music for events

Is there any point in attending networking events? Assume at your peril!

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It is over 12 months since I last attended a networking event, (having tried to take the Music for You brand out to as wide an audience as possible), but I’d  become somewhat disenchanted and cynical of people’s’ motives for going to such events.
Having tried to “play the game” by the rules;
getting to know, like, trust people.
hoping people got to know, like and trust me
not being pushy
not expecting loads of business instantly
not talking about ME, ME, ME
and by genuinely tying to listen to others and help them where possible.

Music for You – Networking

I found that the vast majority of the people I met, never even bothered responding to my follow-up e-mail after each event. This strengthened my intention to join the Cynical Society instead, but then I thought “What’s the point, nobody will show up anyway”!
Nevertheless, despite my negativity about the whole process, I was determined to attend an event run by the Cardiff Business Club, where the Guest Speaker was Tim Rhys-Evans (Founder and Artistic Director of Men’s Choir Only Men Aloud) and I was keen to hear him speak about his work as a musician, including his advocacy work for the Arts and The Aloud Charity.

Tim Rhys-Evans addressing Cardiff Business Club

For those of you who actively Network, you will undoubtedly be aware of the Six degrees of separation, which is the theory that any person on the planet can be connected to any other person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances that has no more than five intermediaries.
My point then? Well, apart from an impassioned, informative and extremely enjoyable speech by Tim, who spoke of his own difficult personal journey (dealing with prejudice and bullying) and his love for the Creative Arts, here are a selection of  people who I met that evening:
Person A – I already knew and had done some business with previously, where he had provided my marketing materials
Person B – was an accountant who used to play a flute and was a prospective player for the Royal British Legion of Wales, whom I conduct
Person C – A Chartered Surveyor who previously played a brass instrument and we shared mutual friends and colleagues
Person D – was MD of a Commercial Finance Company, who had financed a fleet vehicle for a band that I have worked with and we shared a number of acquaintances
By the way, Tim, as well as being a singer and conductor also used to play a brass instrument with  brass band that I used to conduct!
So, next time you ask yourself whether attending a networking event will be worth it, or whether you will have anything in common with anyone in the room, think hard before answering! Remember the old saying “To assume, is to make an ASS of U and ME”!
Music for You provides quality live music for all types of Corporate Events. For more  details, please contact Andrew on 07973 869621 or andrew@andrewjonesmusic.com

Taking the plunge with an unknown quantity?

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Booking a person or company that you’ve never worked with before is a real minefield, particularly when it comes to musicians for special events or occasions. Perhaps this testimonial from a recent client will reaffirm and convince you of Music for You‘s ability to deliver a quality service, when it’s most needed.

Music for Parties Celebrations

“Dear Andrew. From the first time that I rang you, until you left yesterday, you conducted yourself with so much respect, dignity and professionalism. Please never let that change. It was a pleasure to deal with you. I had every confidence that you would perform well……… I can’t thank you enough for performing, what was such an important thing to me. It was my last personal tribute to my Dad. You did an old Veteran proud.”

KR – Last Post (Salisbury).

There, convinced now? If so, please either fill in the enquiry form below, or call Andrew on 07973 869621 to discuss the musical requirements of your event. Music for You – it’s just that!