Industry Insights by Level Up Development
Overview
In this edition of Industry Insights, A&R professional Andre Jenkins outlines his proven approach for transitioning from freelance to full-time in the music industry. He emphasizes the importance of being proactive, not waiting for opportunities to arise, and constantly seeking self-improvement.
Jenkins advises building relationships, viewing peers as potential collaborators, and developing a diverse skill set to stand out. He stresses flexibility, humility, and a willingness to learn. Jenkins concludes that these strategies are crucial for navigating the music industry and achieving career growth.
What Is Industry Insights?
Industry Insights is a content series providing step-by-step approaches to practically addressing professional objectives. In this series, industry professionals break down their approach to effectively tackling relatable professional objectives in a few steps.
The Approach
Step 1: Don't Wait On Anybody
Step 2: Position Yourself For Opportunities
Step 3: Develop Your Skill Set
Step 4: Be Flexible
Opening
Andre: I think the biggest thing is constantly being a sponge. When you work for a company, they have certain guidelines to tell you exactly how things are done, and it might be more efficient than what you've previously done yourself. You have to constantly adapt to your surroundings, your environment, and work on your skill set. You have to be able to bring different things to the table. So in this release, I'm going to take you through many of the steps I took so you can transition from freelance to full time in music.
Step 1: Don't Wait On Anybody
Andre: The absolute first step you have to take. This is the first step ever. I don't care what anyone says, don't wait on anyone. Don't wait on your mom, your dad, your brother, your cousin, your aunt, your uncle.
Andre: You have to go out and get it. You have to separate yourself from your peers. That means you have to attack it every single day. You have to find new ways to reinvent yourself, to get better, to get more knowledgeable, and align yourself with the right people that'll allow you to really get opportunities. Or, allow you to learn and just be a sponge and take on things you never imagined.
Andre: You have to not only do that when no one's watching, but you have to do that when you're present in the moment and you're experiencing an opportunity. So that's the first step, being proactive and not waiting on anyone. Period.
Step 2: Position Yourself For Opportunities
Andre: Step two is position yourself for opportunities. It might sound silly, but you have to be resourceful. You have to be intentional, and you have to build relationships. Whether you're in school or you're out of school. You can get on your social media. You can find ways to get into things that you want to do.
Andre: Figure out, how can I get involved? How can I get another opportunity? And build with your peers. Don't look at them as competition all the time. Look at them as future collaborators. Work with them. Build relationships. They'll introduce you to their network. They'll introduce you to people that they work with, and they may even pass you opportunities that they're too busy for.
Andre: You never know how the relationship's gonna start, but you should know to keep an honest and genuine relationship, because that'll help position you for opportunities
Step 3: Develop Your Skill Set
Andre: Step three is develop your skill set. Find and build your value. What am I good at? And how can I show that I'm really good at that? What am I weak at? And how can I get better at that?
Andre: People that are constantly looking for people who they could work with. Now, how can you stand out from other people? It's having a diverse skill set, being able to do multiple tasks. You might bring three things to the table, and a company is looking for two of those things, so now they'll hire you instead of two individual people.
Andre: Believe it or not, developing your skill set is one of the most important ingredients to really transitioning from freelance to full time in music, because where you add value, you have a home
Step 4: Be Flexible
Andre: Step four, be flexible. Check your ego at the door. Humble yourself. Realize you always have room to grow. When you walk in any room, let them know you're willing to learn and be a sponge.
Andre: You have to constantly learn. You have to constantly adapt. You may go after something today and realize that's not for you. You might be chasing something today and end up something completely different, and realize that was your purpose
Closing
Andre: This topic is very important because a lot of people are trying to find their path in this music industry. Transitioning from freelance to full time isn't very easy. Whether you're trying to be an entrepreneur or trying to work for a company, these four steps are going to guide you throughout this business, this industry, and it's going to allow you to continue to grow and develop into the person you want to be and the career path you choose to take.
Andre: So make sure you keep it in the back of your mind and keep it locked in, because these are the ways that allow me to transition from freelance to full time in music
Watch
Watch the full episode: https://www.levelupsolutions.world/video-library
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Level Up Development is the professional development division of Level Up Solutions, equipping young professionals with the information, relationships, and experience they need to navigate their professional journey.
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