The first relevant production job I ever had was through someone I knew. After several years of school and not making much headway, I found myself staring at my facebook inbox, preparing myself to email a connection I knew only through heresy. Just for an opportunity to move forward. I wanted it bad enough, so I sent that message. I explained my background and that I was looking for advice on what I can do to jump start my dream career. Within two weeks, I was working on set as a PA, offering myself anywhere help was needed, wanting to prove myself and secretly hoping it would lead to more work. I befriended Marissa and Mike, picking their brains - they did something right to be booked for this gig too.
4 years later, I can look back at a career I can be very proud of, along with a large reliable network of connections - all because I understood the importance of networking. I am happy to pass along my expertise, compiled through experience, observations and candid discussions with colleagues. Over the next few days, I will write about how to network, the do's and don'ts, and even other options to market yourself for more opportunities. Take what you think will work for you. Good luck!
Networking on the Job - Things to Remember
You've got a gig, now what? How do you ensure your self your own job security? Whether it's a one day job, contracted, or permanent, full time salary - you need to always be in the mindset that you are your own marketing. The media and entertainment industry is very fickle. What you have today can easily be gone tomorrow. Here are some rules, tips, and basic networking etiquette to make someone want to refer or book you for your next job:
Respect and get to know everyone - don't limit yourself even one opportunity. That PA you're not even acknowledging could easily refer you as could anyone else. We all wear many hats in this business and you never know who knows who.
Be humble - Don't brag about the celebrities you've met. No one cares. Don't talk about how many high profile shows you've worked on. It will give the impression that you made this
career choice for all the wrong reasons.
PROVE YOURSELF - work work work! This is key! Offer to help when needed and even when your not. Anticipate the needs of the crew, the set, the office, your boss. You have free time and don't know much about the technical aspects of the job? Head over to a grip and ask questions if the opportunity allows itself. Not only will you strengthen your skill set, but this will absolutely impress those who you are working with and show that you are a reliable member of the team that someone would be confident in putting their name on the line for.
Have a pitch - Once you show your work ethic, you have 10-15 seconds to sell yourself when speaking with colleagues. What do you want to do? Know in what direction you want your career to go. Want to be a casting producer? Say it. Please don't say the ever popular, " I'll take anything, I just want to work in this industry.." This statement DOES NOT make you seem eager and enthusiastic. How can anyone help you when they don't know which direction to send you in and what you have to offer.
# 1 rule in networking etiquette - Once you've made contacts DO NOT pass their information along to anyone else. It's rude, its wrong, and that person who's information was passed along will have their phone called incessantly and their inbox filled with requests and inquires for work. Needless to say that person will no longer consider you a viable connection and you lose. Remember you have to prove yourself to EARN a contact.
Network connect = 1 Credit - Understand that someone is putting their name on the line when they refer you for anything. They're risking their own opportunities and credibility. You ruin or lose that credit you ruin opportunities, not only for you but you connections as well, decreasing your outreach even more. A network connect is like a credit. Prove your worth that credit!
Next: Networking Online
Image courtesy of CNN.com
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