Hey, fellow music industry peeps! Of course, this isn’t only for people in the music industry so hey, hey, everyday people. In the thrilling world of live events and music contracts, conflicts are as common as a record scratch at a DMC concert. Trust me; after two decades of running my own show, I’ve seen it all. Today, let’s kick back and chat about my go-to strategy for handling disputes—diving into the written realm of emails. It’s like the backstage pass to conflict resolution. So, grab a coffee or your favorite energy drink, and let’s get into the groove of handling conflicts with style and finesse.

Picture this: a deal goes sour, and emotions run high. The aggrieved party is ready to unleash their frustration over the phone. What do I do? I steer the conversation toward the digital landscape—emails. Why? Because in the music business, especially when contracts are involved, having a paper trail is paramount.

Now, I get it; sometimes a phone call is unavoidable. If you find yourself in a verbal exchange, consider recording the call. In this day and age, it’s not about being sneaky; it’s about protecting your interests. If recording isn’t an option, take many notes. Immediately after the call, fire off an email summarizing the discussion, starting with a crisp “Per our phone conversation.”

Back in the day, every hiccup in my business would send me into an emotional tailspin. I’d fold just to avoid conflict. Fast forward a few years, and have a whole different attitude to conflict in business. I toughened up, went black and white with contracts, and held people accountable for every word. Contracts are signed for a reason—no need to debate the obvious.

When threatened with legal action, I embraced the challenge. Having my ducks in a row, I approached conflicts with a business mindset. This isn’t just advice for the music business; it’s a life lesson. Corporate scenarios, customer conflicts, co-worker clashes—the same principles apply. I will note that some contract clauses are written to be debatable so if it is not a huge deal then just do what is best for the situation but make the decision based on fact and know-how in your business and not tied to emotion.

In the live events space, when dealing with an upset customer, approach it with finesse. If it’s a colossal company blunder, a phone call might be your best bet. But, if it’s a matter of perception, follow up the call with an email. Recap the conversation, copy your superiors, and ensure everyone’s on the same page. In the corporate world, conflicts are like wildfire. Don’t let them spread; douse them with clear communication.

And if you or your company goofed up, own it. A phone call is the place for a heartfelt admission of guilt. But, a word of caution—avoid putting it in writing if you can. As much as we preach honesty, there’s a hint of double standards. Protect yourself and your company, my friend.

Before conflict knocks on your door, arm yourself with knowledge. Know your contracts inside out. Ever heard the excuse, “I never signed that”? Trust me, it happens more than you think. The screen capture is everything. Know both sides of the story, and be ready to defend your ground. And let’s talk about writing. If you’re not Shakespeare with a keyboard, use AI models to level up. The better you write, the clearer your communication, and that’s the key to conflict resolution.

If handling conflicts isn’t your daily jam, practice makes perfect. Anticipate scenarios, run through them in your mind, and practice responding without getting emotional. It’s a skill, my friend, it takes time and practice.

In the grand symphony of conflict resolution, email diplomacy is your virtuoso solo. Master it, and you’ll navigate the turbulent seas of contracts and commitments like a seasoned captain. So, the next time conflict strikes a chord, let the written word be your melody, guiding you to resolution and harmony.

And there you have it, my friends—a backstage pass to my two decades of conflict-resolution wisdom in the music business. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, remember, conflicts are part of the gig. Embrace them, handle them with finesse, and let the power of the written word be your guiding light. Cheers to a conflict-free future in the world of live events and music contracts!

If you need some coaching in this area feel free to reach out. We offer consulting through CGA Consult (https://cybergrooveam.com/consult/)