Can you Schmooze?

This past weekend marked another eventful CCMA weekend. There are so many things to do in a matter of only a few days and so many people to try to fit into your agenda somewhere. Not always are you able to check everyone off your date book unfortunately.

Big industry events like this are also a huge schmooze fest, and for many artists and radio people, it can be a great investment in your future. Meet the right people, say the right things, impress enough people, and you suddenly open up all the right doors.

Don't think for a second though that everyone has the ability to be a good schmoozer. It's an innate talent that only some people can truly master. Because if you don't schmooze well, it can work against you in so many ways. Basically you come off as a kiss ass. And industry people, especially the higher ups, can smell a flake from a mile away. The old saying your first impression is your last impression is so true.

I was at an event on Friday night in this cramped little room, and it was truly like speed dating. One minute I'm standing there having a conversation with someone "new" who's just working on a new album, I turn 45 degrees to my right and suddenly I'm shaking hands with a radio station guy who's "success" story sounds too good to be true. Meanwhile, one of the guys I came with is across the room making googly eyes at me, because he knows all too well the schmoozer syndrome and how sometimes you just have to nod and smile. Then there's the anticipation factor of knowing what direction to turn next so that you don't get trapped in the Bermuda Triangle, when all you really want to do is get back to your true group of friends or find the food table with cheese. Not gonna lie, well actually I am sort of - but using your weak bladder to make frequent potty breaks will get you out of a lot of these situations in a hurry. But I will give them a token 5 minutes at least.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't want to meet new people. The secret to schmoozing is to just not try so hard. Just be natural. Don't force a conversation, don't seem too eager, ask lots of questions and not talk so much about yourself, seem genuinely interested in the other person and only give a business card if it's asked for. Do these things, and not only will you have walked away successful from the weekend, but chances are, you might have actually made some "real" friends in the industry who'll benefit you much better than just a "contact" will.

Tia