It is highly likely that you are an audio geek who gets some sort of an emotional high from being involved in sound reinforcement. If you are getting paid to do this, you are entitled to be called a "pro." I know for sure that a large percentage of "pros" in this trade are struggling to reach a reasonable living standard. Sorry to say, but your skill set as an avid, hardworking audio geek might have very little to do with financial success. The question many ask is: How does one create an opportunity to move into a higher financial level, whether as an engineer or sound service company?
Advancing upwards in the sound reinforcement industry can be very daunting, and there is no road map. There are ways to dramatically improve your chances, but it takes effort, and you will have to leave the audio geek comfort zone periodically. Far too many proudly flaunt their tech skills as an excuse to be blatantly ignorant of anything non-techie.
One must learn the nuances of our industry. There are manufacturers, rep firms, media companies, trade shows, service companies, consultants, retailers, distributors, promoters, event managers and much more. Thousands of people work full-time to support this industry of ours, and they – gasp – don't mix shows. Almost all of these people know what the "pros" do, but most "pros" have little or no idea of what all these "other" people do. If you want to get ahead, stop being ignorant, and instead, become a smart industry player by networking in all these areas.
Many think manufacturers just make and sell gear, but it is really a lot more intricate than that. Most manufacturers really care about their products and service and want you to be satisfied. Go to a trade show, regional training session or a special product demo, and make an effort to know the sales and product people. In turn, they will eventually know you, and that is when opportunity knocks. Ask if they can get you hooked up with their local rep firm to stay abreast of deals, new products and training. The reps do a lot of hard work to be the bridge between the manufacturer and the buyer. Get to know all your rep firms, even if you don't buy their lines.
Do some self-promotion. Send in several good high-res digital photos and some pertinent written information to a trade magazine (FOH!), website or even the manufacturer. Perhaps you might even try submitting an informative article. Make it easy for the media, and your self-promotion might work. Event managers and promoters are very impressed to see you in print or online.
Attend every trade show or audio function possible, and soak up each hour; go out in the evening to interact with new circles of people and attend any special events. These outings may seem expensive, but there are significant opportunities to meet influential people and learn new areas of the industry first hand.
Obviously, there is far more to it than these few basic examples, but the theme is all about understanding that one must advance beyond the confines of purely technical audio skills in order to increase the odds of getting ahead. It takes time and a real effort to form new relationships with companies and people. Mastering the industry "schmooze" is an art form, just like mixing a show.
