Networking: Creating Relationships In The Entertainment Industry

I'm going to address what I think is one of the most important elements to put you on the road to success in the Entertainment Industry

. Networking and Creating Relationships! This article is the first of three that will focus on this topic. There are a number of effective tips, tools and techniques that can help you both strengthen and expand your network of relationships. Here are two ideas that I've been teaching for nearly twenty years to people at all levels and all facets of the industry.

Firstly, a MAP OF RELATIONSHIPS. What that is, is a categorized list of everyone you know in the industry. A Map of Relationships is so much more effective than your computer data base or your rolodex. What you do is take a big piece of poster board and put yourself on the board and then create the categories for everyone else that you know in the industry. So the director's for example go together in a list the actors, producers, casting directors, etc. You can color code them in relation to the people that you know very well compared to those that you might have just met once or twice.

The first thing you'll learn from creating your Map is just how many people you actually do know. That always surprises people. You'll get to see where you're strong. But as importantly you'll get to see where you're weak. In addition you clearly see: Who's underused - Who have you not spoken to in ages? Who have you not asked for referrals? Who's uninformed - How many people on your map know what you're up to right now? If not, how can they help you?Your job once you've created your Map is to contact EVERYONE on your Map. Tell them what you're up to and make requests of them. Of course it's important to get into relationship and find out what they are up to before you launch into your request.

Also, it's important that you ask if there is anything you can do for them. An example of a request could be to ask each person for the names of three people they know who could be helpful to you in fulfilling your goal. Always ask permission to use their name.Keep adding to your MAP. Join organizations and go to meetings and events with a specific intention to meet the people that you need and want to meet.

My next suggestion is to CREATE YOUR TARGET LIST or as it's called in the Flash Forward workshop, your HIT LIST.

Now is the time to review your notes and take a look at what you've written down for your goals. So, with your goal(s) in mind Who do you need to get to? Who do you need to reach? Who do you need to meet? For example, for actors, you may be asking these types of questions when creating your list: Who are the casting directors I want to meet? Who are the producers and directors in pre-production? Who are the directors I really respect and want to work for? Where are their companies? Who handles their casting? Who are the agents/managers who could represent me? Who are the theater producers and showcase producers who are casting? What TV shows do I want to work on? Who is the casting director and producer on each? What agency packages those shows? Who are the students and indie producers making films? Who are the producers and directors creating and shooting the webseries I want to star in?

Or you could look at your Map of Relationships and say "My director's category is very weak. In fact, I only know three directors. I need to give my attention to and spend some time this month creating relationships with three more directors." A Target List will help you focus on meeting the people you need and want to meet. In this industry relationships are extremely important, so use these tools and create your Map of Relationships and your Target List. And above all, have fun doing so!

by: Suzanne Lyons

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