entertainment industry coach question 355: How do I get noticed without dressing like a hooker?

I wish this was from a guy, that would have been even funnier. Usually when you're "getting noticed" for what you're wearing (unless it's because the person is in rapport with you because you have the same style) it's a bad thing.

SO how do you get noticed? By talking to people about what you're passionate about, opening up about yourself, and sharing personal stories. That's how you get noticed because you're being yourself and people can connect to you.

I know, I make it sound so easy, but you know what? It really can be that easy... so start talking!

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

entertainment industry coach question 354: How do I walk up to someone at an event who is bombarded by people?

You come up with something specific and unique to ask (that you really want answered), and push through the crowd, and say, "I don't want to keep you too long with all of these people waiting, so a quick question for you___________." The person gives you the answer and you're on your way.

Then you follow up with him and remind him that you were the guy/girl who asked him the question about ___________ and you've implemented his advice and could he answer a question about what you should do next...

It takes 3 conversations to create a relationship, so walking up to someone after a screening, a Q&A, or at an event, and simply telling him/her that you're an admirer and then walking away is a complete waste of time. Sure it's fun to tell your friends back in Jersey that you spoke to Robert De Niro, but it doesn't help your career if you have no plan for follow up.

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

CASTING CALL FOR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

Casting Call: A new competition series starring Hollywood’s top entertainment career coach, is seeking skilled professionals in the entertainment industry, who know their craft and want to supercharge their rate of getting new contacts and jobs. Casting is looking for outgoing, driven, above and below the line candidates; actors, directors, writers, production designers, camera department, editors, costumers, etc. Participants must be available form April 27^th –May 10^th. Everyone chosen will receive prizes as the competition progresses, and the winner will receive a year of platinum coaching and a cash prize. The producers want to make it clear that this is an educational and empowering show, putting success tools in the hands of entertainment industry professionals. Participants must live in Los Angeles. To apply email casting@TheGreenlightCoach.com and include name, age, classification(s), and why you would be great on the show. Also include a recent photo and your contact numbers.

entertainment industry coach question 353:I've been in the biz for 35 yrs how can you coach when every thing's changed?

I imagine in your 35 years in the business you've seen many periods of change, including multiple strikes, runaway production, ever-changing technology. With all of these changes how can I not coach? You see, the new people breaking in, haven't been through what you have, so they are going after their careers like "this is the way it is." For them, I coach them on the basic business tools to grow their business that EVERYBODY needs, no matter the climate or changes of the industry.

For people like you, who've been in the industry a long time, I must (pardon the expression) "teach old dogs new tricks." Most people don't like change and resist it too long, hoping that the "money-spenders" will come to their senses and keep things as they were. By the time they realize that's not going to happen, a new crop of ____________(insert your classification) have jumped on the "change" bandwagon, and are getting hired on the jobs that used to be yours.

So I coach people who want to embrace the changes, move with them, and keep working. I also coach people who are starting from right now, empowering them with tools that will help them through future changes which they will encounter. As a coach, I change with the times too. Do you think a decade ago I was coaching clients to market themselves with social media? No. The people who are resisting the change, "fighting joining Facebook" are losing out on massive opportunities and losing work because of it!

If you are resisting change, and frustrated that things aren't what they used to be, I suggest you change your attitude and start looking for ways to be a part of the change.

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

entertainment industry coach question 352: How am I supposed to keep up with all the TV shows when they get cancelled so fast?

Actors are told to know ALL the shows because they need to know the tone when they audition (this was sent to me by an actor). Every classification that works in television needs to keep up with the shows so that you know the tone, the crew, the genre, etc.

How do you keep up? Bottom line is, if you watched every show you'd have no time to pursue a career. Watch the pilots. That will give you a pretty clear idea of the show. Don't get too caught up with keeping detailed notes on everything. Target 20 shows to begin with and if 2 get cancelled, add 2 more.

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

entertainment industry coach question 351: Somebody told me there are writers on reality shows. Is this true? Is it all fake?

I could tell you... but then I'd have to kill you. Here's the thing, Hollywood is all about fantasy and creating imaginary worlds. I don't want to burst anybody's bubble, so if you're interested in writing for a reality show, there may be some possibilities out there for you. Email me privately for a more detailed answer. I'd hate to have all of my college friends screaming, "What?!?!? It's not ALL 100% real?!?!?"

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

entertainment industry coach question 350:What would be the best way to revive contacts without coming across as flaky or too needy?

The background of this question is of a person who has been traveling back and forth from LA due to family emergencies. The contacts in this person's life think that she just disappeared. Because the emergencies will continue taking her to and from LA, she wants to know how to re-establish and maintain her relationships.

In a situation like this, as long as you're not begging for work and feeling needy, you won't come across as needy. Flaky people are those who say they are going to do something and then they don't do it. Hence the term "he flaked."

The concern your contacts will have is that if they hire you, you will be unable to fulfill your duties because you may be called away suddenly for a family emergency. Therefore, you have to decide with whom you have a strong enough relationship to share what's happening in your life, in the hope that they will be understanding and hire you for short term and day playing jobs to keep you working.

For the rest, you can re-establish by sharing the good things that have been going on, complimenting them on something they've worked on, and seeking advice on basic things like networking events to join and charity organizations to get involved in. This way the maintenance of your relationship can be set around your involvement, as opposed to trying to get work from them.

When your family issues reach a resolve that you feel comfortable committing to longer jobs, you'll be in touch with enough people to reach out to.

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

entertainment industry coach question 349:How old is the oldest person you've ever helped into the industry?

I've coached people of all ages. I know you want to know the "oldest," and I'd ask you why it matters? Whether you're breaking in for the first time or re-entering after a long hiatus, as long as you have talent, a great work ethic, and a willingness to do the "business work," why should age be an excuse?

Notice I did not ask if it would be an obstacle. There are certainly obstacles to breaking into the industry and competing with people your age who have a long work history, but if your DREAM is to work in this industry, then don't let age be an excuse.

Instead ask the question, "What tools do I need to break into the industry at my age?"

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

entertainment industry coach question 348: How do I bring up my "career" with someone I work for as a nanny?

Upon elaboration this person shared that the woman whom she's a nanny for is a big producer and her husband is in the industry as well.

I would suggest testing the waters first. Ask, "Would you be open to answering some questions I have about the business side of the industry, or do you prefer to keep that part of your life separate because I work for you?" Then you're being polite and respectful, making it comfortable for them to answer truthfully. This is a business "request" which means you must be prepared and okay with getting 'no' as an answer.

Should you get a 'yes', have questions prepared incase he/she wants to answer questions right there on the spot.

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

entertainment industry coach question 347: Is it appropriate to ask out someone on set or could I get in trouble for sexual harassment?

I'm not an expert on sexual harassment laws/rules... I'm a little concerned that you're associating asking someone out with it, but perhaps I'm naive and there are far more lawsuits going on than I know about.

If you are on a show that has an end date, maybe you can wait until wrap. If you're on a long-running episodic, trust your instincts. It's about intention. As long as you ask politely and can accept the possibility of "no" as an answer, you'll probably be okay. BUT I'M NOT A LAWYER.

Nor am I a dating coach. You're asking someone whose only dates are with Mac, and yes, I'm referring to my laptop. If only he cooked, he'd be perfect.

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

entertainment industry coach question 346: How do I get contact information for potential mentors?

This was a question I didn't have time to answer on my tele-class call today. There are many different resources for finding contact information for potential mentors. It depends on their classification.

Start with the people you know to see if anyone is "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" to them and can get you the contact information. If not...

If they are in a union you can contact the union. You may be sent a directory, given information over the phone, or be allowed to send a letter which they will forward.

If they have a production company, you can get that information from IMDBpro, the Hollywood Creative Directory, and in some cases, Google.

Last resort would be to go through their agent if they have one. Before investing the time of researching them, call the agency to confirm that they DO forward their client's mail.