8 Ways to Get Ahead in Your Industry

Nathan Nakhmanovich, Founder of Plug Talk Media, is a force to be reckoned with. He goes by the handle @mogul on Instagram, and with one look at his business, it’s easy to see why. With a focus on billboard advertising and music release strategy, Nathan uses his expertise behind the scenes to make artists larger than life in more ways than one. Add in the fact that he is a first-generation American and his rise is even more impressive. Nathan started in the music industry at the age of 19. A strong work ethic taught to him by his Ukrainian Jewish parents helps him persevere. Mogul has been making moves and learning lessons on growing as an entrepreneur. Herein, this young mogul shares the advice he’s learned over his years in the music industry on how to get ahead in ANY industry.

Seek Knowledge

“This first point may seem a bit bland. But, I’m going somewhere with this. Stay with me. That hunger that makes you wake up in the morning SO excited to be doing what you’re doing; It eats away at everything and consumes you. You’re absolutely thrilled with your prospects and where you’re going and don’t need caffeine to feel a rush… Channel that same energy into learning. Be THAT hungry to LEARN and educate yourself continually. I’ve seen people in positions of tremendous influence crash and burn all because they thought they knew it all. I still learn every single day. A passion for the pursuit of knowledge has been key for my own success and will inevitably play a major role in yours if you adopt this mindset.”

Create Relationships

“There’s a difference between meeting people and getting to know them. Let that sink in. You can go to any and all networking events, sit on panels, work with peers, etc. Yet, you may not even know the first thing about the people you call your colleagues. I implore you all to consider building a contact sheet as only the VERY INITIAL step to ‘who you know’ in your contacts. Beyond that, creating lasting relationships can mean a lot of things. In a dog-eat-dog sphere, it’s hard to envision anyone as your friend. I get it. I’m not asking everyone to be besties here. Humor me for a second. Being amicable can go a long way… This leads right into the next point.”

Add Value

“Before spinning off on a tangent regarding your own projects; think a bit differently. What can you bring to the table OF VALUE to the other party? What is it that you can do for them that can be useful or beneficial to their cause? There are instances where you don’t need to even go very far out of your comfort zone to give a lending hand. For example, when speaking to someone you need to work with for whatever reason, instead of going right into the conversation of working together, defer to asking them about what they’re working on. Show interest. Add value if you can be useful. THEN find space to gauge their interest in what you need.”

Announce Less, DO More

“I see announcements on social media all the time. I’m not talking about people who brag about their accomplishments or milestones. I don’t have any bones to pick with people who celebrate the wins. Right on, dude! I do however hold issues with announcements of future announcements. Until someone pointed this out to me, I can admit to having done this several times myself. From the front seat, it may look like you’re building anticipation or even awareness. However, from a sideline, you look like a CCO: Chief Clown Officer. The point here is, don’t make a fool of yourself gloating about what you’re going to do. Go and do it. Let your work speak for itself, and if the accomplishment is substantial enough, then brag away.”

To that end, Nathan also suggests to not be an open book. Keeping information on a need-to-know basis helps you retain your operations for yourself and not give your competitors an inside look at your flow. “The elements of mystery or surprise can work in your favor. Disclose just enough information to get the job done. If you find yourself ‘bleeding’ information, you may not hold positioning for long.”

Quality and Consistency Matter

“Develop a stamp of approval; metaphorically, of course. Or not. Whatever you fancy. Essentially, don’t let quality become an inferior concept. In anything you do, make sure you’re conscious of your name being attached to the outcome. Consistently delivering on quality will help you build a positive reputation. If people can rely on you and what you put forth, you’re in an advantageous position.”

Strategy in Execution

“Think it through. Plan it out. Strategize and anticipate contingencies. Being elastic to what may come can provide for a stronger foundation. Only push the green button when you’re really ready. So many of you are innovative and tend to live ‘outside the box’ in general. That said, executing and really driving it home can seem outlandish. With proper planning and strategy, execution can be a step-by-step process.”

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

“Knowing the right people is already half the battle, so what’s missing? Making sure you pay those people to get the job done. Needless to say, nobody works for free. In my experience, shaking hands only goes so far. Money talks, and bullshit walks. No real players are going to work for free. But, keep in mind that compensation does not always need to come in the form of cash. Some key players are happy to expand their portfolios on ‘sweat equity’ and a stake in something greater.”

Be Authentic

“This one is clear as daylight. Be true to yourself, young grasshopper. People can read between the lines. Nobody likes being deceived, especially if your intentions prove to be untrue. Trust in the process, and never pretend to be someone you’re not.”