How to better network on TGJN and other 'Ning' sites

[Janie]

Hey, all:

I had a conversation recently with a friend and fellow TGJN member about whether we actually use the power of these 'Ning' networks to our advantage in our respective careers. In my opinion, the answer would be a resounding 'no' and I mean that for myself just as much as anyone else!

We are in a very deep and long-lasting recession. My profession, law, has been struck hard. The music industry has been struck. Jazz has been struck. I just don't think we can afford to conduct ourselves in a business as usual manner. We need to exchange thoughts, ideas, and services in the most efficient way and to the group of people most likely to want or be influenced by our services. I have a marketing degree and in the marketing world they call that "target marketing".

If you, like most of us, come to a 'Ning' site, slap up a profile essentially telling everyone how great you are and never return I would like to ask you: What was the point?

On the other hand, if you would like to network with other musicians, discuss how you handle issues in the music business, find a few fellow 'cats' to collaborate with artistically, consider a new producer, or whatever, have you considered using this as one of your resources? What better way to hear their music, see how they present themselves and get to know them in a relaxed manner.

In my case, I may be adding music law to my area of practice in the future and it occurred to me that these places are a great way to mutually exchange information. And there are other people who do other things that are not directly related to music but I have no doubt they can network as well. So many different kinds of people come here because they share one thing in common: they love Jazz.

So what do you think? Can we better use TGJN? And if so, how?

[KatrinaGe]

I am new to this network but was drawn to your comments.... Thank you for sharing this! it is the absolute truth. We don't use the different networks to our advantage to help and be helped. As a vocalist, I am interested in collaborating with others to create, educated and learn. Again thank you for your insight.

[Cindy Devereaux]

You are 100% right! It isn't "business as usual" and this site has been a blessing to me. I've been inspired and energized by the wonderful singers and musicians I've heard (and one poetess too) and I've been given leads to new material to sing, been invited on a radio program, found new places to apply for gigs and I truly feel (in some cases) that I've gained some very interesting life long new friends. I'm keeping in touch with everyone who responds to a Friend request out of respect and appreciation and will soon be collaborating with one of my new friends on a couple of music projects. Networking is important. I'd been joking that I'd gotten a visit from the Synchronicity Fairy and Tamm E's site showed up during that particular very blissed out phase! I like reading your Members Quote words too.