entertainment industry coach Question 475:I'm a man. Is it appropriate to send flowers to a woman who got me a job?

Sometimes. The note has to be crystal clear that it is a professional thank you! Also, check the internet for appropriate flowers. Red roses are the obvious no-no. In fact, from a woman's POV, roses of any color, not appropriate.

Some women like to get flowers, but because it could be misconstrued, why not stick with something safe; a treat that can be shared with her staff, a gift certificate for a basic store like the Gap or Coffee Bean, a luxury gift certificate for a spa treatment (my personal favorite, hint hint).

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

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entertainment industry coach Question 474:I'm available. Should I post it on Facebook?

EeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeCHK! That's the sound of nails on a chalkboard, which is what this question is like for me. Facebook is GREAT! I'm a huge advocate of it, however, misuse of it can make you appear to be desperate and annoying. If you are available and want your Facebook friends to know, here is a good strategy:

"Just finishing Spielberg's latest film and looking forward to the next opportunity!"

Here's a typical and BAD strategy:

Day one:

"I'm available for work as a (insert your job). Please call if you need someone."

Day two:

"Still looking for work."

Day three:

"Looking for work, still nothing!"

No joke... I've seen this and like I said-- nails on a chalkboard.

I'm not going to tell you what to post on Facebook, but I will tell you to think about the message you're putting out to the world, because once you write it down, even if you delete it, like Sally told Harry, "you can't take it back because it's already out there!"

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

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entertainment industry coach Question 473:I'm an actor and got yelled at for moving something on a set that was in my way in the scene. What gives?

What gives? A Union member whose job it is to move the set pieces, I imagine. Just like your Union (SAG and/or AFTRA) has rules to protect you, your position as an actor, your rights, and your safety, other Unions have rules to protect their members' jobs.

On non-union, low-budget sets, you may find yourself acting one minute and moving sandbags the next, but when you step up to Union productions, you have one job to do and that's act. If you need your sandwich replaced for continuity, the script supervisor will let the prop department know.

Instead of being put off by it, be empowered knowing that there are organizations out there working to preserve the jobs of all of their members.

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

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entertainment industry coach Question 472: Do I have to live in Hollywood to get my screenplay read?

No, but you do need to do extensive research, protect your intellectual property, and submit through the proper channels.

First, you want to research which companies are producing your genre (and literally call the office to be sure they are still looking for that genre. Just because a producer made it big in horror doesn't mean she is still looking to make horror films twenty years later).

Second, you want to register your work with the WGA (you can do this on line). You may also wish to register it with the US Copyright office.

Third, research the submission policies. Some companies accept an unsolicited synopsis, some will only read a script when submitted by an agent or an attorney, and others will listen to pitches at writers' conferences and pitchfests.

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

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entertainment industry coach Question 471: Is there a Union for the people who are building the sets in Hollywood?

Yes. check out http://www.iatse-intl.org/home.html. "The IATSE is the labor union representing technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, including live theatre, motion picture and television production, and trade shows."

I'm not sure if you want to be a carpenter or a production designer or what state you live in (sometimes there are different chapters depending where you live), so IATSE is the place to get your specific questions answered.

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

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entertainment industry coach Question 470: I'm on location and I miss my kids terribly. How do I find balance?

Skype. Seriously, Skype. If there is internet access on your location, get a laptop with built in camera and microphone, (be sure your kids have a computer with the same technology) and download the free Skype application.

Is it the same as being there and giving them a hug? No, but it's an awfully good compromise. I used to talk to my parents everyday on the phone. Now we Skype, it is SO different. I feel like I see them everyday (well I do "see" them). Now if only I could get my dogs to respond to the sound of my voice when my scent isn't present, for when I'm on location!

Shooting on location falls under the category of "the nature of our industry." Like pilots, truck drivers, military personnel, it comes with the job. Coming up with solutions to make the best of the situation is the way to balance the best of both worlds.

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

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entertainment industry coach Question 469: I know I need to watch all of the new shows since I work in tv but I don't want to get sucked into them.

Well, speaking as a complete television "sucker" (I have my double DVR working overtime, On Demand is in demand at my house and Hulu is saved under favorites), only you can control how much TV you choose to watch.

Working in television, there are specifics that you need to know about the shows, based on your classification; the tone, the characters, the writing style, the look, etc. You can watch a show twice, get a feel for it, and then when you get a call for work, do a quick re-watch on Hulu or read up on the show's website.

If you don't want to waste time on shows that may be cancelled, just ask my sister which shows she LOVES... they always get cancelled. (That's a joke.. sort of).

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

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entertainment industry coach Question 468: I need help with time management!

Check out the article I wrote for my newsletter list THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION How to make the most of your time at http://theGreenlightCoachBlog.com

It's the second one down after mentors. If you have any questions after that, let me know!

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 467: If I had a paranormal experience, is this a story I should share?

I know the person who asked this, and I know he's referring to the story-telling exercise I do in my 5 Keys to YOUR Success at a Networking Event and in the Interview section of my Greenlight Your Career Bootcamp.

The answer is, you would share this if it is appropriate to the material you are interviewing for, if it has to do with paranormal activity, and you would share it in a way that is professional as opposed to weird. Practice it on some confidantes before using it in an interview.

If you're at a networking event, as with any story, know you audience, and know why you're telling the story. How is this story going to help the people you're telling it to connect to you on a deeper level, or what will they learn about you that will make them want to hire you?

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

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entertainment industry coach Question 466: Can someone with no connections in the industry make it as a director?

Someone with no industry connections can make it in any classification. If you have talent, drive, and a willingness to learn how to run your business like a business, then absolutely.

I know that's a really short answer, but the fact is, the answer is yes. If you have more questions about how to make it, start by reading this blog from questions 1. Then as questions pop up for you, send them my way. Happy to help.

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

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entertainment industry coach Question 465: How are people with no talent working and I'm not?

Ah yes, the harsh question of the frustrated entertainment professional. Sometimes talent isn't enough... hey, that would make a good book subtitle- oh, that's right, it already is... Mine.

Listen, the bottom line is that talent is certainly important, though as you can clearly see, it's not a prerequisite. Plenty of people who are (how do I say this nicely?) sub-par, work consistently because they are well connected.

This is an industry of who you know and who knows you. So if you're not working you don't know the right people, and the only one in control of that, is YOU.

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!