Listen, I don’t know about you, but I feel like the definition of “networking” has taken on a new meaning. I mean, what even is the concept of networking? Do I have to hand out business cards like I’m throwing shurikens at new clients? Should we have an elevator pitch ready to recite spelling bee style? At THN, we love being in a position where we get to be in the business, and ALSO foster a thriving, supportive community of various relationships within. The beauty of that is getting to know the people we get to work with as they are. People! Who just…happen to work in the same industry.
I feel like we don’t realize just how unique our generation’s exposure to industry relations and social media is. We’re a captive audience 24/7 where job applications (and auditions) are recorded and submitted in a vacuum, and anyone can offer any unsolicited pointers or “secret tips” on how to “make it” in the business —especially in a networking setting. It’s no wonder that the general sentiment we’ve received is that the people want community!
If you find it nerve wracking as it is to be in a networking setting and then on top of that have tons of strangers on the internet pull you in the “willow tree” of opinions of how to do it “correctly”, you’re not crazy! It makes total sense!
I feel like these days, our inner voices have been forced to be a lot quieter due to the “ongoing noise” around us, convincing us that we should be following a rule book so we don’t limit ourselves. While seeking feedback for improvement is well-intentioned, the flipside of that is that discounting our own instincts when it comes to meeting new people in the industry can be the biggest detriment. We seek to stick the landing on a professional interaction, and sometimes, this can backfire and be the very thing that makes interactions feel impersonal, forced, or “green.” We can liken this to how to make new friends, dating, or even “selling yourself” with the following concepts in mind.
What would make you feel respected? What do you love? Moreover, what do you love that is not just about getting a job? With networking etiquette, if you’re at an industry targeted event, then chances are, everyone there knows that you’re connected with the industry in some way. (Luckily, you didn’t just stumble in from the perfume department). Think about the people you’re trying to meet: how many times do you think they’ve given advice that day alone about how to get an agent, boost bookings, get more casting opportunities etc? Probably a lot right? Potentially even, to the point where the questions all blur together by the end of the night like faint elevator music. To be clear, it isn’t BAD to ask those questions. Of course those are going to come up. However, in addition to talking shop, I challenge you to think about how to showcase the wonderful person you are meeting potential clients, by being yourself!! Stay curious about the person you’re talking to as a person, not as a rung on a ladder. We all have a lot more in common than you think, be it the same food interests, hyper fixations, love of animals, a lot of random knowledge about the ocean, or the great pineapple on pizza debate, etc. No one is testing you. However, most of all, be respectful of a person’s space and their time.
We want to encourage our friends and community members to take the pressure off of the “work” part of networking. Just because it’s a work event, doesn’t mean it needs to be stressful!
Enjoy the moment! Enjoy the company! You are here for a reason, whether you believe it or not.
14 01 26
