Networking is critical to being successful in practically any field and screenwriting is no different. Screenwriters are usually anxious or reluctant to network because they feel like fish out of water. They're use to working independently and relying on themselves for getting their jobs done. Also, screenwriters' lives revolve around telling stories about others and not about themselves. So, the heartburn they feel for networking is understandable and fortunately, curable.
Let's not make networking into more than it actually is. Basically, networking is socializing and building relationships among colleagues. The more we can see it as plain-old relationship building instead of some weird and foreign dynamic then the easier we can see ourselves getting involved and being successful.
Who among us has never formed a relationship with someone? We all have, so we all are capable of doing it at a networking event. People network because they want to meet other people and build relationships that will help them achieve their goals. And we all do this by: locating people, introducing ourselves, learning about them, allowing them to learn about us, finding commonalities, expressing and identifying wants and needs, and helping satisfy those wants and needs.
I've written lots networking articles over the years. In this article I'm focusing on 3 specific tactics. These 3 specific tactics should provide you with the necessary tools for immediately going out to an event and successfully networking.
1. Bring expert knowledge.
Do you get anxious about not having something interesting to talk about? Then prepare before your next networking event with an interesting topic that you are an expert on and get rid of that anxiety. We all have personal topics that we can speak about - in some cases ad nauseam. And hopefully, in addition to the personal topics, you will also have industry topics that you could easily learn more about and become an expert. If you don't, then find some.
Do you like watching television? Then become an expert on the new seasonal line up. Which networks are putting out what, who's writing what, what are the trends, and what are the reviews? Do you have a preference between network and cable programming? What's your forecast for who wins and loses in the upcoming television season?
Do you like sports? Well, if you do, don't just like your sport and team, become an expert.
Most importantly, know the Hollywood screenwriting industry. Become an expert on the going-ons within the screenwriting industry. Who sold what? Who bought what this year and last year? Who do you admire and why? What trends do you see? How does your script fit into what's happening or how does it stand apart?
Maybe you are science fiction writer ... then become a science fiction expert.
I guarantee, at the least, whomever you network with will remember you by the wealth of knowledge you had for a particular topic. "You're the guy who's passionate about the Dallas Cowboys, right?"
Set yourself apart.
2. Identify how you can help other people ahead of time.
People in the entertainment industry want to talk about what you can do for them more than what they can do for you. You have to figure out how you can help other people. How can you be of value?
Too many screenwriters are "trying to get their script read" or "trying to meet people" but they don't really know how to connect and help others. They feel a bit at the contact's mercy simply hoping against hope that their script might get read.
One possible thing you have to offer is your connections around town. Think about them before you head out to the event. Prepping on the connections keep them fresh in your mind. Drop names if you want. Offer to make introductions when appropriate.
Or you might talk to someone who wants to shoot a film in Cincinnati, and that's where you're from. You could offer to hook them up with a farmer to shoot on their land.
Get in the mindset of listening for how you can help people. When you become valuable to them and they like you, that's when they, in turn, want to help you.
3. Figure out a reason or two that you can use to follow-up with the people you meet.
In speaking with these people, find value-adding reasons to call them the next day or that week. Develop your conversational skills. Be creative.
You have to stand out somehow.
Maybe they said something that made you think of a website they might find valuable. Friend them on Facebook. Keep in touch.
When you walk away, consider writing down notes about your conversation and what action you will take when you get home.
Within 24 hours, follow through on whatever you need to do to establish that contact. Otherwise, you might not remember and another opportunity will slip by.
Following these tips will help you to walk away with solid contacts and have that networking event be a success.
If you want to improve your skills in this area, consider a coaching or training in networking session with Dr. Melody Jackson to get you ready.
Happy networking in Hollywood!
Want to get your screenplay out to legitimate Hollywood producers and literary agents? Check out the Email Query Letter Mailings and Hard Copy Query Letters at Smart Girls Productions and discover what other marketing services may be right for you at http://www.smartg.com/writers, offering marketing and consulting for all aspects of a screenwriting career. Also get your Free Marketing Hot Tips For Screenwriters.
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