Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1142: Question about a time management technique from your newsletter

the question continued, "I've been experimenting with the time-management techniques from your newsletter. I've been doing the one where I write down 3 things I want to get done for the day and then I throw the paper away. What do I do with the rest of my day?"

It sounds to me like you're a do-er. That technique is for people who can't get started or focused, or simply don't want the pressure of a long to-do list. It works really well for them. If you're finding that you're getting your 3 things done and have plenty of "business time" left in the day, you can certainly do more. You chose the 3 most important things and accomplished them. Celebrate that and then do more on the days you feel like working, or take some time to do something non-work related on the days you feel like giving yourself a break.

My newsletters are jumping off points. You have an "And...Action!" task, because I want to get you started. You've taken the bull by the horns, now make it your own.

And once again, congratulations for taking action and implementing the techniques I write about in my newsletter!

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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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1141: I read your list of people to get referrals to on page 79 how do you ask when people are so competitive?

This was a question from someone who is reading my book AND ACTION!

Here are my suggestions for asking for referrals:
1. Ask people you’re not in direct competition with. Who else knows the classification of people you're trying to meet?
2. Explain clearly, what you want to speak to their contacts about. Many times people aren't sure why you're asking for the referral, so they are resistant. Be sure to give them a reason they can say yes to.
3. Have an upbeat energy when you’re asking, a mindset of possibility. If you sound like you're apologizing for asking, or have any negativity in your tonality and/or physiology, people pick up on that. They want to help people who are confident and upbeat.
4. Be prepared (have a target list). Straight out of Jerry Maguire - help them to help you.
5. Know your objections before and have an answer prepared. If people have said no in the past, know why and address those objections in the future either directly or change how you're asking for the referral.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com
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Monday, April 23, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1140: Is it difficult crossing over from television to film, or vice versa?

Back in the day, you were one or the other. In recent years, the business has changed and people go back and forth. Is it difficult? That depends. Do you have solid relationships with people who can hire you in both? Do you have individual marketing materials for each medium? Do you have a recognizable name?

If you didn't answer yes, to any of the questions, it can certainly be a challenge. Now you know what's missing, and you can work to build in those areas to make the cross-over easier.

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Sunday, April 22, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1139: Do you have to live in Hollywood to have a successful career in entertainment?

You don't HAVE to do anything. How successful do you want to be? If you wanted to be a ski instructor and you lived in Miami, Florida (snow ski, not water ski), how successful could you be? I don't recall the last time there was snow in Miami.

If you're an actor, would you be satisfied doing community theater? If you're a producer or director, would you be satisfied making movies with your own camera using local non-union crew & talent? If you're a writer, would you be satisfied writing your heart out and not having access to the people who can buy your scripts?

Are you getting the picture? When you are breaking into an industry, you want to be in the heart of it. Now, there are other 2nd, 3rd, 4th, place markets where a union member can make a decent living. So, it's up to you. How successful do you want to be? How committed are you to that success? What sacrifices are you willing to make? I grew up in NY, perceived as the #2 market. Two top agents told me to move to Los Angeles. I left everyone I knew and loved, and it's paid off.

The flip side is that the smaller the market the less the competition. Here's what to evaluate for where you live:
1. Is there a market for your skill/talent that has the level of jobs you want and the pay scale you desire?
2. What are the rules for you to work in your local market?
3. What is the level of talent and connection of your local competition?

Because of tax incentives, there are many places to work successfully in the US at this time. If you don't live in a production city and plan to make a move, there is a lot to consider.

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Saturday, April 21, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1138: How do I choose a mentor?

The answer: Not as carefully as you may think.

Remember, when I'm suggesting you pursue mentors, I'm referring to "business advice and guidance" mentors. Everyone who has reached some level of success can give you new information. You can even learn from unsuccessful people (though it's not the most strategic way to go). I love to watch the crowd swarm the guest who spoke at a Q&A and see all the mistakes people make.

Therefore, if you can learn form the good and the bad, anyone can be a potential mentor. That said, you'll get to where you want to be faster, if you're strategic in who you choose. The mistake that most people make, is getting too caught up with choosing the perfect mentors. This is a waste of time. Set a goal to choose a specific number of mentors by a specific date and if by that date you're 2 people short, close your eyes, open a directory, and point out 2 names.

Helpful tips for choosing mentors (yes, I suggest you get MANY):

1. Choose people who have taken a path you'd like to emulate

2. Choose people who know the types of people who hire you

3. Choose people who hire people who do what you do

4. Choose people you've seen do Q&As or volunteer somewhere (that means they like to give back)

5. It's okay to go after A-listers AND have some "safe-schools" (people who will likely say yes)

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Friday, April 20, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1137: How do I find representation?

Before spending valuable time on seeking representation, do an honest evaluation of where you are in your career.

Are you making enough money to make you attractive to an agent and/or manager?
Are you so busy with work that you can't manage your own career?
Are you highly marketable (examples: just won an award, created buzz at a film festival)?

If you answered YES to any of those questions, then it may be time to seek representation- if they're not already coming for you. Here are some tips on seeking representation:

1. Do your research: choose 10 agents/managers that are a smart fit for you

2. Find out who else is represented by them, to see if you have a contact on the inside who can bring you in/refer you

3. Have contacts make calls on your behalf

Just as a note:
Agents get +10% because they do +10% of the work. YOU are 100% responsible for your career! Don't expect an agent to be the magic bullet who will propel your career. An agent is a great team member to have and a "stamp of approval" on your resume & reel. Keep doing your "business."

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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1136: It seems like every successful person took a different path to become successful. What's the right path?

Unfortunately, there is no "right path," no clear ladders to climb, no rule book.

Fortunately, that means you can choose your own path, build your own ladder, make your own rules.

My suggestions for doing this are:

1. Get mentors. Plural. Get advice from as many successful people as you possibly can

2. Compare their advice and decide what fits you best

3. Take action

4. See what works what doesn't work

5. Keep doing what's working and keep adding new tools to your tool belt

6. Invest in yourself

7. Create financial and emotional stability so you never have to give up on your dream

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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Getting Jobs in Entertainment question 1135: How does going to a Union movie screening help me when I'm watching a movie?

This must be someone who attended one of my speaking engagements recently, where I suggested union screenings as a place to network.

Here's how I see it. Going to the movies in a regular theater, you can be attending with anyone: students, plumbers, financial planners, stay-at-home-moms. When you attend a union screening, at least one out of two people have to be in the union (I say 1 of 2, because members can bring a guest). That means, one of the two people to your right and one of the two people to your left, are potential relationships, right?

No more sitting quietly in your seat waiting for the movie to begin. Say hello to your neighbors. And while you're at it, come early and stay late. And no... NO networking during the movie (unless it's a thriller and you can't help but grab someone).

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