Networking Unleashed: Building Profitable Connections. An Interview with Liam Edward Golder and Michael A Forman
- mforman521
- Jul 15
- 17 min read
Welcome to Networking Unleashed. Building Profitable Connections to show where relationships create opportunity and conversations lead to real results. I'm your host, Michael Forman. When people think about networking, they usually picture business meetings, conferences, and sales conversations.
But some of the strongest networking lessons come from industries where relationships are everything and the music world is one of them. In that space, talent matters, but relationships create the opportunities. Who knows who trusts you, who's willing to open a door? Often determines what happens next. My guest today works with music clients and understands how to turn relationships into real business outcomes.
We're talking today about how creatives can communicate their value, how connections. How connections turn into paid opportunities and why? Understanding the business side of relationships is what separates those who struggle from those who succeed. If you learn, if you wanna learn how connection drives both creativity and profit, you're in the right place.
So I would like to welcome all of my listeners. I would like to welcome Liam. Liam, you are the professional. That, that we're talking about. So would you like to just introduce yourself and give us a, like the cliff notes of about you, how you got here today? Hi, Michael. Yeah. Thank you for having me on the show.
Yeah, music for me started at school initially and it's just something that I basically realized I was gonna be in radio and TV and helping people in music as well. Eventually I set up my own company. In music. I got offered different things in London, different music companies and all that sort of thing.
And I thought, wow, I'm gonna, as well do my own music and all the songs and all winning songs that I've done and wrote and that sort of thing. It's just basically helping others in music and ever since my early teens and then early twenties, I got into the music of helping others with the songs, different celebrities and unsigned acts and all this sort of thing.
And yeah, built it up over the years and. I always had this belief that would be my career. It just so happens that it built and built, and. There's been absolutely thousands of people that I've worked with, I'd say up and coming talent and a lot of celebrity acts as well over the years, well over 80 celebrities now as well.
Different celebrity acts that have come through to work and write with some of them and promote some of them. And it's it's been amazing. Like everything, it's ups and downs, you have your hard days and your good days and sometimes struggles and then sometimes complete rewards of what you're doing.
But it's it's been a fantastic journey overall. So it sounds exciting. It sounds exciting. Yeah. It is. Through a lot of struggle over the years as well, comes a lot of success. You kind of associate struggle with that musician part of it. Absolutely. Whenever you hear anybody who makes it big, they always struggle first.
Yes. So yes oh yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah. It wasn't just literally just handed over. It was like, you have to go through their moments of that process of trying to be a success with the music and it's like I'm successful. Yeah. People think you just turn up and that's it, sometimes they think that, or, and, do something that's gonna help people and help others. And of course you get all the naysayers, you get people skeptical, you try to help people. And sometimes it's the people that you're trying to help. Actually the biggest.
Obstacle because you never know. They're not reliable. They're inconsistent. They come and go and then they go, oh, whatcha gonna do for me? Sort. You say you got it's a two-way street. You're trying to help these clients and help this, get these songs out and to radio, tv, magazines, record labels, and all these different places.
But my heart's in it, I spend hours and hours of my life. Sometimes seven days a week just on the music and contracts. So any, anything worthwhile you put your time in, that's, yeah. I'm trying to work with those people. Yeah. And trying to work with, bigger names as possible and help the small guys as well, and the people that have got their different things.
Sometimes it's helping people that have got mental health. For myself, I have mental health sometimes. Yeah, so it is actually trying to help people with their different problems. I've got people with cancer that I've helped with their music or different health problems.
One guy had 33 health conditions 'cause he come outta the army and all that sort of thing as well. So there's a lot of health involved as well and really trying to help like the bigger names Wutang Clan, trying to help them at the moment, like a famous hip hop band from New York and that sort of thing.
And trying to develop other, big names that we're trying to work with. Known John Summerton from the Herman's hermits for years. I called lot of songs with him and that's been exciting and potential. Others, I say working on and off with like potentially hot chocolate once they get organized with their music from the uk.
So we've been back and forth with them, back and forth with them. So let get, let me get into a few of these questions. Yeah. In the music world, yeah. Relationships often determine opportunities. Yes. How? How is networking in that space similar or different from traditional business networking? I think the networking with musicians and the different songwriters and everyone, it's been different because I think when you've got their sort of dreams and all their things in your hands, it's quite different.
With any business or any occupation. You, it is always about trust and reliability and being authentic, but I think with the musicians, it's really having that, the word again, really consistency, having that consistent bond, where you helping, you're saying all the right things.
You, you're saying all the right things. I say, like I said, it's a two way street. People say to me about helping them, and I say, but I have to have their, have to have them as well, like doing their part. And being Yeah, but within the networking, yeah. Within the networking world you've named all the right terms, authentic, all of that term is being thrown around a lot.
Yeah. All that stuff. Consistency. Exactly. Consistency. But trust. That trust factor is so big, so important. Massive's massively. No, nobody's gonna do business with you unless they trust you. That's it with anything. Yeah. And it's, there's so much to it, isn't that, and the other one, the the communication as well, which is, and timekeeping and all these things.
But it's a massive, it's so much goes into, it's more than just music, i'd say it's the health side. There's the law side. There's so many different parts of it. But ultimately it's helping people getting results for people and the music. Yep. And but I say being genuine as well and I say from both sides, from what I'm doing and from what they're doing, good 'cause yeah. So that's what it is, but it's, yeah, it's, it is, overall it's very exciting. So good. Good. Yeah. How do you help artists or music professionals position themselves so people take them seriously? Yeah, what it is, it's basically with all the radio stations that I work with, it's getting them positioned to be radio play interviews where possible podcasts, the TV stations and TV interviews, and different TV opportunities.
And same with magazines magazine. Like coverage and interviews and any label deals really. But further than that is music to venues like airports and restaurants hotels and that sort of thing. Shopping, malls, gyms. It covers such a wide spectrum. Yeah. Yeah. Of music. And I say it's so many fans.
It's more than just songs. It's really, it's bigger than that. It's important about the songs, but it's the message behind the songs and it's people's careers and, it is their, it's their, for a lot of people, music's their whole life. So it's a very important job to, to help them and look after these people and yeah it's very personal.
Yeah, it is. With anything, whatever you're doing in life, whether you're a teacher or police officer or lawyer or whatever, you are a doctor. It's ultimately helping and it's making a difference to what's going on, a lot of people say to me, music saved them, music saved their life.
I'm sure. Yeah. It, if they're passionate about anything, any type of profession that it it's a part of them. And if you're helping it's a part of them. So you're in the mix, you're absolutely in there. And if you can help them, that all the better.
Let me ask you another question. Many creatives focus on their craft, but not their business. How does that impact their ability to build relationships that generate income? Yeah, the, 'cause a lot of the songwriters out there are really just writing songs or just spend so much time in the studio.
And then after that they don't really know where to put their songs. So the income side of it, a lot of time is that, going on Spotify and streaming things, which isn't. Doing a lot for a lot of people. So they're not really attacking the right angles. And then I come into it because I'm on both sides as a writer, songwriter, and performer and singer, but also being on the business side of the other side of helping, getting people out there as well.
So I really, building incomes is through doing things differently. It's, it is the tv, getting things on TV and all that stuff and getting the songs branded and obviously gigs and touring all this stuff as well. But ultimately it's. It's opening up angles, like rather than just releasing the song and hoping.
People look at YouTube or whatever, it's really just getting the songs, sponsorship behind songs and all that sort of thing. And different things rather than just relying on traditional roots as well. Really just got as obvious as it sounds. You've gotta be unique and just stand out really.
'cause everyone's doing the same things other always. I say that's why it's point to get sponsorships and branding and trying to get companies behind you and all that sort of thing as well. And other companies, not just, sure, not just music companies, but could be food companies or whatever, whoever's sponsor you Yeah. What's going on. Exactly. Generate some income. Yeah. But still they have to realize that there's a business behind the music. Yes. And the music. That's right. And the business, it's really a part of it. Yeah, exactly. Okay. So exactly what does a strong first conversation look like in a creative industry where personality and identity matter so much?
Yeah, it's really the conversation is working out what their vision is, what they're trying to achieve. Because when I talk to different musicians and singers, everyone's trying to achieve different things, and I then I have to say how about this as well? So sometimes they're focusing on one thing, which could be, just radio.
I, I'll say how about. Magazines, how about record labels or TV or other fin as well, you know getting the songs out there in different ways. And then sometimes that's, your job. That's your job. Yeah. Yeah. Look at everything. Everything. 'cause sometimes I just, focusing on one thing.
I'll just say, I'm just gonna put my songs out to, to, I'm just gonna geek and that's it. But not do anything else. Yeah. Or they just put their songs out on whatever they do, Instagram, whatever they do, and Right. And that's it. And then they might say we've put the songs on there, and then so you try to open up different pathways and different, yeah. Yeah. It's rather than, that's basically your job though, is to help them. Yeah, absolutely. The business. Yeah. Yeah. There's a lot of care involved. A lot motivation I first got when I first got into professional speaking.
There are speakers who just speak but there's a business behind the speaking. Yes. And you have to understand both. Otherwise you're just, speaking for $500 each time and it doesn't, that doesn't work. Yeah. Exactly. Yeah. How can someone communicate their value without feeling like they're selling their art or talent?
Yeah, I think it's getting the message across in a way that people can connect to. Everything to, with the music when you've got your songs and things, rather than just saying, I'm a singer songwriter, and everyone's, a lot of people keep saying these things, but the message behind it what's the, what is the story of the person you know, as well, and I think that helps. Get across, people can relate to people going through different situations. My story is a lot. I've come from, anxiety and different mental health conditions, and I've still battled that, but I've still been a success in music, and to then go on and become something, really that when it thinks against you, and same with other people. We know everyone. You know these success stories of people that have had obstacles that come from poverty or they've come from illness or they've come from everything being against them and they've managed to. Pull themselves around, homelessness or whatever it is, and suddenly become a music success, so really having that golden nugget of what's their story? And then people go, oh yeah, I can relate to that. Or, oh yeah, that happened to me, or. Wow. They love their life died or something like that, and they've had to carry on. Their sons have gotten through it and, and so many things that I've come across what people have gone through. Yeah. Consistency. Consistency plays a major part. Oh, so huge. All of this. It's so huge. Yeah. What role? Excuse me. What role does consistency play in staying relevant and top of mind within your network of people? Yeah.
It's everything actually. It's, that goes through my mind every day and I say to so many people, 'cause, the consistency is huge, if not the biggest thing, because I, like today, we turn up on time for the meeting for this, and then with people I work with, it's getting 'em to turn up on time for fin or do send music for on time or get fin for on time.
It's but, and again, it's, it works both ways because you can show up, you can be there, and if the other person's not doing their part, of course it affects the whole structure of things. Yeah. So it's so important, and they want the consistency from you say, oh, you need to help me.
I want to help. Please help me. But then they, you've gotta do their part as well. And it's, that's what it is. This is, like I said, consistency and trust and loyalty, and all these things are so important. You're not consistent. Consistent. They won't take you seriously. Yes. Like anything, yeah, anything can life it.
He'll show up. Oh, maybe he'll show up. Maybe he won't. Yeah, exactly. Once they, I'm always talking about Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely. It's, that's so on point that it's ridiculous, but consistency is the number one factor. Oh, it's huge. It's huge. I talk about it pretty much every day to myself in my own head and to clients.
And I say, that song needs to be there on Tuesday and that's Thursday. Or, and that sort of thing. But of, I expect you to be on, on, on point with everything. Of course you have to be, but you have to rely on them as well. So it's I say consistency is everything throughout life, isn't it?
Yeah, it really is. Whether you do is, whatever you do, you miss, you're going on a cruise, you miss the cruise. You're on time, you miss the flight because you're not there, expect the pilot to be there, but you gotta be there as well. I am a, I'm a former, I'm a former military member.
Yeah. I'm a, I'm an Air Force veteran. Excellent. And there's a saying that from day one, if I'm on time, I'm late. If I'm early, I'm on time. Yeah. Yeah. So absolutely. I'm constantly early, for everything. That's great. That's great. My, that's great. My, my kids will kill me be because of it.
But I am just that it's great. It's in my DNA and that's the way it's amazing. Should drill. It's amazing. Yeah, exactly. Like we say, like I was saying you get to a flight, you get there three, four hours early, at least you're. You're there.
You may wait around for a while, but you're there. Yeah. You're there wherever it is. You've got that, going out for a meal when you've got a reservation and you're, oh, 30 minutes late, and then, oh, God, fit me into reservation, and, whatever it is. How, so how do relationships in the music industry?
Yeah. Evolve from casual connections into real opportunities or paid work. Yeah, it is. It is really just building that, that bond and that connection with who you're working with and really, a lot of the musicians and different singers and songwriters, famous ones and non-famous, it's really it's realizing that they realize, you're a real person and you're not.
And also to help 'em in a way that no one else is helping them. Because there's a lot of music people on this side of it, on the, on this side where. There's a lot of scams, a lot of sharks, a lot of people taking money and then running off. You never hear from 'em again. All that stuff. Understand, and I've had that, I've had where I'm so genuine that people can't believe it's genuine because Yeah. Unfortunately people are used to being ungenuine like out there because, there's so many people that don't do anything they say they're gonna do, yeah. And you have to be careful.
Yeah. You have to be careful because you are so genuine and you're careful. You're truly trying to help. Yeah, that careful. I say if I do you at the end. Yeah, exactly. Because of around. Exactly. That's right. You can get hurt too. Yeah. Okay. That's what it is. It's crazy fair.
You're trying to be different and you're trying to do something different like individual to everybody else, and sometimes that's a blessing. Sometimes it's not. 'cause people go like. Is this? What is this? Are you gonna help? Really? What are you gonna help me? Really? What? Really? They can't believe it because they're like, what?
Exactly. But someone's gotta it because otherwise we're just gonna go round and round in circles. Nobody helping anybody, yeah. That, that, that's true. That's a problem. That's a problem. Okay, so lemme ask a question. Where'd you create creatives unintentionally limit their income by avoiding business conversations.
Yeah I think what it is, they avoid conversations a lot and there's a lot of fear behind that. I get it too. 'cause I've been through myself a lot on both sides of being a musician, and yeah, something like that. And being on this side of, PR or marketing and everything a lot of them, I think they, they get stuck in their ways and then all of releasing a song a certain way and just restricting themself and then the fear kicks in.
So then they are worried about doing that, so I won't do it. I'm worried about putting my sons out there in case they don't like my son or they laugh at my son or I don't get enough interest so they don't do anything. So obviously a big part of life for me as an anxiety sufferer, it's fear.
It can either stop you. Doing something or it can, it can stop you dead in your tracks. Yeah. Stop you from doing anything. Yeah. Or avoiding things completely and thinking, oh God, I'm so worried about that I won't do anything with it. But then limit themselves because in the long run they're not really.
Hitting out their full capacity because of fear a lot of the time. Yeah. Or sometimes just because they're disorganized and they haven't really dunno what to do, and the song just sits there. Even great bands for over the years, led Zeppelin or whatever it is, queen, if they'd just done their songs and never told anybody, of course, like anything, it'd just be sitting there and no one would've known.
Was what they was doing, with anything. It's and you just named two groups that I'm fully behind. Yeah. Love, love both. Yeah, love both. Both coming from England originally, two the greatest brands I think in, in, in the world and as well yeah.
Okay. So let me bring this podcast full circle. Yeah. If a listener. Wants to turn their passion into profit. Through relationships. Through relationships. What one networking habit should they start immediately? It's really, it's literally branching out. I'd say it's just. Get yourself out there everywhere you can look at, 'cause some singers and musicians they think they're doing everything.
They go, I'm doing it all. And I'm trying, but they're not, they're missing out on so many things they're not doing. So just gig as many places as you can, connect to as many people as you can through music and. It is been said a lot, but that one opportunity can change your life.
It could be one email, one conversation. Yeah. Today this is life. This is life changing this, today, this is great. And it just have conversations with people and get yourself out there because if you've got the talent and personality combined, you can achieve so much.
You never can own life. Who's, yeah. You never know who's listening. You never know who's listening. It could be. Yeah. I have thousands and thousands of listeners and that certainly that one listener. And speaking of that, so you know what, Liam, 'cause you are such a great podcast guest. Thank you.
If somebody wanted to contact you, whether it to be mentored by you, hire you or whatever have you, what's the best way for them to get hold of you? Yeah. The best way is actually, the email is song heroes music gmail.com. And the website as well, which has been updated actually is www dot.
Song Heroes music pr.com. And so that's going through some updates and a lot of changes on there from the web designer. But yeah I say they can look me up or get in touch through as the Made of Golder or through Song Heroes Music and say lots of updates come in, lots of changes, and website updates.
Say, new fins coming. So that's what it is. Yeah, definitely. Great. So this conversation is a reminder of no matter the industry music, business or anything in between. Absolutely. Relationships are what? More what move everything forward. Yes. Talent, skill, knowledge matter, and they only go as far as the right connections and the ability to communicate value early.
When you combine both opportunities begin to show up in ways you didn't expect. Take one step this week, reach out to someone in your network and continue a conversation whether it's creative or business relationships grow through consistency. If you found value in today's episode, make sure you like, follow and subscribe to Networking Unleashed, building Profitable Connections.
So you keep getting the best insights on networking and communication and share this episode with someone who wants to turn their passion into real opportunity. If you'd help strengthening your communication and building relationships that lead to results. Visit Michael, a foreman. Learn to learn how I work with professionals, teams, and organizations.
So until next time, stay creative, stay connected, and build relationships that turn passion into profit. Liam, thank you again for coming on my podcast. Oh, thank you so much. You were wonderful. Oh, thank you. It's been amazing. No, I really appreciate it. And great talking to you, Michael.
Well, hold on folks. Don't go anywhere. Let's hear from our sponsors. David Neal, co-founder Revved Up Kids. Revved Up Kids is on a mission to protect children and teens from sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. They provide prevention, training programs for children, teens, and adults. To learn more, go to RevD up kids.org.
Henry Kaplan Century 21. When it comes to making the biggest financial decision of your life, leave it in the hands of a proven professional. Henry Kaplan Henry is a global real estate agent with Century 21, celebrating his 41st year in business. No matter where you're moving, Henry has the right connections for you.
You can contact Henry at 5 6 1- 4 2 7- 4 8 8 8.
A huge thank you to our guests for sharing such incredible insights today, and of course, a big shout out to you, our amazing listeners, for tuning in and spending your time with us. If you're interested in my digital courses being coached or having me come and talk to your company, just go to MichaelAForman.com and fill out the request form.
Remember, networking isn't about being perfect. It's about being present. So take what you've learned today, get out there and make some meaningful connections. If you've enjoyed this episode, please don't forget to subscribe. Leave us a review. Share it with someone who could use a little networking inspiration.
Let's keep the conversation going. You can find me on Apple, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, or my website michaelaforman.com/podcast.
Michael is a business networking expert specializing in enhancing professionals' networking and communication skills to drive profitability. As a leading authority in this field, he is highly sought after for his dynamic presentations and workshops. His extensive experience has consistently led to significant improvements in corporate profitability by empowering individuals and organizations to connect more effectively and efficiently.
Digital Courses
Comments