Question 136: You say know "everybody," but I gotta tell you, there are some weird people in our business! What if I don't want to know them?

You know the old saying, "don't judge a book by it's cover?" Well, it's okay to judge weird people and not choose to form a relationship with them. What I mean by "everybody" is, "don't judge a person by their classification." Most people tend to only network with people in the same classification/union or with the people who can hire them. What they don't recognize is that there are people out there in other classifications who may not be able to hire them, but know the people who can. And someone who is not in your classification is far more likely to share his/her contacts with you than someone who is the same classification as you.

So when I say everyone, I don't mean that literally... Lord knows I don't! I simply mean know people in all classifications. And don't feel badly for the people you consider "weird," they find each other and create relationships. Like attracts like and everyone is happy.

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

question 135: How can I make my career transition without reverting back to entry-level wages?

Unfortunately, when you are changing classification, it may be necessary to start at an entry level job. Let's say you are an editor who has worked your way up after being an assistant editor and now you're interested in getting into development. Yes, as an editor you have to have an eye for creating story, BUT, in the studio world that probably won't transfer. You will have to start as an intern or an assistant to learn the skills of doing coverage, giving script notes, observing how your bosses interact with writers, agents, and executives.

Just because you've worked as a production designer on big budget union films doesn't mean you can easily transition into being a post production supervisor. Different classifications have different skills that you learn as you move up the ranks. You don't always have to move up the ranks, plenty of film students come right out of school as directors of photography without starting as a loader.

It's up to the "industry standards" and it's also up to you. Do you feel you'd be a better director if you understood what all the other departments heads that you hire (DP, editor, prod designer, script supervisor, etc) do? Do you think you'd be a better department head if you'd already done the jobs of the people you're managing?

There are no right and wrongs, just choices for you to make.

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

question 133: I want to get back into production after 10 years. What's the best way?

Because I know this person, I know he has transferrable skills from the career he's had over the past decade. Based on that, here's my advice: take meetings with at least 3 people you're still connected to in the "biz" and discuss...

1. What you want to do in production?

2. Based on your past production jobs and the skills you have now, where they think you fit in?

3, How to market your skills from past and present to make you an enticing package to someone who's hiring. In other words, how do your skills from your job now, give you a unique perspective, tied in with your past set experience, to make you the best person for the job.

Once you and your 3 advisors have come up with a plan of action, ask them for referrals to other people who can help you. Also, get back in touch with your old contacts. If they are no longer in the biz, ask if they can refer you to people they know who are.

You may need my advice on your resume, so feel free to ask. Your corporate resume is not going to translate in the world of the "creatives."

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

question 132: I work an 8 to 5 job, which I feel blessed to have. But, it doesn't give me much room to go on auditions. Should I quit?

The question continues: "...others suggested I quit and look for something, but I'm not sure if this is the best choice. What do you think? I know it is a loaded question, and one that's hard to answer with little information and in an email."

It is one of those questions that I can't answer for you. However, I can give you some things to ponder over as you make your decision:

1. Do you have enough contacts that should you quit your job, you'd generate your desired number of auditions?

2. Do you have enough money saved to leave your job without another source of income?

3. The best way to get another job is through people you already know. Can't you send out an email and pursue a flexible day job while still at your current job (on your two 15-minute breaks and your 1 hour lunch break)?

4. Have you gotten yourself into the habit of spending one-hour on your career while in your current job? If not, I suggest getting into the habit first to prove to yourself that you have the discipline to go after your career with consistency.

There is nothing wrong with sticking with a reliable day-job if you're not positioned for success in your craft yet.

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

Question 131: I'm frustrated by the limited amount of jobs relative to the people who want them. What to do?

What to do? Get an advantage. Every time I survey people in the industry to see what they're doing to generate work, I get the same 3-5 answers. There is SOOOO much more you can be doing that most people "competing" with you have no clue about. Your competition narrows tremendously when you start working in a different way than the masses. If you keep doing the same things over and over expecting different results, that's the definition of...

So, start doing things differently. If you don't know how, you have to reach out to people who are already successful. They know what works, what doesn't work, what will get you where you want to go faster, and what leads are dead ends. And of course, you always have me : )

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

question 130: I'm not in the "biz" can your tools still help me?

I appreciate you reading my blog even though you're not in the biz, and yes, my tools are applicable to anyone who works and beyond... While I've found my niche in entertainment, it's because I'm passionate about movies and tv. The metaphors I use are from my favorites shows from the big and little screen. The tools I use are the same for any business I just use creative terminology to appeal to the storytellers in my business. The lessons and strategies I share can apply to love, health, family, money, etc.

So, if you're looking for shifts in your life, created with a little Hollywood flair, keep reading and keep sending me questions.

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

question 129: How do I sell myself while avoiding sounding overconfident or too experienced?

First of all, the language in this question concerns me. Believe it or not, it makes you sound like you're not confident and don't have enough experience. Why? Because a confident experienced person would never ask a question like this. To me, over-confident reads, "I act cocky to appear confident even though I'm not." Too experienced reads, "I'm applying for jobs I'm overqualified for, but I need the work."

Secondly, I'm going to re-work the question to read:

I have years of experience. How do I sell myself to people with less experience without seeming overqualified?

There are very specific strategies I use to coach my clients in this situation. In fact, I like to address every job opportunity with them separately. So, for the sake of the readers, I'll give you some general guidelines:

1. Imagine why the person hiring you would object to your experience.

2. Create a positive counter conversation for any objection you imagine. In other words, show the person how your experience makes you an asset to them in a way they never considered.

3. Re-consider how much you choose to share about your experience if it really is hindering you.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry 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 127: How do I convince someone I can direct without going back to school?

Direct something convincing. I know, I know, I sound sarcastic, but I'm not. I'm serious. If you do your research you'll find that many directors have not gone to film school. I've coached Directors of Photography who've moved up to director. They got their "schooling" on set. Others just do it. They write and direct shorts and full length features.

First and foremost-- you must change your own belief. If you believe you need school to convince someone you can direct, then that's exactly the vibe they're getting from you. If you feel unsure of your ability to direct, educate yourself without school; get mentors, do set visits, read books, take courses, practice with a group of actors.

Technology makes it easy to direct a piece. The challenge is finding a good piece of writing to direct.

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

question 126: What is the biggest problem you see with people in our industry?

I prefer to call it a challenge as opposed to a problem, but really--- it's a problem. Here's what happens: People in our industry send out cold resumes to hundreds of leads per year that they read about on line or in the trades and get them no where. By the end of the year, they are frustrated and bitter. Then, they come to me, frustrated and bitter about the industry in general.

I ask them, "How many people do you know in the entertainment industry?"

The average answer is 5 -40.

Then I ask, "and of those 5-40, how many are in the position to hire you?"

The average answer is 0.

The biggest problem is that people in our industry understand their craft/art, but don't understand the business side AKA how to generate work. I know I answered your question, but I'm sure this will only trigger more questions about "how" to generate work effectively. And to that I say...

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

Question 125: What is the best way to overcome the notion people have regarding reality vs scripted vs documentary to further my career path?

Perception is everything. Know what people's "preconceived notions" are, and have a new perception ready to throw at them.

Create a list of people who have transitioned from reality to scripted, etc. In other words, arm yourself with information, and avoid buying into their stories.

Be confident, persuasive, and ready to prove why you are qualified to work in the medium of your choice.

And of course, when in doubt, find mentors who have successfully made the transition you want to make and find out how they did it.

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