone who is successful and someone who is not. It is easy to do when you understand the powerful role it plays in your career. Ironically, most musicians suck at this – maybe people in general. But here’s what happens when you don’t:

1. Nothing. You will be forgotten – and quickly.
2. No one will listen to your material without a nudge (it’s true.)
3. You waste time and money. Whatever efforts you put into making your music and networking are completely wasted.
4. You won’t be at the forefront of anyone’s mind but your own – and I know you don’t want THAT! Relationships are built on follow up. Brick by brick. Have you ever been in the room as a third wheel with two people who know each other really well and you kinda feel left out? That’s because they’ve had a longer relationship.
5. You will stay right where you are. Safe. Hmnnnn …

The Seven-Part Sequence of a Great Follow Up

1. Email #1. Say hello, thank them for the conversation (remark on something if you can remember), and ask them if they are free to meet on the phone/Skype (if you discussed meeting when you met). Otherwise start the conversation. Suggest a way to work together.
2. Email #2. If they are willing to meet, send them 3 potential dates to meet at different times of the day to accommodate their schedule. Tell them you are happy to find other times if those provided don’t work. If a meeting is not next on the agenda, then follow up after their reply with any other thoughts you have for how you can help them or ask their advice.
3. Meeting. Think about ways in which you can help them (you already know what you want). This extra step can provide more fruit. Ask them if they would like to be added to your list for updates on what you are doing. Tell them you will not be offended if they get too much email already ;).
4. Email follow up right after the meeting. Send an email thanking them for the meeting with a synopsis of what you discussed and what you are going to do.
5. Email follow up one week later. Include any thoughts from the meeting and any follow up business that occurred.
6. Follow through. Be in touch further down the road a month or two. Give them an update on what you’ve been doing; ask them for an update and how you can help them.
7. Touch base–check in every 3-4 months for an update. Keep them posted on what advice of theirs you took, how they have helped you. Ask if there is any way you can help. Positive begets positive. You get what you give.

Happy Relationship Building!! It’s the key to success in your career! Post your tips for following up – or share your follow up stories here!

©2012 Cari Cole, Vocal Mag, Inc. All Rights Reserved.