entertainment industry coach question 247: How do I learn what industry lingo means? Yesterday, I was an extra and was told to stand on an apple box.

This made me chuckle. It reminded me of my first shoot when I heard the DP yell, "Kill the baby." There may be a book on industry lingo, you should research that. I've also discovered that different crews/departments have their own "private lingo."

The important thing is that when you don't know, you ask. You may have to evaluate who the best person to ask is, but ask. If you spend 20 minutes looking around for an actual apple box, you'll look greener than if you actually ask someone.

As you acquire mentors, ask them what lingo they use.

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

entertainment industry coach question 246: I like in Boca Raton, FL. How do I meet people from here?

Depending on your classification, you can start closer to home. For example, if you're in the camera department, there is a Local 600 office in Orlando. You can call their office and begin there. If you're not in camera, research local unions in your classification in Florida. Because Florida does have more production than most states, you can begin reaching out to the entertainment community in Miami and Orlando.

In addition, you can reach out to people in Los Angeles and New York (larger production cities) through Facebook, unions, production companies, etc. I'd have to know what classification you're in to give you the specifics, but I can tell you that most unions have a directory either on line or in hard copy.

1. Research the people you want to contact to build a relationship with and be sure you have contact information before doing thorough research.

2. Reach out to the people you want to create a relationship with on Facebook. Be sure to send a personal note about who you are and that you'd like to ask for some advice.

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

entertainment industry coach question 245: How do you get the "big break"?

This was asked today on the podcast I was interviewed on. The "big break" is somewhat undefinable, illusive like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. The "big break" can be when you got your first agent, who sent you out on the first audition, that led to 2 years later the casting director bringing you in for an under five, that led to more roles, that led to your series regular role, that led to you getting a movie on hiatus, that led to more movies, that led to your "breakout film," that led to your Oscar role.

The point I'm trying to make is, don't look for the "big break." Don't anticipate if this is the "breakout film." Do your work and celebrate the successes along the way. Acknowledge the people who help you as you build the stepping stones of your career.

Terms like "Overnight Success," "Breakout Film," and "Big Break" are created for marketing purposes. How many times have you heard someone say that it took them 15 years to become an overnight success?

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

entertainment industry coach question 244: I met someone at a Halloween party and didn't tell him I was in the industry. How do I follow up now?

The same way you would follow up with him if you didn't know he was in the industry, and you just hit it off so it made sense to keep in touch.

This is when "a client" will typically say, "Well if I didn't know he was in the industry, I probably wouldn't follow up." Okay, I respect your honesty. Most of us have plenty of friends already. However, I appreciate your ability to spot an opportunity.

In the future, if you know the person is in the industry and you don't want to share that you are as well, then treat the conversation "as if" you wanted to continue a friendship with him/her. Then you will know why you're following up, because you'll have discussed the things you have in common, possible plans for a future get together, or a specific plan. I don't mean be phony, I mean, really look for the commonalities.

In this case, because you didn't reveal that you're in the industry you can either:

1. Reflect on your conversation and see if there is a commonality you can build a follow up conversation on.

2. Call specifically to tell him: you're in the industry, what you do, and have a business advice question for him (for which his answer will require you to take action, so you can follow up with him on your results).

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

entertainment industry coach question 242: I'm thinking about sending business postcards (In addition to phone calls) as a follow up to a resume.

The question continued: Is this a good idea? If so, are there things I should keep in mind when doing so?

The person who asked this is an editor. Many actors have postcards, (their headshot photo) that they send when they have announcements or to stay in touch.

Postcards are one way to stay in touch with people. They are a more costly way. I say that because you have to pay to have them printed and mailed. Many people's follow-strategy is email, which is free. That said, emails aren't always opened and postcards are usually seen. You have to decide if the investment is worth it.

Two things I want to address:

1. Why the follow up postcard after sending the resume and making the phone call? Is this a "cold-call" resume sending/call/postcard? If it's cold resume, the postcards are just as cold. The only difference is that after a resume and a phone call, the postcard would be the 3rd contact from you. Still, you know my feelings about putting a large percent of your "work" into pursuing cold leads. I'd rather see you strategically go after 10 jobs than pursue 100 jobs cold. You'll have better results.

2. What to put on a postcard? The same contact info you'd have on a business card and resume and then you have more freedom with the image. Perhaps, something that is unique to you and what you do, something personal (a cute picture of "you" in an edit bay with "your dog"), or a beautiful image that they would put up to look at. My allergist's postcard, to remind me it's time to come in, is a picture of a desert island with a palm tree and a clear blue ocean surrounding it. I have this postcard up in various locations and think of him, and my clear sinuses, every time I see it.

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

entertainment industry coach question 243: When calling my network, what do I ask these people I may have only met once at an event?

Ask for anything but work! If you just met them once at a networking event, they don't know you well enough to hire you yet. There is always the chance though, that you'll catch them on a day when they are looking to hire, so ask a question that shows you're looking for work, without actually putting them on the spot. For example:

"I met you at [insert the name of the networking event]. I thought that perhaps you could advise me on other worthwhile organizations that I can join to meet [insert classification(s) of people who hire you] who hire [insert your classification], such as myself."

Now the person knows you're looking for work in your classification, yet you didn't put him/her on the spot. If they are interested they'll offer. If they aren't, at least you've given them something they can say YES to.

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

entertainment industry coach question 241: How often should I call my list?

Call your list as often as you have "new news." Anyone can call and say "I'm available," or "Just checking in," but those types of calls are 1 in sometimes 100 (especially if you're calling someone who is listed as working in a production report).

Your objective is to deepen your relationship with the people on your list. In fact, I'd rather change your question to read: "How do I deepen my relationships with the people I know?"

The reason I did that is because there's a distinction that your mind makes when you refer to a "list" as opposed to referring to "people."

So, how do you deepen your relationships with the people you know? Here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Ask a business advice question that requires a call back to answer (a question regarding an area where you're stuck, or that will help you further your education).

2. Share "new news." This can be job related or personal. People relate to people they share common interests with, so don't be afraid to get personal.

Don't have any interesting personal stuff to report? Sounds like an opportunity to do something exciting, to tell people about!

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

entertainment industry coach question 240: What are the hours on a television show and can they be flexible?

The hours on a television show vary from show to show. They also vary depending on the length (1 hour drama vs 30 minute comedy), the genre (sitcom vs drama), and the budget (shows that can't afford overtime and meal penalties, will most likely finish earlier).

Can they be flexible? That depends on your reason for needing flexibility, your relationship with your boss(es), and the ability for them to continue production without you.

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

entertainment industry coach question 239: What percentage of women have children and keep working in entertainment?

I don't have statistics for you nor do I believe a statistic like that exists. The question is, are you a woman who wants to have children and maintain your career in the entertainment industry?

If so, then that is your focus. Find other women in your field of expertise, who also have children. Ask them how they've made it work. The more women you talk to, the more educated your decision can be.

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

entertainment industry coach question 238: How can I help my husband get work when I'm not in the industry?

That depends on your skill set. If your husband isn't working and he has the talent to be working, he needs help in a number of possible areas:

1. networking

2. marketing

3. selling

4. maintaining relationships

5. follow up

I have coached many couples, where the wife acts as her husband's manager. You also may want to read books on the industry so you have a better understanding of the business.

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

entertainment industry coach question 237: What does it mean that I shouldn't work with animals or kids?

It's more of an industry joke because animals and kids are so cute that you get upstaged.

Nothing to cause you any worry. If you're up for a part with an animal or kids, have fun!

Now, if you're producing or directing a piece with kids in it, there are laws to be aware of as well as union rules. Animals can be more temperamental than some A-list stars, so don't under budget your time.

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