When you are freelancing, networking is essential to your chances for success. As your network continues to expand, keep a database of all your contacts. Sure, using the free address book on your computer or Gmail address book works for starters. When your database grows, you’ll begin to wonder just who some of those contacts are. Keep notes — where you met, what you talked about. This will help in the long run by keeping these valuable connections fresh in your mind. Don’t just keep a well-maintained contact database, use it. Keep in touch with them. Everyone loves getting the good kind of email, a friendly, “Hi, how’s it going, what’s new, what tour are you on these days…” Who knows, a simple email may spark a conversation that leads to a gig.
—Justin Lang, from “Editor’s Note,” PLSN, June 2012
