entertainment industry coach question 363: Is it okay to walk up to someone you know from Facebook but never met?

Is it okay? It's the beauty of social media. On Friday I was at a networking event and a guy walked up next to me and I instantly thought I knew him, like he was my buddy. Before he could introduce himself, I said, "Facebook friend!" We talked for a while, and it was so easy because he does comment on my posts so we know things about each other. Isn't that what a friend is? Someone who knows what's going on in your life and cares enough to talk to you about it. These days it doesn't have to be a phone call or an email. It can be someone in your Facebook friends who was once a stranger, telling you that he/she sends good thought to you when you've lost someone, or tells you to eat when you post that you haven't eaten all day, or has an Anchorman quote showdown with you on your wall.

I find the industry getting much smaller thanks to Facebook. I attended the SOC awards at which many of the members in attendance were at the time, only Facebook friends. Nw they've become friends and business associates.

Absolutely walk up to the person and say, "hey, we're Facebook friends!" BUT as always, be professional about it. If the person appears to be having an important business lunch--- not the time.

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

Question 66: Is Facebook a good place to network?

This is a question that came up at a networking breakfast I attended yesterday, and the speaker steered the participant in another direction. 

In the famous words of Ron Burgundy AKA Anchorman  "AGREE TO DISAGREE!"

I think Facebook is a GREAT resource for networking ESPECIALLY for all of you shy people out there who hate going to networking events.

Here are just a few reasons to use Facebook for networking: 

1. Helping your social network:

- A client needed a DP to shoot his short film, starring recognizable talent. I posted it on my status, and he received more than enough responses, set up interviews with some, and hired his DP.

- A Camera Operator needed a Camera Assistant ASAP. I posted it on my status. The job was filled within minutes.

2. Creating deeper relationships with people:

Facebook gives you the opportunity to post about work/business, while also allowing them access to your personal life. Post photos of your family, pets, hobbies, etc. so people can learn what you have in common. 

They also get a sense of your personality. By reading your status updates, they will see if you have like-minded interests, similar sense of humor, share a love for Jack Bauer, etc.

3. Overcoming the distance obstacle:

If you don't live in Hollywood, you don't get to be in people's faces as much as necessary. This allows you to be a part of people's lives, wherever you live. 

4. Meeting people you want to know:

I "friended" a large number of Camera Operators who had mutual friends. I'd known their names, from my years of being the Career Coach at The Cinematographers Guild, but I'd never met them. This year, at the SOC Awards, I met them in person, recognizing them from their Facebook pictures, and walking over saying, "Hey, Facebook Friend!"    

I say GO FOR IT! 

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