question 124: How do I make the most of non-entertainment industry events to find work?

Surprisingly, this is the first time I've been asked this question, though not the first time I've addressed it. I'm glad you recognize the opportunity at non-pro events. This may not work as well for non-industry cities, but for cities like New York and Los Angeles, it's all about six degrees of Kevin Bacon.

The way to maximize your opportunity is to share your passion with everyone you meet. Ask people what they do, see if you can help them or be a connector for them in their field. Then ask if they know anyone in the entertainment industry. You can start specifically with the classification that hires you, then get more general if necessary.

Present yourself as an expert in your field. Build their confidence in you by speaking with authority and passion.

Don't tell them you're looking for work. Always steer the conversation toward desiring to meet talented, like-minded people, to invite into your community network.

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

Question 123: How can I find out what it's like to work in scripted to make sure it's everything I hope it will be?

Great question. It's always a good idea to research the market you want to transition into before putting all of your effort into it. Here are my suggestions:

1. Get 10-15 mentors in your classification to discuss their original expectations of scripted television and how and if they've been met.

2. Get 10 mentors in other classifications who work in scripted television to discuss their experience. Ask them about the hours, the politics and political hierarchy, and the balance of work and personal life.

3. Visit, in your case, edit bays. Other classifications would visit the set or the writers room depending on what area of scripted television they are researching.

Communicate your expectations and get feedback. Notice I suggested 10-15 people. This is not a random number. If you ask 1 person and they discourage you, it's important to have other people lined up to speak to. You will get varying opinions and it's important to hear from a variety of people so you can make an educated decision.

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

question 122: I've had a prestigious career and feel I'm being blacklisted now. How do I handle this?

It can be extremely frustrating when you've earned a negative reputation. Some people earn it, then see the error of their ways. Others, may be the victims of fear-based sabotage, by people who feel threatened. I believe that either way, you can do damage control. Here are some ideas:

1. Create relationships with the "new generation." Go into film schools and speak. Make yourself accessible as a mentor. The more new people who see you in this positive "light," the more people who will stand up for you if the older generation try to tarnish your name.

2. Volunteer to speak on panels and at Q & As. Partner with an equipment company and get out there and speak. Re-build your reputation as someone who gives back.

3. Invite studio decision makers out to lunch to discuss how you can help them. Some ideas may be to do a training on setiquette for crew members, or speaking on "how the crew can make the executives' jobs easier."

If you did, in fact, earn your reputation, it's important to address the "purple elephant" in the room. Tell them your new outlook and how and why you've changed. Remind them that with your level of talent mixed with your ability to lead, you want another chance to be a valuable part of their team.

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

question 121: Can my grandparents be in movies?

The rest of the question read:

"...They are recently retired and very bored. I'm a wardrobe assistant who's just breaking in myself, so I don't know how to help them, but they think it would be fun."

I don't know what they retired from, so I'll assume it's not entertainment. Because of that assumption, I'm guessing they have no relationships in the industry, and probably no specific talent like Cinematography or Editing. Starting from scratch, may be a bit of a stretch in a competitive, unionized, industry. YET, they can still be in the movies.

Yes, it's true. If they are willing to listen, take direction, and "pretend" to talk, they can work as background artists. It sounds like you live in an entertainment city, being a wardrobe assistant. If your grandparents do too, they can register with an extras casting agency. Central Casting is one of the biggies in LA. Google "Extras Casting Agency."

What makes it even easier for them, is they don't need to be in a union when they start out. It's certainly something to aspire to, but not a necessity for breaking in.

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

question 120: After I read your blogs and your book I realized I did so many things wrong. Did I burn bridges?

It's REALLY hard to burn a bridge in our business. The key is NOT to remind people of the mistakes you made in the past. Don't even say, "hey remember when I visited you on set and I embarrassed you in front of your crew. I really learned from that and would never do that again."

Most people who ask this question, are concerned that they didn't follow up. It's never too late to get back in touch.

If you screwed up at your job, there are other fish in the sea. If you had a problem with drugs and alcohol that is now under control, make amends. If you stole somebody's guy/gal, move on-- and don't do that again.

But as far as the business tools I blog about, you tend to make a bigger deal over something than the person, who may or may not have noticed.

If you have a specific situation, put it in the comment section and I'll address it.

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

question 119: Does it make me look bad if I give someone a testimonial, like I needed help?

People give me testimonials all of the time. I even have a section on my site "Spotlight" where I spotlight clients' successes.

If you're being asked for a testimonial it means that you've had success and benefited from working with the person/company. People who are reading the testimonial are impressed with your success, not judging you for needing help. They're reading the testimonial because they need help and want to know that this is a person/company that delivers.

As someone who receives testimonials all of the time, I can tell you, it's very appreciated. Instead of worrying about what others are thinking about you, focus on contributing to someone else.

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

question 118: I'm not involved in my union other than paying my dues. Does this really matter?

You tell me. Unions have a lot to offer:

1. Contacts in other members

2. Free movies

3. Content on website

4. Networking/family events

5. Educational/Technical seminars and materials

6. Discount tickets for movies, family trips, rental cars, etc.

7. Credit Lines

And much more... see if your union has an orientation that addresses all of the benefits of being a union member

There are also political decisions being made on your behalf. Wouldn't you like to know and even be a part in decisions affecting your income, benefits, safety, etc?

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

Question 117: Should I be on Twitter?

Jury is still out on this one. Depends on your objective. If it's to follow me, yes, because of the value I provide in my posts. Though even I haven't figured out the value of Tweeting. I just post it there and link it to my Facebook page where I do my social networking. There are some great marketing strategies that recognizable "names" are using. You can model them.

This is one of those blogs, that if anyone has had great career success using Twitter, I would love for you to write about it in the comment section.

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

question 116: How do I explain the lapse in dates on my resume?

REMOVE DATES! Most entertainment classification resumes only need the project name, who hired you directly, and the name of the production company.

Dates give people a reason to say no. Why? Because they see lapses in time or they see how old you are (because your first job was in '73 and they weren't born yet!).

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

question 115: What if I don't want to go to a networking event alone but I don't know anyone to go with?

You have to know someone, even if that someone isn't in the industry. Start there, so that you can meet 10 people at the first event you attend. Share with the new people you meet that you're looking for someone to attend events with.

If you literally don't know anyone (maybe you just moved to town) you're going to have to create a strategy for overcoming your fear, just for the first event, so you can meet a few people to start your contacts.

Because it's about "who you know and who knows you" it's essential that you get yourself out there.

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

Question 114: Why does my 12-year-old daughter's acting classes cost so much more than my 21-year-olds?

Supply and demand. There are so many acting schools for adults that to stay competitive, the market price stays relatively low. The more reputable classes tend to be slightly pricier.

For kids, however, there aren't as many schools. Plus, because parents are paying, the schools figure parents are willing to spend a lot of money on their little darlings.

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