Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 887: what is the minimum number of people I should know?

Why are you asking about minimums? It sounds like you want to meet as few people as possible. I always suggest a minimum of 100 people to my new clients who only know a few people. That works out to meeting less than 10 people per month over the course of one year. I encourage them to be strategic about who they meet, in other words, focus on meeting people who can hire you or know people who can hire you.

That said, I'd like to address the "wanting to meet as few as possible." There are so man GREAT people in our industry to meet. I know what you're thinking, I've heard it all. People in each classification have their schtick: Editors: we like to be alone in dark rooms. Camera: There's a reason we're behind the camera. Writers: we write so we don't have to talk to people. Actors: I'm fine when I'm in charater, but I don't want to meet people if I have to be myself. And on and on...

I've heard every classifications' reasons for not enjoying meeting people including the old faithful "I'm shy." The bottom line is, it's necessary for your career, so instead of filling your head with reasons you don't want to meet people, ask yourself, "Who can I meet today, whose life I can change for the better?" Ask better questions and you'll get better results.

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entertainment industry coach question 782:I read your list of people to get referrals to on page 79 how do you ask when people are so competitive?

This was a question from someone who is reading my book AND ACTION!

Here are my suggestions for asking for referrals:

1. Ask people you’re not in direct competition with. Who else knows the classification of people you're trying to meet?

2. Explain clearly, what you want to speak to their contacts about. Many times people aren't sure why you're asking for the referral, so they are resistant. Be sure to give them a reason they can say yes to.

3. Have an upbeat energy when you’re asking, a mindset of possibility. If you sound like you're apologizing for asking, or have any negativity in your tonality and/or physiology, people pick up on that. They want to help people who are confident and upbeat.

4. Be prepared (have a target list). Straight out of Jerry Maguire - help them to help you.

5. Know your objections before and have an answer prepared. If people have said no in the past, know why and address those objections in the future either directly or change how you're asking for the referral.

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entertainment industry coach question 746:How do you leave NAB in Vegas in April with 50 Valuable Contacts?

You attend my free seminar!

For those of you who RSVP you'll also get a complimentary pre-NAB teleseminar to prepare you for the days prior to the live event.

See you in Vegas!

entertainment industry coach question 744: Are there any no-nos for staying in touch with people?

I'll re-word that question to be: My lists of DONT'S when staying in touch.

1. Don't call someone everyday. This may seem obvious to you, but it's not to everyone. So, if I help one person, not to make this mistake, my job is done.

2. Don't forget to BCC when sending out a mass email about an accomplishment or an event! This mistake can get you blackballed. Seriously, privacy is a big deal in our industry. Don't be the person who shares everyone's contact info.

3. Don't call/email for no reason. It's transparent.

4. Don't be attached to your agenda. If you call someone and he/she says that it's a bad time, get off the phone. Don't say that you just need a minute or you just have a quick question. It's never a minute and the answers are never quick.

5. Don't send "good luck," "money angels," or any kind of emails that will make your business contacts feel like they are going to have bad luck forever or cause an angel to lose it's wings if they don't pass it on to 50 people they know within 15 minutes.

6. Don't forward a "warning" email about a guy who slashes peoples' feet from under SUVs, or sprays poison perfume, to your business contacts. In fact don't forward them to anyone without checking first on www.breakthechain.org. Most of these emails are fake.

7. Don't misspell names. Just don't. www.IMDB.com

These are all I can think of right now. If you have any doozies to share, please feel free to put them in the comments.

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entertainment industry coach question 619: How does the 4 hour work week apply to what you teach? It seems like you do a lot of work.

Have you read Tim Ferris' 4-Hour Work Week? He works far more than 4 hours a week, but he loves what he does so he doesn't consider it work. The things he doesn't enjoy he fits into those 4 hours or outsources.

That's exactly how I "work." I love what I do, so speaking, blogging, creating products, coaching, etc., are sources of enjoyment for me. Sometimes, if my assistant can't come over before a newsletter is going out and I have 50 names and emails to input in my database, that can feel like work.

I use this concept with my clients as well. My goal is to make networking a source of enjoyment for them, marketing a source of creativity, and sales a source of pride, so it doesn't feel like work. When they're actually on set or in pre or post production doing their jobs, most are so fulfilled that work definitely doesn't feel like work.

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entertainment industry coach Question 486:I'm brainstorming ways to meet more people in the business in NYC, since I don't live in LA. Help

First you have to research the NYC market. Who lives there? Who works there? You can start by seeing if the NY Union branch offices have directories. Then research the local filmmaking organizations like IFP.org. They will have info on working NY residents. Once you have a target list of New Yorkers...

1. Social media: You have to decide what level of contact you want. LinkedIn is the more professional network you may find more executives to connect with there. Facebook is where the relationships are really happening in our industry (for now).

To make the most of social networking, you want to target the specific people whom you want to get to know. Instead of sending a lone "friend request," FB gives you the option to send a message with your request. Tell them a bit of your story; that you're a screenwriter in New York and would like to follow his/her posts to stay up to date on his/her work.

Once you are friends you can see the personal side. Does this person have kids? A sports passion? A hobby like photography? Anything you can connect to and comment on. That's how people get to know you. If they ask questions, answer them. If you are a Rangers fan and they are an Islanders fan stay away!!! Kidding... sort of.

2. Get mentors! I've written about this in my blog before so check the archives. Once you've built up your social network and know the people you have commonalities with and they would know who you are from Facebook (etc.), reach out for a business advice and guidance mentorship.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 479: What is the difference between networking and schmoozing?

Technically, the difference is the meaning you choose to put on the words. But because I'm a coach who loves doing seminars on successful networking, my two cents are:

While reality TV and scripted TV are both types of television, they are completely different genres.

Similarly, schmoozing and networking are both ways to meet people, they are simply two different "attitudes". Networking is a professional attitude whereas schmoozing can be interpreted as either playful or sleazy depending on the person doing the schmoozing and his or her intention.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 420: I know I don't know enough people but I hate networking, is there anything I can do?

There are tons of things you can do. The first, is stop saying that you hate networking. I used to hate being in water I couldn't see through. Then I went to a resort were I was taken snorkeling and was shocked at what I'd been missing. Now when I go to Hawaii, I go right into the water and seek out the sea turtles instead of fearing what "unknowns" may be lurking.

You clearly know you need to know more people. Make a list of the types of people you would like to meet. I personally like to meet people who are passionate, inspiring, out-side-of-the-box thinkers who don't hear no, and who take action. When I'm networking, the minute I meet a complainer, I hear him/her out and then go on my way, without asking for a card, and rarely giving mine unless they ask for it.

Instead of looking at it as networking, look at it as you being an interviewer for people who fit into your network. It's not about going to an event and being afraid of being judged, it's about seeking out like-minded people. Sometimes you find them, sometimes you don't. But you always learn from the experience.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach question 379: How do I avoid being a networking fool?

Well he didn't exactly say that. He was far more eloquent: When I am at a party or industry event, and I want to say hi to / network with someone important, I don't know when to cut in / interrupt. I stand there and wait, not wanting to be rude, but then I feel like I am hovering. As soon as I get ten seconds with the person, someone interrupts us ("What's up, dude!"), and I am left feeling unimportant and foolish.

What I told him, in a personal email is that he really needs to take my 5 Keys to Your Success at a Networking Event Seminar. The reason being is because, I can tell you what to do, but until you are practicing the exercises (and in my seminars it's a safe environment) and really get the timing and your wording right, it's still going to be intimidating.

Therefore I invite all of you to sign up for my FREE newsletter (see link below) because I tell you my schedule and when and where I will be giving that particular seminar for free.

But to give you a little written help, it's all about confidence and realizing that the difference between you and the "important person" are the opportunities that he/she had. As soon as you take people off the pedestal and recognize that you have something important to say that will enrich their lives to know, conversations will happen naturally.

In my Triple Your Contacts Doing What You Love product (also available on my site, lots of promotion in this blog because this is a big issue for masses of people and I want you to know I have solutions for you) I cover a lot of what goes on in my seminar, while tying it to the things you love to do. In addition, I give you a list of icebreakers to help get into the conversation... none of which include "what's your sign?"

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 374: What's the best way to convince people to work low pay upfront & rest deferred for a 3 wk Indie Film shoot?

The best way is to create a win/win, be professional (have legal documents drawn up regarding the deferral pay), and most of all make it fun for them.

No one wants to work for free or for lower than their pay grade, but people will be willing to do it if:

1. They like and want to support the person whose project it is

2. They believe in the material

3. There is an opportunity for them (to work in a new genre, get a scene for their reel that's missing, play with new equipment they've never used before, get a celebrity on their reel, meet new people to network with, etc.)

4. They are being given the opportunity to move up in classification

5. They need to build their credits

The critical thing to remember when people are making sacrifices for your project is to treat them and feed them well!

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 278: How do I create a website that will get me work?

A website is a marketing tool to help in your pursuit of getting work. It is not a substitute for creating relationships, it simply compliments the process.

To start, you want to research websites that are getting attention and model them. Because it's a marketing tool, you want to spend the money it takes to get it right the first time. Unless you have the sharp know how of do-it-yourself, save the time that you could be networking for work and hire a professional.

Next, get advice from people who look at websites. Find out what they want to see and what they don't want to see.

Finally, be sure that whomever creates the site for you makes it easy for you to update because websites are works in progress, as is your career.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, the Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 258: I want to be a set massage therapist. How do I do that?

You must give ME 100 massages.

Okay, that’s not the real answer, but I sure wouldn’t mind it. I don’t think there’s a union for set massage therapists, but I’d check with IATSE, just to be sure.

All of the tools I share with other classifications who want to work on sets apply to you, too:

1. It’s who you know, so build relationships with people who work on sets and can get you on.
2. Market yourself, and create a “buzzy” hook, so you’ll be memorable.
3. Brush up on your interviewing skills.
4. Find other successes set masseuses and model them.
5. Network, network, network!

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 238: How can I help my husband get work when I'm not in the industry?

That depends on your skill set. If your husband isn't working and he has the talent to be working, he needs help in a number of possible areas:

1. networking

2. marketing

3. selling

4. maintaining relationships

5. follow up

I have coached many couples, where the wife acts as her husband's manager. You also may want to read books on the industry so you have a better understanding of the business.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

entertainment industry coach question 230: How am I supposed to change my perspective on something I hate doing?

This was a question I received about yesterday's blog entry on procrastination. What the person is referring to is where I wrote:

3. Change your perspective on what you're doing. In general, people don't procrastinate on things they enjoy doing. So, how can you turn something you don't enjoy into something you do? If you need ideas, let me know.

The way to change your perspective is to give yourself other options. For example: The majority of the people I speak to at events say that they "hate networking." Then after 3 hours with me at my "5 Keys to Your Success at a Networking Event," they discover how fun it can be and strategies for overcoming their "networking obstacles." They change their perspective.

So, how do you change your perspective?

1. Get outside of yourself: find someone who's had success doing what you don't like to do and listen to their perspective on it. Find out what makes them successful at it. Hearing someone else's positive take on it gives you a new perspective. You have to choose to take it on as your own, though.

2. Brainstorm with people outside of the industry on what you can do to make the task you don't like enjoyable. I suggest outsiders because they have no experience with the uniqueness of the business from an artist/craft person's perspective.

3. Ask yourself over and over, "what would make it enjoyable?" Keep asking until you get an answer. Right now you've made a decision that it's not enjoyable so there are no other options. In other words, you've cut off the possibility that it can be any other way. So what if it were enjoyable? What would make it that way?

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com