Becoming a pro player means to be playing guitar for a living. It would be nice if once you had enough chops and a long list of songs that you know, the phone would just start ringing and the work would start rolling in! Unfortunately, that's not the way it works. To become known in your community as a player, and to be able to keep work coming in, you need to learn the art of networking!

Networking is the process of getting to know other players, agents and prospective employers in your area. This is a constant process of maintaining your professional image and staying in touch with your musical community so that your name remains fresh in the minds of people when they need a player, or know of a work situation that you'd be right for.

Business Cards

Have business cards made up and make sure everyone you come in contact with receives one. The business card adds to your professional image and easily provides everyone with contact information for you.

Music Stores

Music stores can be a great place to run into other players that are working in the area. Become familiar with the people that work in these stores. They are constantly in contact with the local pros and can possibly hook you up with them for different playing situations.

These stores often have bulletin boards. Throw a business card up there. It keeps your name out there, even when you're not.

Clubs

Once a week, take a night and visit a few of the local clubs/bars/hotels/casinos in your town where they have live music. Talk to the musicians there. Again, make sure everyone gets one of your cards, and get their contact information as well. That way you can start building your database of professional players.

Jam Sessions

Find out where, and when, the local jam sessions take place. There are usually a couple bars (depending on the size of your town) that host fairly decent jam sessions one night a week. This is a fantastic place to meet, and network with other players. Once again, make sure you exchange cards with everyone.

Agents

Make sure you are on file and known by every booking agent you can contact. Even if they don't need you now, bands are constantly breaking up and another player is needed. If these agents know about you, they can hook up with some working bands in need of a good player.

Telephone

Stay in touch with everyone you do meet who is involved in pro scene in your area. Call people up occasionally just to say hi, find out what they're involved in these days, what's going on around town, and definitely let them know if and when you're available for work just in case they know of someone who would need your services.

Remember, networking is a process that can really help the success of your professional life. It's a constant effort that must be made, but it's really not that bad... I mean, all you're doing is talking to people about what you love... Being in the music business!

See ya next month - Ted