entertainment industry coach question 372: Favors Part 2

The second part of the question was from the "opposite side of the table."

Question:

I also want to ask favors from those more successful than me. What is the most polite way to do it? Is it proper to offer some small flat fee for their time, or offer to trade something? Put a time limit on it?

First of all, if you haven't read yesterday's blog with the distinction between favors and business requests, do that first. Again, the answer to this question comes back to are you asking for a favor or is it a business request? Unless someone is a professional coach/mentor, (someone like me who gets paid to teach) you shouldn't have to pay for an advice conversation with someone who is more successful than you. If it's for a project, lots of people do freebies, but you have to create a win/win for them to do it. Why would they want to volunteer their time?

When you write "put a time limit on it," I'm not sure exactly what you mean because you weren't specific about the type of favors you wanted to ask for. When I coach people on getting mentors, I do have them put a time limit on the commitment.

Being "polite" is dependent on the recipient. Some people prefer email, others the phone, still others like to be asked in person over a meal. It depends on who your asking and what you're asking for.

Feel free to be more specific so I can directly answer your question.

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

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entertainment industry coach question 255: What do I do if I accepted a freebie and then just got a call for a paying gig that conflicts?

This is one of those decisions that is an A-list problem to have, yet a problem none-the-less. It is important to trust your gut/instincts on this. What do you think/feel is the right choice. Can you replace yourself on the freebie, giving a colleague an opportunity and helping the producers who brought you on?

Obviously, you’d like to take the paying gig, which is why you’re asking the question (or you would have simply turned it down). Weigh out the pros and cons of taking the paying gig and abandoning the freebie. Think short term AND long term.

If you do choose to pass on the freebie, do it professionally and use everything in your power to help them replace you.

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

Question 159: How do I get someone who is working for free to get me the work faster?

You really have no leverage when you’re not paying someone. They are working for free which probably means they have other work to do to bring in an income. If you have a deadline, pre-frame that up front, discuss the schedule in detail, and be sure they can agree. Have a back-up person just in case.

You are not the only one with this question. The key is good communication and having back-up plans so you don’t get frustrated with a person who is trying to help you. You also have to know when it’s time to pull the project from the person and go to your back-up plan. If you wait until the very end, when there’s just a little to do, people can get very sensitive about sharing a credit. I repeat, good communication.

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