Mentorship and Relationships

Are your networking convos going nowhere?  Then, you are likely not asking the right questions at the end of the chat. So let me fix this for ya. Here are my favorite end-of-chit-chat questions to make sure you keep the new connections moving forward. ⭐ Expanding Your Network: "Based on our conversation, who else would you recommend I speak with to gain further insights into this field?" ⭐ Gaining Deeper Industry Insight: "Are there any groups, associations, or forums you think I should join to connect with other professionals in this field?" ⭐ Understanding Company Culture: "Who in your organization has been pivotal to your understanding of the company culture, and might they be open to a discussion?" ⭐ Exploring Opportunities: "In your opinion, which companies or teams are doing exciting work in this space that I should explore further?" ⭐ Finding Mentors and Advisors: "I'm interested in finding a mentor in the field. Is there someone whose career path you admire and who might be open to a mentorship conversation?" ⭐ Learning About Roles and Functions: "Which colleagues of yours have taken interesting paths or roles that you think I could learn from?" ⭐ Asking for Introductions: "Would you be comfortable introducing me to anyone in your network who you think could provide additional perspective on my job search?" ⭐ Keeping the Conversation Going: "What events or meetups would you suggest I attend to meet like-minded professionals in this industry?" ⭐ Following Industry Developments: "Are there any upcoming industry events or webinars that you think would be beneficial for someone in my position to attend?" ⭐ Staying in Touch: "How can I best keep in touch with you as I continue exploring this field and potentially seek your advice again in the future?" So...will you use these banging questions in your next networking chat? Then drop a "YEAH" Lil Jon style in the comments below. #networking #networkingtips

Breaking into music full-time is one of the hardest things to navigate. Tough, isolating, and full of doors that seem permanently shut. I get messages about it constantly — from artists, students, and career-changers who want in but don't know where to start. Here's what's actually worked — for me and for the people I've helped over the years. 1. Learn the art of the side hustle While you're stuck in the "not enough experience for an entry level role" loop — and yes, that is as absurd as it sounds — you need to be creating your own experience in parallel. Want to be an artist manager? Go and manage someone. Find an artist you believe in, offer your time, learn together. At worst you gain real experience that makes you more attractive to employers. At best it goes so well you never need that job in the first place. The music industry is shifting fast. The ability to create your own lane, back yourself, and operate independently isn't just a nice quality anymore — it's becoming the baseline. 2. Use the skills you already have I speak to a lot of people transitioning from other industries. Marketing, finance, legal, tech — every one of those skill sets has a home in music. Don't wait for the perfect role. Use what you already do well as your way in at a label, agency, or with an artist directly. Make it clear you're committed to learning the industry and open to where that takes you. Getting your foot in the door matters more than getting the exact title right away. 3. Network like it actually matters — because it does Cold emails and LinkedIn messages will only take you so far in an industry built on relationships and trust. Get in the room. Conferences, panels, industry talks, community events — start showing up in the spaces where the people you want to know are already gathered. Every small interaction builds familiarity. Familiarity builds opportunity. You can't shortcut the human connection. Online presence supports it, it doesn't replace it. Breaking in takes longer than it should. But the people who make it aren't always the most talented — they're the ones who stayed consistent, stayed visible, and kept creating their own opportunities when the doors didn't open fast enough. #MusicIndustry #ArtistDevelopment #MusicCareers #Networking

Want to break into the Latin music industry? Skip the award show. Do this instead. Latin Grammy week is around the corner. Last week I commented on a post about the Latin Billboards in Miami, and the response from people in the industry caught me off guard. I enjoy the award shows, but the real value is not in the stage. It is in the conference, the pre parties, and the after parties. Panels give surface level insights, but they will not show you how the business truly works. That is why if you are trying to break into the music industry as an artist, manager, A&R, or simply looking for a way in, here is the cheat code. You do not need tickets to the award show because you are not there for that. You are there to network. During the day, spend time around the elevators at the MGM or the MGM Signature. You will see people coming and going from meetings, label events, or private gatherings. The bar and coffee shops nearby are also strong spots to meet people and start conversations. At night, networking really takes off. After a long day of events, most people want to relax with a drink and catch up with others they have not seen in a while. That is the perfect chance to introduce yourself, build relationships, and walk away with new contacts. Set a goal of leaving each day with five to ten solid connections. One thing to remember is that this industry can feel fake. You will meet artists who claim they are the next big star, people who say they work with the biggest names, and others who try to impress by flashing jewelry. Respect everyone and take their contact info anyway. I learned this myself one year when I interviewed someone nobody wanted to talk to. Two years later, he blew up. His name was Farruko. The lesson is simple. Stay present, listen more than you talk, and value every introduction. I might stop by the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas for a couple of days before heading to Asia for the rest of the year. For those of you attending, be safe, network wisely!

How do you network in the music industry? (When you know no one.) 10 years ago, I was just another law student from Puerto Rico. No connections. No mentor. No roadmap. Today, I often get approached more than the panelists themselves. But let me be clear: that didn’t happen because I waited. It happened because I showed up. Now students message me asking: "How do I network at music events if I’m just starting out?" This week I’ll be at Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami. So here are 5 things I’ve learned the hard way: 1. Create content. → Post based on where you are, what you’re learning, and what you’re doing. → Do things, and talk about the lessons in real time. → Stick to a one-year schedule. Momentum > perfection. 2. Make a plan. → Make a list of the people you want to meet and reach out before the event. → A simple “Saw you’re going to X. Hope to connect” puts you on their radar. → Focus on quality over quantity. 3. Say hi first. → A smile and a handshake open more doors than any pitch. → Try: “Hi X, I’m Y. I reached out via Z. Great to meet you!” 4. Ask and listen. → Start broad (industry, company) → then go personal (background, common ground). Keep it professional. → End with a soft CTA. Ask for advice or best way to stay in touch. → Listen more than you speak. That’s where the magic happens. 5. Provide value. → Introduce others. Even if there’s nothing in it for you. → Follow through. Always. Start where you are. Don’t wait to be “important” to share your journey. The truth? In this industry, people hire people they know or people referred by someone they trust. So don’t wait for permission. Network with courage. Document your growth. I’ll be at Billboard Latin Music Week. If you see me, say hi. I mean it. P.S. Want to break into the music industry? Start by being seen. Start by showing up.