Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1074:How do I artfully turn down work with someone I'd like to work with again later?

Because I can't ask you why you're turning down the work, if you want to work with this person, I'll address this question based on two possibilities. If it's some other reason, put it in the comments section and I'll answer based on your actual reason.

1. You are already working. In this case, be honest. Work is good. It means you're "in demand." Tell the person that you'd really like to work with them in the future. Then, offer one of your trusted contacts to fill the position. This way, when the next job comes up, if the person calls your trusted contact again, he/she can tell the person to offer you the job first. If the person only wants your trusted contact, be happy. Wouldn't you rather you contact get the job than a stranger? And now that your contact is booked, if he/she gets a call for work, you will be recommended.

2. You don't like the current job being offered. So, you don't like what the person has to offer but still want to be considered for other jobs in the future. Tell the person you're working and follow the steps of #1. If your integrity meter is flying off the charts right now because you think I'm telling you to lie, I'M NOT! Just because you're not working on a show doesn't mean you don't have work to do on the business side. Trust me, there is always work to be done. In the past I've assigned my Greenlight Intensive Group "the Rule of Five" five business actions to take each day of the month. They are working!

PS Happy Valentines Day to you my special reader!

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

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Monday, February 13, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1073:Have people gotten jobs using LinkedIn?

According to Lewis Howes who wrote the book LinkedWorking, absolutely! No longer is LinkedIn considered an "online resume" site, it is a serious networking site. But I'm not the expert, Lewis is. I interviewed him and will share the interview with all of you if you send me an email requesting it. Coming from the Sports World, Lewis started out on LinkedIn, networking with sports professionals, and in a short time has become one of Details Magazine's
5 INTERNET GURUS WHO CAN MAKE YOU RICH
in other words, he's gotten very comfortable with speaking to all industries on how LinkedIn can help them.

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

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Sunday, February 12, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1072:Do you recommend sending postcards as thank you notes?

Since I know an actress asked this question, first I have to clarify to the other classifications, that actors make postcards with their headshot and contact info on them. Some people have the opinion that sending your postcard as a thank you note, is another way to get your face in front of the casting director.

I have a different opinion. I believe that thank you notes should be a sincere and genuine expression of gratitude. To me, a postcard with your picture, or a thank you note with your contact information is a subtle solicitation. Therefore I suggest following these steps for thank you notes:

1. Send an actual card (something that reveals something about you or something you know they like)
2. Remind the person where you met
3. Thank them for something specific
4. Add something personal to show that you were paying attention to what they were saying
5. Sign your first and last name CLEARLY

One of the reasons why people don't know what questions to ask when they meet people is because they haven't started at the end. What do you want the outcome of your meeting to be? What if the outcome you want is to be able to write an amazing thank you note that answers 2, 3, & 4? Knowing that you need to tie in something personal will create the questions you ask. Knowing you have to thank them for something specific will cause you to listen with more intention, creating deeper rapport with the person.

For those of you (and I know you're out there) who are thinking, "But, if I don't put my contact number (or picture) how will they remember who I am and know how to contact me?"

I've received hundreds of thank you notes from people. I always remember who they are. On top of that, I'm resourceful enough to know where to look for their contact information when I want to contact them.

You can follow up with "new news" on your postcard or on your letterhead, a week later. Allow yourself the simple gesture of gratitude, with a sincere thank you note, and believe me, you'll stand out.

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

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Saturday, February 11, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1071:How do I generate Union work without Union contacts?

In general- you don't. If you want to work union jobs, it's imperative that you have relationships with people who hire union members. I have clients who have been working non-union for over 20 years. When I look at their list of contacts, everyone they know is non-union.

The good news is, at least you know what's missing. Create a target list of people who can hire you for the types of union jobs you want. Don't concern yourself with "how" you're going to meet them. At this point, just become aware of who they are.

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

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Friday, February 10, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1070:What's the best way of dealing with "the pests" I don't want to be rude

This was a question from the other side of the coin. After listening to my free teleseminar How to Pursue People Without Being a Pest, this gentleman wrote to me:

I am wondering about the best way of dealing with "the pests" - I don't want to be rude - and simply ignore them....but when I have asked people to not email their "funny" or political emails - some don't stop. Any strategies?

Ummm.. first tell them to listen to my call, although that may fall on deaf ears as most pests don't recognize that they're pests.

Second, write them one more time saying that this is a difficult email to write because you've written to them before in regards to this issue, and you don't want to be rude, but that if they continue to send this type of email, you are going to block them from your email. Again, say that you are not being rude, but you want them to understand that in your position you get [100- or insert your # here] emails a day, and with your work and family, barely have time to go through and get to the important ones. Say that you value your professional relationship and ask that when emailing you, it is for professional reasons ONLY. Then thank them.

If they don't respect that, then it is HE or SHE who is being rude, so BLOCK THEM! Or report them as SPAM. Some pests have to learn email etiquette the hard way.

This tough love has been provided by The Greenlight Coach :)

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

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Thursday, February 9, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1069: What would be the best way to revive contacts without coming across needy or flaky?

The background of this question is of a person who has been traveling back and forth from LA due to family emergencies. The contacts in this person's life think that she just disappeared. Because the emergencies will continue taking her to and from LA, she wants to know how to re-establish and maintain her relationships.

In a situation like this, as long as you're not begging for work and feeling needy, you won't come across as needy. Flaky people are those who say they are going to do something and then they don't do it. Hence the term "he flaked."

The concern your contacts will have is that if they hire you, you will be unable to fulfill your duties because you may be called away suddenly for a family emergency. Therefore, you have to decide with whom you have a strong enough relationship to share what's happening in your life, in the hope that they will be understanding and hire you for short term and day playing jobs to keep you working.

For the rest, you can re-establish by sharing the good things that have been going on, complimenting them on something they've worked on, and seeking advice on basic things like networking events to join and charity organizations to get involved in. This way the maintenance of your relationship can be set around your involvement, as opposed to trying to get work from them.

When your family issues reach a resolve that you feel comfortable committing to longer jobs, you'll be in touch with enough people to reach out to.

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

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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1068:How do I get contact information for potential mentors?

There are many different resources for finding contact information for potential mentors. It depends on their classification.

Start with the people you know to see if anyone is "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" to them and can get you the contact information. If not...

If they are in a union you can contact the union. You may be sent a directory, given information over the phone, or be allowed to send a letter which they will forward.

If they have a production company, you can get that information from IMDBpro, the Hollywood Creative Directory, and in some cases, Google.


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

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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1067: How old is the oldest person you've ever helped into the industry?

I've coached people of all ages. I know you want to know the "oldest," and I'd ask you why it matters? Whether you're breaking in for the first time or re-entering after a long hiatus, as long as you have talent, a great work ethic, and a willingness to do the "business work," why should age be an excuse?

Notice I did not ask if it would be an obstacle. There are certainly obstacles to breaking into the industry and competing with people your age who have a long work history, but if your DREAM is to work in this industry, then don't let age be an excuse.

Instead ask the question, "What tools do I need to break into the industry at my age?"
For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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Monday, February 6, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1066: How do I bring up my "career" with someone I work for as a personal assistant?

Upon elaboration this person shared that the woman whom she's a personal assistant for is a big producer and her husband is in the industry as well.

I would suggest testing the waters first. Ask, "Would you be open to answering some questions I have about the business side of the industry, or do you prefer to keep that part of your life separate because I work for you?" Then you're being polite and respectful, making it comfortable for them to answer truthfully. This is a business "request" which means you must be prepared and okay with getting 'no' as an answer.

Should you get a 'yes', have questions prepared incase he/she wants to answer questions right there on the spot.

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

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Sunday, February 5, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1065: Is it appropriate to ask out someone on set or could I get in trouble for sexual harassment?

I'm not an expert on sexual harassment laws/rules... I'm a little concerned that you're associating asking someone out with it, but perhaps I'm naive and there are far more lawsuits going on than I know about.

If you are on a show that has an end date, maybe you can wait until wrap. If you're on a long-running episodic, trust your instincts. It's about intention. As long as you ask politely and can accept the possibility of "no" as an answer, you'll probably be okay. BUT I'M NOT A LAWYER.

That said, I do support balance in your life and if you think this 'someone' could have potential, it's worth having a love life in addition to a work life, so figure out what you have to do to say YES to romance... you're bringing out the romantic comedy girl in me :-)

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

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Saturday, February 4, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1064: My friend is directing a pilot and I can't get him to call me back. How can I entice him?

Is it an emergency? My guess is- no, because no matter how busy someone is, if it's an emergency, they find time to return your call. Which leads me to my point. I'm not saying that you did this, but I know many people do. They wait until pilot season, see who's working, and then start making calls.

It's fine to let people know you're available, in fact, it's your job, but "I'm available" calls don't usually get returned calls unless there's a job for you. And "just checking in" calls, really don't get returned during pilot season. People get so pissed off about this. They say to me, "Who do these people think they are? No matter how 'big' I get, I'll always return people's calls."

Really? When a production report gets distributed, and a director (and other classifications) gets announced, he/she is bombarded with calls ranging from complete strangers, to people whom they met once (and now think they're friends), to people they know looking for work (who only call when they're looking for work), to good friends in the business (who are not in their 'top 10' top of mind calls.)

So now, the director has 127 calls in his voicemail, from people looking for work, 'just checking in,' or with an "enticing" reason for him to call back.
*note: if the enticing reason to call you back is so that you can build your relationship in order to get work- you should have made that call BEFORE pilot season.

The director is working on a pilot. This is one of the highest pressure jobs, with the most demanding hours, and usually an impossible schedule. On top of the pilot, he may have a family whom needs his attention on the few off hours he has, or maybe he needs to go to the gym to work off some stress, or have the 'check engine' light checked on his car so it doesn't break down on the way to the studio.

Do you see what I'm getting at? By the time a director books a pilot, he pretty much knows who he's hiring. If you didn't get called, left a message for him, did not get a call back, and it's not an emergency, this is NOT the best time to be persistent. He is BUSY. It's not personal.

If when you book a pilot and have 127 people calling you daily, you are able to return every call, PLEASE, write to me so I can interview you on time management.

Give your director friend a break, and let him concentrate on his very important task at hand.

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!
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Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1280: I grew up in India and as a result English is my second language (cont'd)

"I grew up in India and as a result English is my second language. I  am looking to improve my comprehension when I read my text book...