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

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Entertainment industry coach question 378:Am I too old for a mentor?

His question went into a little more detail that may be helpful to many of you:

I'm 43 years old. I know a few directors whom I think would welcome a protege. Am I too old to ask them to mentor me? I don't want to make a fool of myself!

The answer is: No, as long as you have more to learn, you're never too old. The question is, what are you asking for. You want to be really clear:

1. What does the mentorship entail? (business advice & guidance? Craft advice? Shadowing?)

2. You want to set a time frame, so the mentor is clear that this isn't endless ( 3 conversations, 3 set visits, etc)

3. Explain why you've chosen him/her over all other directors. It's prestigious to be asked to be a mentor. Let the people whom you're asking know, where you are, where you want to be, and what you want to learn from them in order to reach your goals.

Preparation + Professionalism never = fool

Last tip, when seeking mentors, go after at least 5 at a time. The reasoning behind this is: if the first 4 say no, but the 5th one says YES, screw the rest! (was that harsh?) To heck with the rest! But you never would have gotten to the yes, if you started with the 1st, got a no, and got discouraged.

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 377: What's the difference between persistence and stalking?

Many people throw the word "stalking" around like it's funny. There's absolutely NOTHING funny about it. There are laws against it and it's extremely serious. If you were asking this question seriously, then you need to review the laws and seek professional help. Again, this is no joking matter to me!

If however, you meant the difference between persistence and being a pain in the ass, the answer comes down to the way you're contacting your contacts. Are you sharing new news, following up, asking a question or simply "checking in or telling them you're available?"

During conversations, are you listening or doing all of the talking? Are you coming from a place of desperation, frustration, or neediness?

As long as you are being strategic in your follow up/ relationship maintenance plan and always looking to create win/wins and ask for things your contacts can say YES to, you're most likely in good shape.

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 376: Does it hurt my career if I don't watch TV? (I'm a camera operator)

I love that you're catching on and giving me the specifics. There are many classifications that should watch tv to know how they'd be cast in it, how they'd write for it, how they'd direct it, because while it's easy to get access to shows now, having prior knowledge does give you a leg up. But even for these classifications it's not a necessity to watch TV if it is a lifestyle choice.

As a camera operator, it's less necessary from your job perspective, because you could get called in for a dayplaying job, watch 2 episodes on Hulu and have an idea of the operating style.

So from the artists' perspective, not watching TV isn't a deal breaker. HOWEVER it's a huge rapport breaker, when you want to work in TV and the people who can hire you are passionate about TV and you tell them you don't watch it. It's like going to a couple's parenting weekend with a single parent as their moral support and telling everyone that you're not really interested in kids.

I personally love TV. I love talking about it with other people who are passionate about the shows I love, so yes, if I had the choice between bring you on my TV show or an operator who loves 30 minute single camera comedies, I'm not going to choose you. But I'm just one person.

On the one hand, you want to stay true to your values, and if you see TV as a "time-suck," then you shouldn't have to force yourself to watch it. On the other hand, you're in a highly competitive industry of people who are passionate about TV, so you get an edge when you're an expert in your field, and being able to talk about shows, is important.

Of course, you don't have to go after TV. If you're passionate about film, target those jobs.

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 375: Were you ever on Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan?

Yes, I was. And here's why I'm answering this as a blog question. This blog entry is all about knowing your hook and it can be in your elevator pitch, your bio, your marketing materials, your social media pages... everything. You MUST know your hook AKA your place in the industry.

So here I was (5 years ago) with an English Mastiff who weighed more than me, and all of a sudden at age 7 she decides to become "leash aggressive." Which basically means that she went after other dogs, trucks, skateboards, children, and when she bit a person, I knew I needed help.

At the time, I was living with a Strength Coach who worked with athletes, and as you all know, I'm a career coach. My video hook was:

Two successful coaches who can't coach their dog.

I made a great video tying into this theme. With the hundreds of submissions the show gets, I didn't expect to hear back any time soon. I heard back the day after I sent it in (go USPS!). Why? Because I made their job easy. I gave them their hook and their story. All Caesar had to do was show up for 3 hours and reprogram OUR brains so we could manage our indoor teddy bear/outdoor monster.

It worked, and I was grateful to have 3 more wonderful years with her. Now if only my Saint Bernard could get her act together... oops that's right, it's me not her!

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 374: What's the best way to convince people to work low pay upfront & rest deferred for a 3 wk Indie Film shoot?

The best way is to create a win/win, be professional (have legal documents drawn up regarding the deferral pay), and most of all make it fun for them.

No one wants to work for free or for lower than their pay grade, but people will be willing to do it if:

1. They like and want to support the person whose project it is

2. They believe in the material

3. There is an opportunity for them (to work in a new genre, get a scene for their reel that's missing, play with new equipment they've never used before, get a celebrity on their reel, meet new people to network with, etc.)

4. They are being given the opportunity to move up in classification

5. They need to build their credits

The critical thing to remember when people are making sacrifices for your project is to treat them and feed them well!

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 www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 373: How do I get an agent?

The exact question read: I have been acting for about 7 years(non-professional). A couple months ago, I auditioned for an agent and did not get it. I was just wondering how to improve my skills so that next time, I will get one.

I've given advice on getting agents before, so you may want to search the archives. However, what I will tell you are there are 3 different aspects to this question:

1. Do you need to improve your audition skills (auditioning is different than acting)?

2. Do you need to improve your interview skills to make you stand out in an agent's office?

3. After 7 years of non-professional acting, is it too soon for you to be pursuing an agent?

All of these questions are what you need to consider before you meet with another agent. The first, an acting coach can help you with, the later two are what I coach on.

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 www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

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

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 372: Favors Part 1

Question: As I become more successful, I find more people asking me for favors (I think you call it making requests). One question asked might seem small, but I recognize how much time it adds up to, with 20 people wanting things from me every day.

Answer: First my personal clarification

Requests are defined as:

1 : the act or an instance of asking for something
2 : something asked for

as opposed to:

Favors that are defined as:

1 : friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior
2 : gracious kindness; also : an act of such kindness

When asking for a favor it implies reciprocity… not with a request.

It is understood in the business world that the reply to a request can be to AGREE, REFUSE or OFFER ANOTHER POSSIBILITY. If you can’t accept “no” as an answer, you’re making a demand NOT a request!

Therefore, you have to determine if you are truly being asked for a favor. If so, should you choose to do the favor, you tell them what they can do for you as a favor in return. Then you can determine whether it's worth it. If not say no.

If it's business, though, then it's a request and you need to set boundaries. You have to decide WIIFY (what's in it for you). 20/day does add up and takes away from the advancement of your career. While saying NO may feel uncomfortable at first, eventually it will be very empowering and and send a message to your subconscious and the people in your life, that while you're an independent contractor, that doesn't mean that you don't have work to do and that you have time to do favors for everyone.

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 371: How do you get to go to the Oscars if you're not nominated?

I assume you're not a star who would be a presenter either. There actually is a way to attend if you aren't invited. You can be a seat filler. Research it for next year.

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

entertainment industry coach question 370: Is it fair for me to get a dog if I'm in the entertainment industry?

You're asking a dog lover so, here's what I'm going to say:

IF you are already working regularly, traveling all over the country/world where it is really impossible to bring a dog along, then no, it is not fair to get a dog.

However, IF you're still building your career, don't put your life on hold. No one knows what the future holds. Get a dog, get two, and when the time comes for you to travel for work, they'll have their routine and you will have people to take care of them.

My dogs, Barkley and Jake agree, giving this blog post 8 paws up!

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