Networking, Networking, Networking
The music business is essentially a giant pool of people all working for small companies or as freelancers. Whatever field you sit in, be that teacher, artist, session musician, studio worker... chances are you work as part of a small team or on your own. Unless of course you work for one of the high major labels.
Lets say you do work for yourself, or with a small number of others and you're trying to take your business or your project to that all important next level. What can you do? One work, and a very important one at that...
NETWORKING!
Networking is such an important skill when it comes to working in this field. We as musicians, whatever our calling, need to build and maintain relationships with other musicians, artists, companies and industry sectors in order to get our career up the ladder. When it comes to networking it is very important to be realistic. If you are a new artist, don't consider approaching the biggest brands in the business when you have nothing of value to offer in return. Industry relationships are built on a two way model, the companies higher up will support you in return for something you could provide them (This is usually exposure based via means of an endorsement). If you are a new artist with 500 fans, a multi national company is not going to feel the benefit of your fanbase. If you have built up a following of 50,000 fans however, that changes the leverage.
When looking for potential partnerships, consider what you are looking for in return for what you can offer and be realistic.
The best way to build relationships is not via cold calling or emailing as many companies or individuals as possible, but by face-to-face communications. Look at trade shows and industry networking events in your area (Or even be prepared to travel if it means that much to you) and go and get to know the people behind the brands. Relationships are always built between individuals so get to know these people and let your career floruish.
You might be a musician looking for a gear company to hook up with or you could be a Singing Teacher in Norwich looking for a musicians body to partner up with to validate your service. These rules apply at all levels of the industry so get out there and make yourself known.