question 129: How do I sell myself while avoiding sounding overconfident or too experienced?

First of all, the language in this question concerns me. Believe it or not, it makes you sound like you're not confident and don't have enough experience. Why? Because a confident experienced person would never ask a question like this. To me, over-confident reads, "I act cocky to appear confident even though I'm not." Too experienced reads, "I'm applying for jobs I'm overqualified for, but I need the work."

Secondly, I'm going to re-work the question to read:

I have years of experience. How do I sell myself to people with less experience without seeming overqualified?

There are very specific strategies I use to coach my clients in this situation. In fact, I like to address every job opportunity with them separately. So, for the sake of the readers, I'll give you some general guidelines:

1. Imagine why the person hiring you would object to your experience.

2. Create a positive counter conversation for any objection you imagine. In other words, show the person how your experience makes you an asset to them in a way they never considered.

3. Re-consider how much you choose to share about your experience if it really is hindering you.

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

Question 128: Doesn't having a Facebook/Twitter link on my website look unprofessional?

I pulled this from an audience question at a panel I attended this morning. It was on web design and how to make your Mac work for your career. (visit www.amacguru.com) One of the participants insisted it made her look unprofessional to have a Facebook, Twitter, or any other social networking site (SNS) icon on her website. As a career coach in the entertainment industry, I couldn't disagree more!

We are not stuffy, suit wearing, hard-nosed professionals. We are an industry of story telling people. In other words we are in a social industry. Most of my clients love social networking simply because they don't have to network face to face (of course I coach them on the importance and benefits of face to face).

Therefore, not only does linking your website to SNSs increase your website optimization, it also shows that you are socially connected. AND if you're using SNSs correctly, a cool person to connect with.

So before you stick your nose up to SNSs, read my blog entry about how they can be used to your advantage. You'll have to check the archives... I'm on day 128 and can't remember what day I wrote about it.

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

question 127: How do I convince someone I can direct without going back to school?

Direct something convincing. I know, I know, I sound sarcastic, but I'm not. I'm serious. If you do your research you'll find that many directors have not gone to film school. I've coached Directors of Photography who've moved up to director. They got their "schooling" on set. Others just do it. They write and direct shorts and full length features.

First and foremost-- you must change your own belief. If you believe you need school to convince someone you can direct, then that's exactly the vibe they're getting from you. If you feel unsure of your ability to direct, educate yourself without school; get mentors, do set visits, read books, take courses, practice with a group of actors.

Technology makes it easy to direct a piece. The challenge is finding a good piece of writing to direct.

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

question 126: What is the biggest problem you see with people in our industry?

I prefer to call it a challenge as opposed to a problem, but really--- it's a problem. Here's what happens: People in our industry send out cold resumes to hundreds of leads per year that they read about on line or in the trades and get them no where. By the end of the year, they are frustrated and bitter. Then, they come to me, frustrated and bitter about the industry in general.

I ask them, "How many people do you know in the entertainment industry?"

The average answer is 5 -40.

Then I ask, "and of those 5-40, how many are in the position to hire you?"

The average answer is 0.

The biggest problem is that people in our industry understand their craft/art, but don't understand the business side AKA how to generate work. I know I answered your question, but I'm sure this will only trigger more questions about "how" to generate work effectively. And to that I say...

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

Question 125: What is the best way to overcome the notion people have regarding reality vs scripted vs documentary to further my career path?

Perception is everything. Know what people's "preconceived notions" are, and have a new perception ready to throw at them.

Create a list of people who have transitioned from reality to scripted, etc. In other words, arm yourself with information, and avoid buying into their stories.

Be confident, persuasive, and ready to prove why you are qualified to work in the medium of your choice.

And of course, when in doubt, find mentors who have successfully made the transition you want to make and find out how they did it.

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 123: How can I find out what it's like to work in scripted to make sure it's everything I hope it will be?

Great question. It's always a good idea to research the market you want to transition into before putting all of your effort into it. Here are my suggestions:

1. Get 10-15 mentors in your classification to discuss their original expectations of scripted television and how and if they've been met.

2. Get 10 mentors in other classifications who work in scripted television to discuss their experience. Ask them about the hours, the politics and political hierarchy, and the balance of work and personal life.

3. Visit, in your case, edit bays. Other classifications would visit the set or the writers room depending on what area of scripted television they are researching.

Communicate your expectations and get feedback. Notice I suggested 10-15 people. This is not a random number. If you ask 1 person and they discourage you, it's important to have other people lined up to speak to. You will get varying opinions and it's important to hear from a variety of people so you can make an educated decision.

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

question 122: I've had a prestigious career and feel I'm being blacklisted now. How do I handle this?

It can be extremely frustrating when you've earned a negative reputation. Some people earn it, then see the error of their ways. Others, may be the victims of fear-based sabotage, by people who feel threatened. I believe that either way, you can do damage control. Here are some ideas:

1. Create relationships with the "new generation." Go into film schools and speak. Make yourself accessible as a mentor. The more new people who see you in this positive "light," the more people who will stand up for you if the older generation try to tarnish your name.

2. Volunteer to speak on panels and at Q & As. Partner with an equipment company and get out there and speak. Re-build your reputation as someone who gives back.

3. Invite studio decision makers out to lunch to discuss how you can help them. Some ideas may be to do a training on setiquette for crew members, or speaking on "how the crew can make the executives' jobs easier."

If you did, in fact, earn your reputation, it's important to address the "purple elephant" in the room. Tell them your new outlook and how and why you've changed. Remind them that with your level of talent mixed with your ability to lead, you want another chance to be a valuable part of their team.

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

question 121: Can my grandparents be in movies?

The rest of the question read:

"...They are recently retired and very bored. I'm a wardrobe assistant who's just breaking in myself, so I don't know how to help them, but they think it would be fun."

I don't know what they retired from, so I'll assume it's not entertainment. Because of that assumption, I'm guessing they have no relationships in the industry, and probably no specific talent like Cinematography or Editing. Starting from scratch, may be a bit of a stretch in a competitive, unionized, industry. YET, they can still be in the movies.

Yes, it's true. If they are willing to listen, take direction, and "pretend" to talk, they can work as background artists. It sounds like you live in an entertainment city, being a wardrobe assistant. If your grandparents do too, they can register with an extras casting agency. Central Casting is one of the biggies in LA. Google "Extras Casting Agency."

What makes it even easier for them, is they don't need to be in a union when they start out. It's certainly something to aspire to, but not a necessity for breaking in.

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

question 120: After I read your blogs and your book I realized I did so many things wrong. Did I burn bridges?

It's REALLY hard to burn a bridge in our business. The key is NOT to remind people of the mistakes you made in the past. Don't even say, "hey remember when I visited you on set and I embarrassed you in front of your crew. I really learned from that and would never do that again."

Most people who ask this question, are concerned that they didn't follow up. It's never too late to get back in touch.

If you screwed up at your job, there are other fish in the sea. If you had a problem with drugs and alcohol that is now under control, make amends. If you stole somebody's guy/gal, move on-- and don't do that again.

But as far as the business tools I blog about, you tend to make a bigger deal over something than the person, who may or may not have noticed.

If you have a specific situation, put it in the comment section and I'll address it.

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

question 119: Does it make me look bad if I give someone a testimonial, like I needed help?

People give me testimonials all of the time. I even have a section on my site "Spotlight" where I spotlight clients' successes.

If you're being asked for a testimonial it means that you've had success and benefited from working with the person/company. People who are reading the testimonial are impressed with your success, not judging you for needing help. They're reading the testimonial because they need help and want to know that this is a person/company that delivers.

As someone who receives testimonials all of the time, I can tell you, it's very appreciated. Instead of worrying about what others are thinking about you, focus on contributing to someone else.

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