Face-to-Face – As a songwriter I spend a lot of time behind the computer screen. Sometimes my laptop and I wander off to a Starbucks or Panera, but for the most part I spend a lot of time in my home office surrounded by my Thesaurus and Complete Rhyming Dictionary while Rhapsody plays in the background. So recently when a professional in the music industry suggested that I get out more often and meet with people face-to-face, it really resonated with me.

Sometimes it’s too easy to get lost in your own head and miss the momentum and inspiration that is generated when you sit face-to-face and have conversations with others in the industry.

So if it feels a little too lonely with just you, the laptop and your guitar, pick up the phone and try to make a few appointments and connect with others in the industry. I did just that this month and it was enlightening and it definitely got me out of my comfort zone. Here are a few suggestions to get you thinking in the right direction.

• Go to a local chapter of a songwriters group
• Ask to meet with a rep at a publisher’s office
• Meet with an artist manager looking for material
• Explore new venues if you are a performer
• Meet with a professional staff writer
• Talk to someone who runs a writers round
• Ask someone new to co-write
• Have a session with a song coach
• Tour a new recording studio and talk to the producer
• Meet with a representative of a performing rights organization
• Attend a music convention, workshop or song camp
• Introduce yourself to other artists / musicians
• Go to an open mic night