In my last post about networking for musicians, I wrote about how to be assertive and just ask. If you are a monster on your instrument but can’t seem to gather the strength and courage to talk to people you don’t know, you may be that amazing musician that no one knows about. That’s generally the case but of course, there are outliers. Some creatives are so talented, people find them and very little networking needs to be done. Those people become highly sought out individuals. I feel that is the exception and not necessarily the rule.

When it comes to finding work, especially in a big city like New York, it’s been my experience to find a way to assert yourself and ask for what you want. I’ve also discovered that in today’s world, social media can help with expanding your network and help get you paying gigs. I know some older musicians who refuse to engage with any social media and prefer a good old telephone call. They often frown upon modern means of communication. Some of those people I know don’t even like booking gigs through text or email. While that may be their preference, they might be missing out on future streams of revenue.

I’ve booked a whole bunch of gigs on Facebook alone. I’ve gotten a lot of work through people who have reached out to me on Facebook Messenger. In 2013 I got a gig in San Diego by answering a message from a colleague. He and I worked together in the past and I’m sure he understood how much I loved California. He asked if I was interested in working there for six weeks. How could I turn that down? It changed me because, after my time there, I knew where I wanted to spend the rest of my life. I fell deeply in love with that state ever since.

By using social media to keep yourself in front of people, others find out what you’re up to. They know when you may be free to work with them. They may like some of the things you post and might want to connect with you down the road.

I’ve learned that there are limits to what you post on social media. You can post too much, too many offensive things or just be really annoying. Some posts can be too political, too deep into activism and sometimes can be a big turn off. If you like posting those things, it’s cool, but just understand that you might rub people the wrong way and it might affect your work prospects. On the other hand, you might get a job here or there because of what you say. I find that by being a semi-constant presence on social media and posting regularly, it can increase your public profile. It keeps you in the minds of potential employers or referrals. I’ve found that employers generally think of those who they recently have spoken to or heard about. By staying relevant on social media, it increases the likelihood of you staying on the minds of those in your professional and personal circles.

I try to post interesting and thought-provoking content. Finding content that makes you think, covers a wide variety of interests and is humorous can be quite intriguing. Over the years, I’ve become a big advocate for fatherhood and never shy away from my feelings due to what I went through in family court. I’m less overtly political today because it has become exhausting. I post less about the things I want to change but have little power to effect. I prefer to be a part of the process. I’m working with an organization that is doing things through the political system. I’m more of an activist on the state level and have posted a lot less about national politics. That’s’ just how I choose to navigate the treacherous waters of political posts on social media. You choose your own path.

When you post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, Linkedin or any other platform, it puts you in front of people in ways that going out can’t. You can see people in person, call or even text, but when you strategically post, are engaging with your peers and colleagues, you are maintaining a level of “brand awareness.” You are your brand. By putting yourself out there in ways that catch the attention of others, those who might need your professional services will think of you first.

Be thoughtful and strategic when it comes to your social media presence. Don’t overload your network with an overabundance of posts. Stay away from content that is perpetually and intentionally antagonistic. Find a way to engage from time to time on other people’s posts. I find it fun.

When you eventually see people you’ve interacted with on social media in the flesh, they often remember what you posted. It’s fun reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in a while. When that happens, they often talk about how they’ve been following me on social media. Sometimes I think I might have said something wrong, but they find my posts to be funny or interesting. It’s great when I get that kind of feedback. People say that they feel like they know me because of what I have posted. While it may be true for one part of my life, it’s not everything. I don’t see the point of putting all of your business out on social media.

Have fun with social media. It’s not all bad. Just try and be careful. It can be a time suck and drain emotionally, but it can also help keep you employed if used properly. It has definitely worked for me.

Clayton Craddock is an independent thinker, father of two beautiful children in New York City. He has written about fatherhood, societal change and parenting over many years and is currently finishing a memoir. Clayton is also the drummer of the hit broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University’s School of Business and is a 25 year veteran of the fast paced New York City music scene. He has played drums in a number of hit broadway and off-broadway musicals including “Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical and Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill. In addition, Clayton has worked on: Footloose, Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Evita, Cats, and Avenue Q.