Let’s assume you’ve just walked out of a meeting with a music publisher. Congratulations! But don’t go thinking the meeting is over just because it’s over. Today, I want to help you keep winning the meeting even after it ends.
Here are 5 things you MUST do if you want to really get the most out of every publisher meeting. Read on.
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Last week, I discussed 6 Ways Rock Your Publisher Meeting. You can read that with a CLICK HERE. Today, let’s talk about how to turn that meeting into an even bigger win- after it’s over. And away we go…
1. Don’t freak out.
Chances are, you’re feeling a little kicked around. Don’t worry- we’ve all been kicked around. This is an opportunity to build your “getting-back-on-the-horse” muscles. Believe me, you’ll need them over the years to come. It’s important not to swing too far in either direction- “I’ve arrived” or “I’ll never get there.”
Just because the publisher didn’t do backflips doesn’t mean it’s time to feed your guitar to a woodchipper. And just because your publisher DID to backflips doesn’t mean it’s time to give your boss the ‘ol Johnny Paycheck. Just take a deep breath.
2. Thoughtfully consider any feedback you received.
Put away the voice of pride which says, “they don’t know what they’re talking about- just ignore ‘em.” Also put away the voice of fear and laziness that doesn’t want to admit you may have a lot of work ahead of you.
Honestly, did the publisher make some valid points? Maybe you brought in a rodeo song and your publisher told you rodeo songs aren’t in demand right now. Well, get on iTunes or Billboard and do the research. It’s not about seeing the world as you want it to be. See the world as it is.
3. Seek out additional educated feedback.
Nobody’s opinion is gospel. Nobody has perfect understanding. If you disagreed with everything the publisher said, get another opinion. If you agreed with everything the publisher said, get additional opinions. If you hear the same point made by two or more music business professionals, really give it a lot of consideration.
And there’s another reason to seek additional opinions- it will help you grow your network and increase the chance that you’ll find your champion. Just because one publisher has taken some time with you, don’t act like they’re the only game in town. It’s important to reach out to others.
4. Express appreciation.
Let the publisher know you appreciate his or her time. A quick email or (even more noticeable) a handwritten thank-you card gets your name in front of the publisher in a positive way. Even if they didn’t like your songs, everyone likes being appreciated, so this is a good way to put a positive spin on the meeting. And, of course, if they loved your songs, it’s also a good reminder of that.
5. Follow up.
Don’t expect the publisher to keep thinking about you and call you up out of the blue a month later like “Hey, man… how ya been? I miss you…” Not gonna happen. There’s no need for a meeting one week later (unless THEY ask YOU back that soon). But in another couple months, after you’ve applied some of their advice to your newest songs, you can reach out to them again. This is a relationship business, and it takes time to build them. So reach back out.
Okay, those are 5 ways you win after your publisher meeting. You may want to bookmark this page or print it out for future reference.
But what if you’re not sure how to get that publisher meeting in the first place?
Let me introduce you to a legit music publisher.
If you’re ready to connect with a publisher, I have a path for YOU and your great song to get to a real, legit, successful music publisher.
On Thursday, March 28, I’m hosting the next round of Songwriting Pro’s “Play For A Publisher.” Our guest is Scot Sherrod of Rare Spark Media. Scot has had his hand in a bunch of hits, but the deadline to submit your song is coming up quickly! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
God Bless and Enjoy the Journey,
Brent Brent Baxter is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ruthie Collins, Ray Stevens, and more. He’s written a top 10 in Texas, a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.
