Tips for How to Network at Industry Events
Question:
Last week, I attended the Los Angeles WebFest. At the conclusion of a panel discussion, I wanted to speak to the head of Lionsgate’s New Media Division about my project, but had no idea how to approach him. How do I talk to a powerful player at an industry event without being just one of the many nameless faces that bombard them?
Answer: Make sure you write down something the panelist said that you can elude to so when you approach them. You can thank them for their comment/insight and talk about how much you appreciate what they said; or ask a follow up question. Most moderators never give the speaker enough time to express a full thought, so this is your chance to hear more about what they had to say. They are on the panel because they want to share…so let them. And, it’s a great ice-breaker.
Another idea is talking about one of their past or future projects to show you’re familiar with and a fan of their work. Hopefully, you did your homework and gathered some background information on them beforehand. If not, use your PDA to Google or IMDb them while you’re listening to the panel.
Instead of approaching them as another writer-director-producer looking for a handout, approach them as one professional to another talking about something you know they are passionate about. Everyone loves flattery. Everyone loves to talk about themselves. Make an impression by going against the norm. It will be unexpected and they will appreciate being able to talk to someone about something other than the script they’re trying to pitch. The point is, start creating a relationship based on two working professionals as opposed to you trying to get something out of them.
Once you’ve gotten their attention, you can start building on the budding relationship.
If you have a question you’d like answered in one of my weekly “Hollywood Career Strategies,” send the question to me in an email to tanya@tanyakersey.com.
Don’t forget to listen to “Inside Urban Hollywood” tonight at 6pm PST/9pm EST. My guest is Kellie Griffin, former associate producer/head writer for “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne,” where she personally hand-picked her own writing team of 8–11 writers and managed them as they wrote a mind-blowing 100+ episodes in less than a year! Kellie will discuss writing and producing for cable and television. Listen live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood.
Have a blessed week!
To Your Success,
Tanya
Answer: Make sure you write down something the panelist said that you can elude to so when you approach them. You can thank them for their comment/insight and talk about how much you appreciate what they said; or ask a follow up question. Most moderators never give the speaker enough time to express a full thought, so this is your chance to hear more about what they had to say. They are on the panel because they want to share…so let them. And, it’s a great ice-breaker.
Another idea is talking about one of their past or future projects to show you’re familiar with and a fan of their work. Hopefully, you did your homework and gathered some background information on them beforehand. If not, use your PDA to Google or IMDb them while you’re listening to the panel.
Instead of approaching them as another writer-director-producer looking for a handout, approach them as one professional to another talking about something you know they are passionate about. Everyone loves flattery. Everyone loves to talk about themselves. Make an impression by going against the norm. It will be unexpected and they will appreciate being able to talk to someone about something other than the script they’re trying to pitch. The point is, start creating a relationship based on two working professionals as opposed to you trying to get something out of them.
Once you’ve gotten their attention, you can start building on the budding relationship.
If you have a question you’d like answered in one of my weekly “Hollywood Career Strategies,” send the question to me in an email to tanya@tanyakersey.com.
Don’t forget to listen to “Inside Urban Hollywood” tonight at 6pm PST/9pm EST. My guest is Kellie Griffin, former associate producer/head writer for “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne,” where she personally hand-picked her own writing team of 8–11 writers and managed them as they wrote a mind-blowing 100+ episodes in less than a year! Kellie will discuss writing and producing for cable and television. Listen live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood.
Have a blessed week!
To Your Success,
Tanya
