I used to feel that way, mostly because I felt it was transactional. Like I needed to 'get' something from the person I was interacting with. Plus I was lousy at it!
I felt like I never knew what to say and I hated the feeling of trying to 'sell' myself. But at the same time I knew I needed to find work, and networking seemed like a way to meet people, especially since I had relocated to LA from NYC.
That all changed many years ago when I met a coach who gave me a whole new way to look at networking, as well as some practical tools and strategies to make it easier. Little by little I started applying these techniques and started creating authentic connections. I started landing more work, and it led to me directing a series for Showtime.
The reason I'm sharing this is because I want to give back and I'm giving a free Masterclass on networking for creatives next Tuesday to share what I've learned and practiced that changed the course of my career. It's on Zoom.
If you want to attend RSVP and register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/land-more-work-networking-masterclass-for-t...
I look forward to helping you find more work and steer your career! Hope to see you there!
I'm definitely no stranger to networking, but I don't think we ever stop learning how to build better relationships. I'll definitely be attending this masterclass. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience—I’m looking forward to it!
Great! Look forward to seeing you then. Joāo.
I never really hated networking, but although I was really good at making connections I never felt they went anywhere. At least at networking events. When I was in my twenties, I was fresh out of a post production school in burbank and decided to start going to a famous bar and restaurant that was in an area surrounded by post houses. I spent every night at the bar around 5pm talking to people when finally, after a few weeks, I met a manager of one of the post houses who hired me. That's not always possible if you don't live in a city like I did.
I learned something really valuable recently that I've found most people don't do in this industry if they're hungry and need a foot in the door. Starting off a conversation by asking about what they do and what they're doing in their life yields much better results than just saying "this is what I do, if you ever need my services let me know". It's about building relationships not offering services. Especially in this industry. Usually, if you only ask about them and don't talk about yourself, they'll ask about you. If you're work is good enough and you can show it, they'll reach out to you for future projects.
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Michael Teisan I totally agree! Creating authentic relationships is key. How are you doing these days?
Michael Franks see? That right there is what I’m talking about! I’m great! waiting for a project to get greenlit and if that goes through I’ll officially be the composer for an animated feature film. I truly believe in the movie and have faith it’ll be a great success. What about you? Got any projects on the horizon? would love to hear about it!
Hey Michael, this is Ashley from the Stage 32 team. I just wanted to let you know I moved your post from Post-Production to Your Stage, as it fits much better there. Let me know if you have any questions, and all the best to you!
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Thanks so much for posting this Michael Franks - I really enjoy networking so having a class like this will be a super opportunity for all types of networkers.
Thanks Darrell. If you know of someone who might benefit, please send them the link to register. It's next Tuesday for an hour or so.
I am heading to the rainforest next week so I will not be able to. Will it be recorded for online listening after Michael Franks ?