entertainment industry coach question 728: Where are some places in LA where industry people hang out?

The question continues: "I am looking for coffee houses? Bars? Restaurants? Markets? Dog Parks? Parking meters? Etc. I want to network but really don't know where to go. I have post cards that I want to place at strategic locations. Any suggestions would be great."

"Places where people hang out" is a very general question and as my readers know, I am very specific and strategic. First you have to ask yourself, "who is my target market?" Because I can tell you where actors hang out, but if you're an actor, actors don't hire you. So really your question could be, "where do casting directors, producers, directors, and executive producers hang out?" If you're another classification you'd ask the same question based on the people who hire you.

Once you know your target market, then you can research the entertainment organizations, philanthropic organizations, clubs (and I mean sport, nature, parent type clubs not Sunset strip clubs), unions, etc., where they congregate.

As far as leaving postcards around, that's like a needle in a haystack. People who are hiring have so many relationships with people who are inviting them to things. Why would they pick up a postcard of a complete stranger and say, "I think I'll take 3 hours out of my valuable time, to go see this stranger." Not to say it can't happen, but you can spend your money and time in a better way.

Again, you're better off taking those postcards to a networking event and handing them to people once you have a conversation with them and build rapport.

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entertainment industry coach question 648: What do I do to stay busy when times are so slow?

Business action ideas:

1. Re-establish with 30 contacts

2. Reach out to 10 business advice mentors

3. Visit 5 sets (if it's holiday time, go to 5 parties)

4. Attend 1 networking event/week and meet 5-10 people at each

Many people spend all of their time in between jobs, stressing out about being out of work and then, once they have the next job, they look back and regret not enjoying their time off.

Off time ideas:

1. Hang out with friends you've been out of touch with

2. Once a week, spend a day doing something you enjoy: the beach, a day trip to another city, a movie with popcorn & soda, a sports event, a museum, the planetarium

3. Exercise

4. Pick up an old hobby

That should keep you busy for a while.

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entertainment industry coach question 536:I am really shy at networking, so I don't. What else can I do?

I will tell you where to start so you get your feet wet, but eventually you have to jump in the pool. The bottom line is meeting people face to face is the fastest way to establish rapport with them, and that's how you connect faster and more deeply. It is a major part of the business part of your career path, which unfortunately for people, like you, who don't enjoy it, puts you at a major disadvantage.

In the meantime, start with social media. Reach out to people in your classification and people who can potentially hire you, on Facebook. Send a personal note so they know that you're not a hacker. Then you can start to get to know them by looking through their pictures; do they have kids, dogs, like motorcycles, photography, etc. Read their wall posts, post on their comments, start a relationship.

If this intimidates you as well, it's time to do some personal work on overcoming your fears. If you don't take action on this now, other people will be getting the jobs you want. One day you'll wake up and 15 years have gone by and you're exactly where you are now only filled with regret.

Shyness, is something you CAN overcome. There are many people I've worked with who've found solutions to this feeling and are now flourishing.

So there you have it. Perception. how do you plan to re-emerge on the Hollywood scene?

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entertainment industry coach Question 490: how do I make the most of a trip to LA?

The question continued: "I'm trying to plan a trip to LA this summer to work on contacts and push the movie my production company made."

Most people plan a trip to LA, by figuring out how many airline points they have, where they're going to stay, and how much they have to save up to eat. Once they arrive, they try and figure out where to meet people.

Before you even consider the logistics of taking a trip LA, create a plan for your trip. Who do you want to meet? What companies do you want to screen your movie for? Have a target list. Once you have your target list, if you realize you have no idea how to get to any of the people or companies on the list, you have a lot more work to do before booking a trip.

If it's not necessary to you to be so specific about who you're meeting, at least research networking events and film festivals. If you can't fill your calendar with at least 5 events in a week, it's time to do more work before booking a trip.

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

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

entertainment industry coach Question 421: How am I supposed to meet a lot of people at an event when there are so many people?

This is a huge question, so I'm going to chunk it down for you. Going to a large networking event can be intimidating. Trying to figure out who "the right people" are to meet, can be impossible if you don't know who to target. Your goal at a networking event is not to meet "so many people" because that would insinuate that you "met" a lot of people and have a lot of business cards, but you didn't really start the creation of a new relationship. So, instead of going to an Expo with the intention of meeting 100 people, make the commitment to seek out and connect with 20 people over 2 days. That's 10 people a day. That's manageable. You may have to introduce yourself to 40 each day to find the 10 with whom you really connect.

I can't impress upon you enough how much MORE valuable those 20 relationships will be than 100 new business cards in your drawer.

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

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

entertainment industry coach Question 420: I know I don't know enough people but I hate networking, is there anything I can do?

There are tons of things you can do. The first, is stop saying that you hate networking. I used to hate being in water I couldn't see through. Then I went to a resort were I was taken snorkeling and was shocked at what I'd been missing. Now when I go to Hawaii, I go right into the water and seek out the sea turtles instead of fearing what "unknowns" may be lurking.

You clearly know you need to know more people. Make a list of the types of people you would like to meet. I personally like to meet people who are passionate, inspiring, out-side-of-the-box thinkers who don't hear no, and who take action. When I'm networking, the minute I meet a complainer, I hear him/her out and then go on my way, without asking for a card, and rarely giving mine unless they ask for it.

Instead of looking at it as networking, look at it as you being an interviewer for people who fit into your network. It's not about going to an event and being afraid of being judged, it's about seeking out like-minded people. Sometimes you find them, sometimes you don't. But you always learn from the experience.

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

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at the top of the page 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 354: How do I walk up to someone at an event who is bombarded by people?

You come up with something specific and unique to ask (that you really want answered), and push through the crowd, and say, "I don't want to keep you too long with all of these people waiting, so a quick question for you___________." The person gives you the answer and you're on your way.

Then you follow up with him and remind him that you were the guy/girl who asked him the question about ___________ and you've implemented his advice and could he answer a question about what you should do next...

It takes 3 conversations to create a relationship, so walking up to someone after a screening, a Q&A, or at an event, and simply telling him/her that you're an admirer and then walking away is a complete waste of time. Sure it's fun to tell your friends back in Jersey that you spoke to Robert De Niro, but it doesn't help your career if you have no plan for follow up.

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

entertainment industry coach question 295:what is your perspective on 2010 for the industry?

2010 from my perspective is a surprise... it’s an adventure. The people who will get jobs, who will build the foundation for a long career, are those who create goals and find out how to achieve them.

First you have to know what you want. Then you’re going to wonder, well how is that possible? That’s when you have to invest in learning like you do when you find out there’s new technology you need to learn.

The top 10% don’t “let a year go by.” They plan it out and they reach out for help to find solutions. I can’t predict what will happen with the economy or the number of jobs available. I can teach people to do everything they can do, so they feel proud of what they are accomplishing.

You will always get ROI (return on influence) when invest in yourself.

I can tell you in 2010 there will be:

1. Networking events to attend

2. People who will be willing to mentor others

3. New contacts to be had

4. Job opportunities for those who are willing to do what it takes to get them

5. New technology to learn

The question is, do you have the skills to maximize these opportunities, or are you going to spend 2010 doing exactly what you've always done?

In 2010, I invite you to release restriction and start expanding because if you don’t, somebody else will. You have to take advantage of the experts who can help you so you can get an edge over your competition!

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

entertainment industry coach question 248:I'd like more advice on how to be my husband's manager.

This is in response to a previous post. Okay, basically, you want to create a strategy plan together for targeting people and companies. You can help by:

1. Making calls and follow up calls on his behalf

2. Being his "ice breaker" at networking events

3. Doing the research that he doesn't have time to do

4. Creating your own letter head/logo to send out letters and emails on his behalf

5. Create/deepen your relationships with the people who hire him

6. Take meetings with him (other than interviews)

7. Doing the tasks that need to be done, but make his stomach queasy

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

entertainment industry coach question 230: How am I supposed to change my perspective on something I hate doing?

This was a question I received about yesterday's blog entry on procrastination. What the person is referring to is where I wrote:

3. Change your perspective on what you're doing. In general, people don't procrastinate on things they enjoy doing. So, how can you turn something you don't enjoy into something you do? If you need ideas, let me know.

The way to change your perspective is to give yourself other options. For example: The majority of the people I speak to at events say that they "hate networking." Then after 3 hours with me at my "5 Keys to Your Success at a Networking Event," they discover how fun it can be and strategies for overcoming their "networking obstacles." They change their perspective.

So, how do you change your perspective?

1. Get outside of yourself: find someone who's had success doing what you don't like to do and listen to their perspective on it. Find out what makes them successful at it. Hearing someone else's positive take on it gives you a new perspective. You have to choose to take it on as your own, though.

2. Brainstorm with people outside of the industry on what you can do to make the task you don't like enjoyable. I suggest outsiders because they have no experience with the uniqueness of the business from an artist/craft person's perspective.

3. Ask yourself over and over, "what would make it enjoyable?" Keep asking until you get an answer. Right now you've made a decision that it's not enjoyable so there are no other options. In other words, you've cut off the possibility that it can be any other way. So what if it were enjoyable? What would make it that way?

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

entertainment industry coach question 226: what's an avoidable mistake at a networking event?

I'll admit, no one specifically asked me this one. It's in answer to what I witnessed last night at a networking event. Here's the scenario:

Successful speaker stays after the Q & A to talk to attendees. One attendee off handedly introduces himself and brings up that he'd worked on the same show as successful speaker, as a PA, then says, "I just wanted to say thanks for coming," and tries to walk away, when successful, confident, speaker attempts to re-engage him by asking him what he's doing now.

HERE'S THE MISTAKE:

Attendee gives him a list starting from being fired from mutual show, onto failed attempts at work, leading to producing his own project which lead to 4 lawsuits, and now he's working with a famous actor's son on a project.

HERE'S HOW TO AVOID MISTAKE

Just start with "I'm working on a project with _____ son." Then talk about why you're excited about it.

WHY ON EARTH would you lead with a list of failures? Who would want to work with you after that? No one who's asking what you're working on knows about all that stuff, so you don't have to share it like it's some scarlet letter!

Please, people, when meeting new people, share what you're passionate about, NOT what's wrong with you, your life, and/or your career! No one wants to work with Debbie Downer (SNL reference)

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

question 209: You said something about a business card barrage at your speech. What were you talking about?

Ah yes, the "business card barrage." I was referring to the time at the end of an event or a Q &A, when the "guest(s) of honor" stays after to meet & greet. There is a large portion of the audience who hand the guest(s) their business card, sometimes without even a "hello."

It also happens at networking events, when certain people walk around the room and hand their card to every person, without an introduction. Now if someone was doing that with hundred dollar bills, it would be welcome. Business cards are another story. They are NOT a substitute for you. The purpose of a business card is so that a person can follow up with you AFTER you create a relationship. Handing someone a business card who doesn't know you serves no purpose. People have to know you, like you, and trust you before they'll hire you, so to hand them a card and walk away is like making a cold call, not to mention unprofessional.

Instead, focus on meeting a smaller number of people and spending time talking to them before exchanging cards.

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

Question 163: Yesterday you said to meet 100 people. How do you maintain all of those relationships?

Ah, great question! So you're at the DV Expo in September, you meet 300 people over the course of the 3 days, and from those, keep 100 cards because they are the people you "connected with." Now it's time to maintain the relationships. The key is to break it down into manageable chunks.

Here is a 7-step plan:

1. Take a few moments after meeting someone to write down personal notes on his/her card so you can easily remember what to refer back to.

2. Compose a general "nice to meet you" note.

3. Prioritize your business cards by people to whom you want to contact first.

4. Divide the follow up of 100 people by a 5 day work week (20/day) or 2 weeks (10/day) and divide the cards up accordingly into a neat piles of 20 or 10.

5. Plan the hour or two into your schedule for the week (or two)

6. During your scheduled time, personalize the general note for each person, based on your notes. This can be by email or in a greeting card*.

(*More personal, and my preferred choice, if there's a physical address on the business card. These can be bought in advance or even ordered with your name on them)

7. Send them out.

THE BIGGEST MISTAKE is asking for work or reminding them you're available in this note! Tempting as it may be, stop yourself. Create the relationship FIRST, work will follow.

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

question 124: How do I make the most of non-entertainment industry events to find work?

Surprisingly, this is the first time I've been asked this question, though not the first time I've addressed it. I'm glad you recognize the opportunity at non-pro events. This may not work as well for non-industry cities, but for cities like New York and Los Angeles, it's all about six degrees of Kevin Bacon.

The way to maximize your opportunity is to share your passion with everyone you meet. Ask people what they do, see if you can help them or be a connector for them in their field. Then ask if they know anyone in the entertainment industry. You can start specifically with the classification that hires you, then get more general if necessary.

Present yourself as an expert in your field. Build their confidence in you by speaking with authority and passion.

Don't tell them you're looking for work. Always steer the conversation toward desiring to meet talented, like-minded people, to invite into your community network.

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

question 115: What if I don't want to go to a networking event alone but I don't know anyone to go with?

You have to know someone, even if that someone isn't in the industry. Start there, so that you can meet 10 people at the first event you attend. Share with the new people you meet that you're looking for someone to attend events with.

If you literally don't know anyone (maybe you just moved to town) you're going to have to create a strategy for overcoming your fear, just for the first event, so you can meet a few people to start your contacts.

Because it's about "who you know and who knows you" it's essential that you get yourself out there.

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

Question 83: How does networking at industry social events and parties ever lead to future work?

The question continues:  I hear about this all the time, but can’t figure out how this all works exactly. This may be extremely naïve of me, but how does this ever happen? How could an introvert who prefers one-on-one meetings, not feel socially awkward at these larger gatherings? 

The way it works is that people hire people they KNOW, LIKE, and TRUST. When you build relationships with like-minded people, it leads to work because people want to work with people they want to be around for the duration of a project.

For introverts, I suggest bringing a "wingman," someone who can act as an icebreaker for you. 

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

Question 71: Is it appropriate to approach someone after they've spoken on a panel or Q&A?

It is appropriate IF you are being professional. 

Consider these tips:

1. Know what your objective is before approaching the person (be sure it's something he/she can say yes to, or a comment that is appropriate and MEMORABLE).

2. Be aware of the body language. If he/she keeps backing up, don't keep moving forward. GIVE PEOPLE THEIR PERSONAL SPACE!

3. If you ask a question, listen and accept the answer, whether you like it or not. DON'T debate someone in order to meet your agenda.

4. Know when it's time to say goodbye and walk away.

5. Take note of all of the mistakes the group around you is making. (I just threw this one in so you can meet the person and learn a huge amount about networking in a miniscule amount of time)  

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