Keith Hopkins: What Great Managers Do Differently — Networking, Consistency & Social Media

Some people chase the spotlight.And then there are the ones who make the spotlight possible.

The ones sending the emails, making the calls, building the relationships, and quietly pushing the momentum forward long before anyone else sees the results.

That’s Keith Hopkins.

In this episode of The Other Side, I sat down with Keith to talk about what it really looks like to support an independent artist in today’s music industry. Keith manages independent country artist Carman Collins, and what stood out immediately is how all-in he is. He’s not just handling one role — he’s taken on a true one-stop approach, managing outreach, booking, PR, social media strategy, and whatever else it takes to keep the career moving forward.

This conversation wasn’t about the spotlight.

It was about the work behind it.

The Business Side Artists Often Miss

Independent artists pour everything into their craft — writing, recording, performing, and building their sound. But what many don’t realize until they’re deep into the process is how much of this industry lives on the business side.

Keith talked about how often he sees talented artists stall, not because the music isn’t strong, but because the structure isn’t there. Without strategy, organization, outreach, and consistent follow-through, even great talent struggles to grow.

There are a lot of moving parts in this industry.

And someone has to be willing to manage them.

Relationships Still Drive the Industry

One of the biggest themes in our conversation was networking — not the surface-level version people often think about, but the kind built on reputation, consistency, and trust.

From the outside, the music business looks massive. But once you get closer to it, you realize how small it really is. People talk. People remember. Opportunities move through relationships.

And the bridges you burn don’t disappear. They usually lead right back to you.

Keith emphasized something that comes up often when you talk to people who last in this industry: do what you say you’re going to do, treat people well, and never forget the ones who helped you along the way.

Because in a relationship-driven business, your reputation is your currency.

What Separates Good from Great

When I asked Keith what separates the good from the great, his answer was simple — and powerful.

The great ones are humble. They’re kind. And they help others on the way up.

There’s a belief that when you pour into others, everyone rises. The artists and professionals who understand that tend to build stronger teams, stronger networks, and stronger careers over time.

That mindset matters just as much behind the scenes as it does on stage.

The Heart of This Episode

If there was one message that carried through this entire conversation, it was this:

Consistency wins. Not once a week. Not when it’s convenient. Every day.

Keith talked about the discipline required to keep showing up — the long hours, the sacrifice, the constant outreach, the content, the follow-ups, and the work that most people never see.

He also didn’t shy away from one of the biggest realities for artists today: social media isn’t optional anymore. Content has become its own job, and attention is one of the primary drivers of opportunity. If people don’t know you exist, they can’t support you.

Momentum isn’t built on one big moment. It’s built on daily effort over time.

What He’s Building Toward

Keith’s focus right now is simple: keep growing, keep learning, and keep building opportunities for Carman Collins.

More shows. More connections. More experience. More momentum.

And along the way, staying grounded in the same philosophy he kept coming back to throughout our conversation — work hard, treat people well, and don’t burn bridges.

Because the people who help you early are often the same ones still standing beside you when things start to grow.

If you’re an artist, a manager, or anyone trying to understand how this industry really works behind the curtain, this episode offers a clear look at the mindset and discipline it takes to build something that lasts.

🎙 Listen to the full episode of The Other Side with Keith Hopkins — available now on Rt66, Spotify, and all major platforms.

To stay connected: TheKeithHopkins.com

Artist mentioned:

Carman Collins — Listen to: "All American Girl"