NEGOTIATIONS IN RELATIONSHIPS

Recently, I have made several posts about negotiating. I believe it is a very important topic to cover and should not be taking for granted in the music business. Aside from the major deals that have to be negotiated including contracts, compensation, and perks, we also have to negotiate in the process of building relationships. Like most industries, the music industry is a business that is about establishing good relationships. In the time that I have experienced in the music industry, I have been able to establish some important relationships that have helped me establish my career and other relationships that are currently helping me further my career.  There are several negotiation techniques that I believe can actually be used to help foster productive relationships in the music industry.

Building strong lasting relationships in the music industry can be the difference between having a career and not having one. No one can do this business alone. You need people in this business in order to do this business right and be successful. The need for people in order to be successful means there is also a need for relationships. Negotiating the right relationships can be imperative to having a consistent long lasting relationship. There are also some negotiating techniques that can be used to maintain those relationships when problems occur. One technique is to separate the problem from the person. In other words, you should try to solve any problem that occurs without attacking the other person. Another negotiation technique that can be used in maintaining industry relationships is  to focus on interest and not positions. It’s easy to try to stand on your own position and argue your point as opposed to finding out the other person’s true interests. Finding out their interest and how their interest coincide with your interest can save the relationship. Lastly, it is important not to allow any negative emotions impede on your industry relationships. There are times when individuals will use dirty tricks for their own benefit. However, dirty tricks should not be used in return. Instead, you should try to redirect the situation in a positive direction to avoid having to sever the relationship.

Donald Trump who is considered a real estate mogul has a quote that says “I like thinking big. I always have. To me it’s very simple: if you’re going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big.” I like this quote and I believe it is necessary in the world of negotiating. You really have to be able to think big and have confidence in what you’re going after in order to be in a position to get it. There are a lot of opportunities available in the entertainment and music industry. Everyone who desires an opportunity does not always get that chance. Some opportunities are missed and others are wasted. So when the opportunity comes to you and there is a chance for you to establish the right relationships in your career, I hope these negotiation tips prove to be beneficial to maintaining those relationships. I have learned this from my Negotiations and Deal Making Class at Full Sail University. This course has also helped me build a greater level of confidence. I look forward to negotiating greater relationships for myself in the future!

The Mike Sears