An interesting point made in one of the panels yesterday was how good it is to network and what some of the best ways to do it are. One of them was about talking to people about their pets. I have a good notion to say that that is very true. Most people really like their pets and carry photos of them. They like to talk about the funny things they do.
As such, while I was at the bootcamp yesterday I was talking to people about things here and there and the subject of dogs came with one person. Of course I whipped out my iPhone and was able to show pictures and video of Dorian, my puppy.
That’s an instant connection right there. In return I listened about the other person’s dog and saw pictures as well.
I’ve found that one of the key things to becoming a more in tune person to getting a gig, or getting something done is to talk to people about things other than their career or job. I know I prefer to talk about things other than music when it comes to me. I do have a select group of close friends who are also musicians and such and it’s easy to talk to them about the career and gear because they’re familiar. But if you really want to knock me out, talk to me about things other than music.
Partially because jumping right in and talking shop is usually a strong sign of, what can you do for me. Which is a big turn off.
I know I do a fair amount of talking about music here, but then that’s a big part of Single of the Day. However, I also ad other things from what’s going on around me. That helps me to break up the monotony.
A great song about the idea of talking about something and nothing and rubbing people the wrong way is Jive Talking by the Bee Gees. A popular song from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Not to mention one of many hits and songs that the Bee Gees created. Talk about a band or group that had gone under a radar but wrote a ton of amazing songs that fit for the time they were in, the Bee Gees are certainly one of those groups. Lots and lots of songs.
I know the style is pretty much defunct but it’s still a good song.
In a way it reminds me of a cue I’m working on right now. Musically that is. I’ve been creating a song for a new film trailer that was originally supposed to be in an old motown style. Then I turned it in and the loved it, then figured out it was the wrong vibe that they needed. They asked me to do the same song in the style of Lady Ga Ga. Talk about a big shift of direction in terms of sound. However, Lady Ga Ga is very much like the 70’s disco stuff with slightly more modern sounds and less variation.
Speaking of which, I need to get to work. Enjoy your Saturday.