entertainment industry coach question 385: do you suggest living in one state and flying to LA to work?

I don't make any suggestions when it comes to people's personal lives. If you can easily make that commute (get to work on time, get flights when needed, not have flight delay problems) and have enough contacts that you get called to work in LA when you live somewhere else, then it's a decision for you to make.

There are union rules about living in one place and working in another, so be sure to research those. You also have to consider the types of projects you'll be working on; how long will they keep you away from home and where will you stay, how often might you have to commute, etc.

entertainment industry coach question 384:Will Bret Michaels win the Apprentice?

Great you had to ask this on a day that I just gave two seminars in NY, and now they're going to tune into this blog and wonder what the heck is going on? So, to get them up to speed... ever since the Bear Grylls question a few months back, I agreed to answer a few kooky questions every once in a while.

If I were a betting man, I'd say, No. Bret will not win. But because I don't bet and I am not a man, I will so, yes. He rocks! And I had a door poster of him over my bed in college, which is a sure sign that he was meant to win the Celebrity Apprentice.

Y'all know I'm SO jetlagged, right? I'm going to wake up tomorrow and wonder who hyjacked my blog!

entertainment industry coach question 384: What should someone who is 12 and wants to be an actress do?

Well, if you don't live in Los Angeles (which I can tell she does not), use your "kid power." What's kid power? Most people LOVE to help a kid with drive. Make a list of actresses, actors, directors, and producers that you would like to one day work with. For example: Steven Spielberg often talks about how he was directing movies in his back yard as a kid. Find people like him and reach out to people in a letter. Tell them how old you are and what you're doing now to pursue your dream. Tell them where you live and ask them for advice on what more you can be doing right now. If you plan to go to college, ask them for advice on which colleges to consider and what you can be doing now for extra curricular activities to help you get in. Explain that you don't plan to pursue acting as a job until you're finished with your education, but in the mean time would like to build relationships with mentors so when you do move to NY or LA, you'll be ready and educated on the business side of the industry.

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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 383:What is the most important concept(s) you wished you could get across to your clients from the beginning?

The actual question read in it's entirety:

"As a coach, you must come across similar questions, situations, and attitudes. What is the most important concept(s) you wished you could get across to your clients from the beginning that would help them mostly."

GRRRRREAT question! Considering 9.8 out of 10 clients of mine who have been in the industry 10+ years say, "I wish I had you when I first started out," I would say the most important concepts are:

1. DON'T TRY TO DO IT ALONE!

2. If you have little or no business, sales, & marketing training, investing in it is equally if not more important than spending money on getting better at your craft. Because you can be the most talented and skilled person, but without an exceptional understanding of the business, you're just one in a million.

3. Belief in yourself/confidence is essential to your success.

4. Recognize that the top 10% who make it, are doing more than you know, therefore, you must learn what they know if you want to make it.

5. Every job has it's pros and cons. Focusing on the things you can't control and complaining to people who can't do anything to help you change your situation will hurt you. Therefore, find ways to maintain financial, emotional, and creative stability.

6. Be very aware of the 5 people closest to you; their level of success, how much money they make, and their attitude.

That covers the big ones for now. I could probably go on for hours. Maybe I'll do a part two.

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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 382: What current celebrities have you coached or managed that are in the acting business ?

First off, I don't manage anyone. I'm an entertainment industry career coach. I don't know how other coaches operate, but my client list is confidential. I have testimonials and press where my clients mention me, but I don't share their information with anyone. I know some coaches do, to promote their business, but my clients promote me so I don't do that kind of marketing.

Perhaps you're just wondering about my credentials, if I'm coaching people who are working and recognizable and the answer is yes. I've worked with Oscar and Emmy winners, people "fresh off the bus," and everyone in between. I've coached over 1000 people and that number grows every month. There isn't an obstacle I haven't found a solution for thus far, and should that day come, I'll use all of my resources to find an answer.

As great as it is to have celebrity clients (mostly because they understand how important following through with our work is, and therefore see the payoff faster) it's equally as great to work with someone unknown and watch them grow to celebrity status.

So I apologize if you were hoping for same name-dropping, but you've come to the wrong coach.

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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

The Greenlight Coach on the radio! Call in to the show!!!

Hey every one,

Light up the call boards in support of my radio appearance on:

Robert Galinsky's Reality Wanted

Wednesday March 24th 6-8pm ET 3-5pm PT

I'LL BE ON AT 7:30pm ET

Call 877 CHAT 212

Call-in, Interact and Listen Live at RealityWanted.com/radio

Would love to hear from you guys & gals on the radio

entertainment industry coach question 381: How do I capitalize on a current project when I'm off to work on another?

A-List problems. I love them! This is what I was asked by my client tonight after we watched the fabulous movie starring John Hamm and Josh Lucus, that he had produced and DPd. You see, he did such a GREAT job producing this film, that he's been hired to produce a slate of movies in Louisiana and he leaves on Tuesday. His film, STOLEN, is playing currently at the Laemmle Sunset 5. The more people who go, the longer it will stay in the theater. It was such a good movie. The acting was superb, the story heart-wrenching. If you live in in Los Angeles you should go see this movie!

So let me count.... that was 7 lines I just wrote promoting Andy Steinman and his wonderful work (now that's 8) Here's his IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0826150/ (9) The link to his movie facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/pages/STOLEN/315537805072?ref=ts (10) and the link to buy your tickets from the theater http://www.laemmle.com/viewtheatre.php?date=03192010&thid=2 (11)

Hence, the answer to the question is: HAVE YOUR FANS PROMOTE FOR YOU.

If you're a camera operator who wants work, but the DP who hires you isn't working, start a marketing campaign for the DP. If you want to stay on peoples' radar when you're off working, have other people promoting you.

While Andy is out of town working, as he keeps me posted on his successes, I'll be happy to promote him on my social media sites, in my blog, etc. If he has 20 other people doing that... he's creating buzz and you can too.

In addition to Andy, I'd also like to congratulate camera crew members, Boris Price, Nate Havens, Matt Mosher, and wonderful Still Photographer Jessica Brooks, who also worked on the project!

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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 380: What's the end credit title for person that posts & updates media to official, social & blog sites

I'm going to have to defer to my readers, because as of now, I'm not aware of an official "union" title for that. In the indie non-union world, anything goes. But I'm sure since it's becoming a big part of the marketing department there is a title out there somewhere. So, readers... please chime in and help a filmmaker (and a career coach) out on this one. Thanks!

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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 379: How do I avoid being a networking fool?

Well he didn't exactly say that. He was far more eloquent: When I am at a party or industry event, and I want to say hi to / network with someone important, I don't know when to cut in / interrupt. I stand there and wait, not wanting to be rude, but then I feel like I am hovering. As soon as I get ten seconds with the person, someone interrupts us ("What's up, dude!"), and I am left feeling unimportant and foolish.

What I told him, in a personal email is that he really needs to take my 5 Keys to Your Success at a Networking Event Seminar. The reason being is because, I can tell you what to do, but until you are practicing the exercises (and in my seminars it's a safe environment) and really get the timing and your wording right, it's still going to be intimidating.

Therefore I invite all of you to sign up for my FREE newsletter (see link below) because I tell you my schedule and when and where I will be giving that particular seminar for free.

But to give you a little written help, it's all about confidence and realizing that the difference between you and the "important person" are the opportunities that he/she had. As soon as you take people off the pedestal and recognize that you have something important to say that will enrich their lives to know, conversations will happen naturally.

In my Triple Your Contacts Doing What You Love product (also available on my site, lots of promotion in this blog because this is a big issue for masses of people and I want you to know I have solutions for you) I cover a lot of what goes on in my seminar, while tying it to the things you love to do. In addition, I give you a list of icebreakers to help get into the conversation... none of which include "what's your sign?"

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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

Entertainment industry coach question 378:Am I too old for a mentor?

His question went into a little more detail that may be helpful to many of you:

I'm 43 years old. I know a few directors whom I think would welcome a protege. Am I too old to ask them to mentor me? I don't want to make a fool of myself!

The answer is: No, as long as you have more to learn, you're never too old. The question is, what are you asking for. You want to be really clear:

1. What does the mentorship entail? (business advice & guidance? Craft advice? Shadowing?)

2. You want to set a time frame, so the mentor is clear that this isn't endless ( 3 conversations, 3 set visits, etc)

3. Explain why you've chosen him/her over all other directors. It's prestigious to be asked to be a mentor. Let the people whom you're asking know, where you are, where you want to be, and what you want to learn from them in order to reach your goals.

Preparation + Professionalism never = fool

Last tip, when seeking mentors, go after at least 5 at a time. The reasoning behind this is: if the first 4 say no, but the 5th one says YES, screw the rest! (was that harsh?) To heck with the rest! But you never would have gotten to the yes, if you started with the 1st, got a no, and got discouraged.

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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 377: What's the difference between persistence and stalking?

Many people throw the word "stalking" around like it's funny. There's absolutely NOTHING funny about it. There are laws against it and it's extremely serious. If you were asking this question seriously, then you need to review the laws and seek professional help. Again, this is no joking matter to me!

If however, you meant the difference between persistence and being a pain in the ass, the answer comes down to the way you're contacting your contacts. Are you sharing new news, following up, asking a question or simply "checking in or telling them you're available?"

During conversations, are you listening or doing all of the talking? Are you coming from a place of desperation, frustration, or neediness?

As long as you are being strategic in your follow up/ relationship maintenance plan and always looking to create win/wins and ask for things your contacts can say YES to, you're most likely in good shape.

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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!