We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Stafford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, any pet peeves with networking events? Anything you feel works well in terms of relationship building?
I would say instinctive behavior of a persons talent. I always question the Pros & Cons of connecting with someone that share the same interest. Is this person truly focused, what’s their level of thinking, and do they have any knowledge about the business. I ask about short term goals and their process to obtaining long term goals as well. In a short: Rather than avoid, I choose not to deal with people that mis-manage their time.

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Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love all things in the Field of Art. I’m a Jazz Artist with a secondary love for film. I’ve takin the last year off from my music to focus on opening up my independent film company. I’m excited about opportunities. Reading and grasping on to knowledge that’s readily available in this world. You have to work on your skills every day. Maximize your schedule down to the last second. don’t cheat time and be honest to yourself about your talent. Was it easy? As the saying goes: If it were easy everyone would do it. I think you have to acknowledge that obstacles will always be there. You will always have challenges in your life. I’ve never thought about success or success being the end game for me. I approach each task in life by trying to get a clear understanding of its obstacles and weighing it against time and cost. i’ve learned there’s a skill set of people in this world called procrastinators. I’ve never thought about how others see me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My preference is a quiet place with minimal people. But for a friend I would go and check out the local talent. Taste a bottle of wine and enjoy a good cigar. We’d probably check out Houston’s Back Street Cafe for some brunch and treat’m to some Texas BB’q for dinner. There’s always something going on at the Discovery Green. Houston is a great city to live in, we have a lot to offer if you don’t mind the drive or the traffic. We have all the major sporting events, the strand in Galveston and plenty of eating spots. My biggest joy is hanging at the house with friends while sharing a good laugh when time permits.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My “Shoutout” would effortlessly go to my Mom & Large Family of Brothers and Sisters that showered me with so much love and support as a kid. I was mentored by one of my brothers (Frank) as I followed in his foot steps to journey down this road in search of my own sound in this world of music. I get a constant earful of encouragement from my fellow musician and friend since high school (Kevin Nash). I share peace and understanding with my business partner (Khalil Malik). My deepest “Shoutout” goes to my soulmate (Veronica Tezino). She has taught me to mirror her ways of patience, and understanding me as an Artist.

Website: www.paulstafford.us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulstaffordmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/umijazz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulStaffordMusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_81NO2I5At1NAbvTFWaCQw
Other: https://g.co/kgs/6WCGdt