Networking
Part of the process of finding success in the entertainment industry is being good at networking. The process of networking is simply the art of winning friends and influencing people.
Networking Rules
If I may borrow a rule from a Greater One than myself, you should do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Never be a needy attention hound who tries to scam people out of anything. After all:
- Would you want someone hounding you relentlessly when you are simply trying to enjoy an event… or, surf the web at home?
- Would you want someone with a fake smile kissing up to you?
- Would you want someone to insult your intelligence?
- Would you want a barrage of spam in your e-mail box?
Of course not.
Therefore, the rule is to never misuse networking opportunities. Focus on building relationships, not on trying to get something out of people.
One mistake often made is coming across in the wrong way. If you are overly ingratiating, creepy or stalker-ish, you will defeat yourself. Hollywood is all about relationships… and being friends with the right person can make your career. Likewise, coming across like a (hee haw) with the right person can destroy any hopes of having a career.
The key is to be a consummate professional at all times.
Networking In-Person
If you live in Los Angeles or New York City, you may wish to avail yourself of opportunities to network with fellow members of the industry. Granted, you may not find yourself bellying up to a bar besides Angelina Jolie — but there are ways to make yourself visible to working actors and decision makers. There are those who have graduated to moving in the inner circles of A-listers. The key is to remember the rules (above) — and to be willing to do unto others without trying to finagle them into doing unto you. People will value the person who can socialize without giving them the “heebie jeebies.”
On the social side, check out events where you may meet people that may help you in your career pursuits. On the business side, don’t be afraid to volunteer for “grunt work” roles at events that may be sponsored by some star’s pet charity. That star may not ask you for your headshot (and, please, don’t bring it) but people in the industry will see you as a go-to person whom they will want to know more about.
Networking On-Line
There are a number of on-line web sites that you may wish to investigate.
- http://www.facebook.comA number of entertainment industry professionals have Facebook pages and, unlike MySpace, the phony profile problem is not quite as widespread. On this site, an actor may connect with established personalities and make friendships.
- http://www.filmstreamer.netFilmStreamer is a referral service that links entertainment industry professionals. If you are seeking to get your résumé in front of people that are hiring, this is one great way to do so.
- http://www.linkedin.comLinkedIn is not specific to the entertainment industry, but is growing in favor with Hollywood insiders. There are also a number of investors who seek entertainment properties via this site.
- http://www.myspace.comMany say that MySpace has become the wild west with proliferation of phony celebrity profiles and tons of bad press. However, there are a number of networking groups within MySpace that include:
- http://www.nextcat.comNextCat takes the best ideas from Facebook and MySpace and has put it into a format specific to members of the entertainment industry. This site has great resources for actors and models.
- http://www.tribehollywood.comTribe Hollywood started as a resource for NYU students that has become an international resource for the entertainment industry. Unlike many other networking sites, all potential members are vetted before given full membership privileges.
In Conclusion
Successful networking is easy… but it requires time and effort. Be sagacious in connecting to others and never come across as a person who abuses relationships. When creating profiles, it is imperative that you keep your professional information separate from personal. You don’t want a casting agent or producer going to a site where you are posing nude with your friends (unless you are seeking a career in porn)… or sprawled across a lawn with a bottle of Captain Jack in your hand (unless… well, anyway).
Happy networking!
