First Impressions

First impressions are a vital part of any industry, but they are literally the most important aspect of music business.

The first 15 seconds of talking with a client are usually when the client decides if they're going to even consider hiring you.

The first 5 seconds of your set is usually when the audience decides if they'll stick around or not.

The first 10 seconds of conversation with a fan after the show can shape who they think you are, how passionate they are about your music, and whether they'll ever come out to see you again.

What does this mean for you and me?

We need to be prepared to be kind, to be articulate, to be amazing in those first few seconds of every interaction.

Here's some ways I go about doing this:

• I spend a few minutes prepping in the car before actually entering a venue. I use this time to run over in my head how to properly act with clients (sounds silly, but it really works for me), and I make a point of preparing myself to meet a lot of people in a short time that I'll have to remember the names of later.

• I keep a detailed contact list of all the people I've met or talked with at a particular venue, and I revue all of their names before I enter the building.

• I always double-check my clothing and hair. The way you look can dictate your entire relationship with a client.

• I do a mental run-through of my set in my mind before I go onstage. This helps me concentrate on reading the crowd instead of the setlist, and keeps me from making obvious mistakes.

What are some of the ways you've found to make a good first impression? Leave your thoughts below in a comment.