question 213: What is a blog?

This was asked of me from an older generation of camera operators, who were interested in the topic I was presenting on yesterday, yet, unclear on what a blog actually is. Here is the definition of a blog:

blog (a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies) "postings on a blog are usually in chronological order"

I'd like to add "professional experiences" to that definition because it ties into the topic I was discussing.

Free resources for setting up blogs are www.blogger.com & www.wordpress.com (there are more, those are just the two I use)

Do your research before starting a blog, with the end in mind. While it was easy for me to set up this blog on blogger, many of the marketing strategies I have access to are only compatible with Wordpress.

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

question 212: If I'm just breaking into the biz should I quit my job?

My personal opinion is not unless you have enough contacts to hire you in the "biz." There is nothing wrong with maintaining your financial stability while building relationships. The key is to find the time to build new relationships and maintain them while in a job. You are basically using the same time management skills you'll be using once you're working regularly in the entertainment industry, and need to maintain your relationships while you're working.

If you have more questions about breaking in and who to target, let me know.

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

question 211: If I've been an actor for 10 years and now want to direct TV but I haven't had a hit show so no one knows me, can I do that?

The beauty of this industry is anything is possible. There are no rules. That said, breaking into tv as a director is a HUGE undertaking. You will need:

1. An outstanding director reel

2. A-List TV director mentors

3. TV Studio Executive advisors

4. A clear understanding of the job and the politics

5. (The outside-of-the-box method) a hit show that you direct independently

Obviously, there is a lot more than this simple answer, but if you're not committed to fully going for those 5, there's no point in going into it further. If you are committed, contact me and we can get you started on a plan of action!

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

question 210:What is the easiest job to get in the entertainment industry?

I can't really say there's an "easy" job to get in the entertainment industry. Even seemingly easy to get positions like a production assistant or gofer, are in great demand, and therefore quite competitive.

My clients hear me say over and over that while ours is a competitive industry, every industry is competitive if you want to make it to the top. So my question to you is do you have a strong passion for a particular area of the entertainment industry?

If so, find out what the entry level position is for that area and focus on getting that specific job.

If not, and you just know you want to be in the industry, research the different areas/department and narrow it down to 5-10 jobs that appeal to you. Then, if possible, have conversations with people in each area so you can narrow it down to an entry level position you'd like to pursue.

It's better to focus on a path that you choose rather than getting stuck on a career path that doesn't suit because you chose an "easy" way in.

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

question 209: You said something about a business card barrage at your speech. What were you talking about?

Ah yes, the "business card barrage." I was referring to the time at the end of an event or a Q &A, when the "guest(s) of honor" stays after to meet & greet. There is a large portion of the audience who hand the guest(s) their business card, sometimes without even a "hello."

It also happens at networking events, when certain people walk around the room and hand their card to every person, without an introduction. Now if someone was doing that with hundred dollar bills, it would be welcome. Business cards are another story. They are NOT a substitute for you. The purpose of a business card is so that a person can follow up with you AFTER you create a relationship. Handing someone a business card who doesn't know you serves no purpose. People have to know you, like you, and trust you before they'll hire you, so to hand them a card and walk away is like making a cold call, not to mention unprofessional.

Instead, focus on meeting a smaller number of people and spending time talking to them before exchanging cards.

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

question 208: What's the best compliment you can give someone about their work?

A truthful one. A compliment from the heart. Never compliment someone on their work if you haven't seen it, because if they question you, you'll look terrible.

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

question 207: I'm going to be meeting a big director at a dinner tomorrow. How do I talk to him?

Ummm.. with your mouth. Seriously, I'm being flippant, because it's important that you realize that the only difference between you and this "big director" are the opportunities he's had. I'm sure he's talented, as are you, I imagine, so talk to him like you would talk to any human being. Talk to him like a person. Trust me, it will make him feel far more uncomfortable if you start putting him on a weird pedestal or get extremely nervous around him.

If you know things about him personally, other than his work, bring up those subjects. If you don't, ask him what he does when he's not directing. Find something you can connect with, if possible. It's okay to bring up his work, but I'm sure he gets that all the time from strangers and this is a dinner party, so you want it to be comfortable. If you really want to discuss his work, ask him if he enjoys talking about it with new people he meets. If he light up and says, "I love talking about my work, I'm very passionate about what I do," then proceed. If he says something along the lines of, "It's been kind of a long week and I'd rather not." Then be prepared to say, "I totally get that. Whenever I don't want to talk about my work I just talk about (insert another passion of yours) because I always get excited talking about it, and it makes for great dinner conversation..."

Just remember the old Christopher Walken Saturday Night Live skit quote: Guys.. Guys... I put on my pants like everyone else, one leg at a time... except when I put on pants I make gold records.

I'm sure this director puts his pants on one leg at a time too.

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

question 206: Does your book and your coaching apply to any business?

Yes, the book, And...Action! is for any entrepreneur, independent contractor, business owner, or sales person who has a passion for movies. Do I address the entertainment industry professionals in it? Yes, so you'd have to substitute your business.

Does my coaching apply, yes. However, my niche is entertainment. I know the industry, I work in the industry, and it's really important to me that the people in the industry get these tools so that they can fulfill their dreams.

So if you're in real estate, or an attorney, or something else that isn't really related to entertainment, I'm probably not your best fit. But for those IN the industry, there's NOBODY better... in my humble opinion (and my mom's).

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

question 205: I was at your speech today and didn't meet more than 2 people. How do I overcome my shyness?

First, give yourself a break. When you first started doing whatever it is you do in the entertainment industry, you weren't instantly skilled.

Second, what I taught today are business skills. Skills take time to master. You met two people! That's great for a "shy" person. I discussed "Next Steps" for people today, and your next step is to practice, practice, practice. If at first it makes you nervous... bring along a friend.

I think it's great that you wrote to me and addressed this so quickly. It shows that despite feeling shy, you are driven, and with drive, you will overcome your obstacles. And I will be here to help!

Keep at it!!!

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

question 204: How did you write your book? I want to write one.

Different people have different ways of writing books. It also depends on the type of book you want to write. My book, And...Action!, is educational, so it came very easily to me. I knew I wanted to write a book that kept the reader learning business tools, strategies and mindsets, while moving him/her forward over a year's time, so I:

1. Made it 52 chapters

2. Put the 52 topics in an order that set the reader up to succeed

3. Matched movies to the topics to use as metaphors and make the "work" more enjoyable

4. Asked for referrals to publishers

5. Was accepted by the first publisher who read my submission

Writing a fiction book is a whole different process. My advice is to go to a bookstore or library and research books on "how to write a book," if you need concrete instruction. Otherwise, my question for you is "what is your objective for writing the book?" If you want to get it published, you may want to write a book proposal first and test the waters. If you're going to self-publish, just write your book. Good luck!

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

question 203: Am I allowed to write music that I like into my scripts? Especially if I produce it myself?

Not really a career coach question. I should say, "SPEAK TO A LAWYER," and leave it at that... but, I'm me, so here's a little something. When I worked in development, we were told when reading a script, that putting music in a script is a no-no because someone could hate the song and pass on the script. Something to consider. Personally, music inspires me when I write, and there have been scripts where I've written: A classic 70's song like Lola by the Kinks.

Now, actually using it is a WHOLE other thing. You CAN NOT (again, check with a lawyer) use someone else's music without paying royalties or their permission. You can find royalty free music on the internet, but using music that someone owns the rights to, NO.

If I'm off base, please chime in lawyers and such...

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