Relationship Building with Industry Peers

One of my favorite people to follow on Instagram and YouTube is a music producer named Illmind.

Although I’m not trying to become a music producer, I love following him because of his passion for his craft, positive mindset, and generosity in helping up-and-coming producers. Honestly, his content is great for anyone who has artistic aspirations.

One piece of advice that Illmind gives out often is to connect with peers in your industry.

When he was coming up in the music business, he built relationships with other producers that were also on the rise. Over the years, Illmind cultivated those relationships into friendships, and they have paid dividends. As his peers became successful, they brought him opportunities and vice versa. Together, they have built their own scene and continue to elevate their skills, quality of artists they work with, and personal brands. The sky seems to be the limit for them.

Let this serve as an example that inspires us to become better networkers in our industry. That means investing time in getting to know people at our current companies as well as those who share similar skills and passions elsewhere.

Grab coffee with your colleagues.

Show up to industry events.

Ask friends for introductions to people in their network.

Do cold outreach to people at your level who you respect and want to get to know.

These are just some thought starters.

The future leaders and decision makers in your industry are going to be people who are at the same level as you now. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring the power of relationship building, or you’re going to get left behind. The professionals who are intentional about who they get to know are going to win. If Illmind can do it, so can you.

Originally published at www.thelifeofriley.co on August 23, 2018.