entertainment industry coach question 640: 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.

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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 566: A CD told me not to put any links on my emails because they are distracting, is this true?

If you asked 10 casting directors, you'd get 10 different answers. You are a business. You have to promote yourself. If you are sending in a headshot and resume for a project with a note, any additional links to social media, a website, a movie trailer, a reel, a blog, etc., would go under your signature. If they don't want to be distracted, they don't have to read down that far.

That said, make a note of the CD who doesn't like it and when you write to her/him, remove your signature.

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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 the top of the page 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

Question 128: Doesn't having a Facebook/Twitter link on my website look unprofessional?

I pulled this from an audience question at a panel I attended this morning. It was on web design and how to make your Mac work for your career. (visit www.amacguru.com) One of the participants insisted it made her look unprofessional to have a Facebook, Twitter, or any other social networking site (SNS) icon on her website. As a career coach in the entertainment industry, I couldn't disagree more!

We are not stuffy, suit wearing, hard-nosed professionals. We are an industry of story telling people. In other words we are in a social industry. Most of my clients love social networking simply because they don't have to network face to face (of course I coach them on the importance and benefits of face to face).

Therefore, not only does linking your website to SNSs increase your website optimization, it also shows that you are socially connected. AND if you're using SNSs correctly, a cool person to connect with.

So before you stick your nose up to SNSs, read my blog entry about how they can be used to your advantage. You'll have to check the archives... I'm on day 128 and can't remember what day I wrote about it.

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

Question 21: Should I stick to one thing (directing/acting/camera) or diversify?

That depends: how good are you at the different things you want to do?  

These days people are wearing many hats or using many /s.  I think it's great.  I do it myself. The important business question is: 

How are you marketing yourself?

The big mistake I see people make, is putting everything on one resume: editing, camera operating, background artist.  It's one thing to market yourself as a DP who operates, or a writer/director, it's another thing to be "Jack of all trades." People want to know that the person they are hiring is an expert at what he/she does.

I suggest you have separate resumes, websites, business cards, and reels.  If a situation arises, such as a LOW budget film, and they want a director who can also shoot and edit, then put together a package that shows you can do it (if you can deliver).  

Remember to trust your gut about whom you're sharing what, with.  Some old school people don't appreciate those who haven't worked their way up through the ranks. And some traditionalists prefer someone who they believe is passionate about one thing.  

Personally, I LOVE being, Jessica Sitomer, actress/writer/producer/author/speaker/career-coach/blogger/dog owner/chocolate lover/Jiu-Jitsu white belt (with 1 stripe)/"24" fanatic

For more tips and Greenlight Coach articles visit: www.theGreenlightCoachBlog.com

Question 15: How can you get yourself known on the web, without seeming annoying or cheesy?

Sometimes the way y'all phrase your questions, cracks me up!  Let me address the later part of that question since it's what's helping me fill my laugh quota for today...

If you are not annoying or cheesy, you will not be perceived that way.  I'm going to go out on a limb, and guess that you're neither of those.  Because if you were, you wouldn't recognize the annoyances and cheesiness of others, and therefore, you wouldn't recognize the need to NOT be like them.  So, go easy on yourself, and don't do anything that you find annoying or cheesy.  

Ways to get yourself noticed on the web that are professional, effective and a smart way to market:

1. Create a website that honestly represents what you do professionally, makes it easy for people to find the information on you that they want, and showcases your best attributes.

*NOTE: if you are not website building savvy, and will spend a lot of time learning as you build, I suggest what my mentor Loral Langemeier says, "Strengthen your strengths, pay for your weaknesses."  It's better to spend money on a professional web designer, so you can spend YOUR time generating money with your professional strengths.  I recommend Kathy Hoffman at http://www.hoffmansites.com.   Tell her you're my client.  She's very reasonable and very reliable.

2. Get on Social Networking Sites like: Facebook, Twitter, Linked in, Plaxo, etc. For me, Facebook is the priority (this week). Make informative or inquisitive posts on people's walls. 

For example: a camera operator needed an AC.  He posted his request on my wall and on my Greenlight Coach Group wall, and found his AC through my friends network.  (hint, hint, if you're reading this you should be friend requesting me on FB, joining The Greenlight Coach Group, and following me on Twitter.  

3. Write an informative blog or create a podcast.

4. Post videos of yourself (demonstrating /teaching/ working) on YouTube.  No dancing to a montage of music from the 80's... that's cheesy (the only exception is: if you're a professional dancer). 

5. Post informative comments AND success stories on other people's blogs, like this one!  Or www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com.  This gets you recognized as an expert in your field, in a community of like-minded people. 

If you have more detailed questions about any of the above, post it on my comments section and I'll answer it as a separate question. 

For more tips and articles by The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com