Ah, networking....

I remember during the Eighties (when I had just returned to NYC from Paris) the fad for people who wanted to get ahead in business was to go to "networking" events and hand out tons of business cards. It took a while for most of them to realize that the people they were meeting at these events were other people trying to network. Which, by the strict definition of "networking" should have been fine - except that most people mean by it "how do I meet people a tad more connected than myself"?

Meanwhile I was taking a writing workshop and made connections with people based on our shared passion. When I lost a job and needed consulting work, suddenly at least two people in the class got me projects.

My point is that the most effective networking comes through actual shared interest with other people, rather than attempts to simply hook up in hope of future benefits. So ideally you would network by going deeper into some aspect of the business, with real commitment, and then get the connections as a side-benefit.

Is there a film festival near where you are? You could volunteer to help with it. If there's any kind of film school, you're hopefully already trying to get roles in the student's films.

Even if being outside LA or NY means you have limited face-to-face opportunities, you might contribute in productive ways to on-line forums (not just this one). I'm in LA now, but this example might apply: when I started writing a large number of monologues for my first book a few years back, I was able to call on a number of actors to help me read through them because I was a known quantity on another board. If you connect with people in other cities on-line by having good information and other substantial things to offer, you might find that pays off down the road.

In LA, I often suggest people audit acting classes when they first get here, since you not only see a wide variety of acting approaches, you generally can chat with other actors during the break.

As for networking "workshops", they've been controversial for a while, not least because they come down to paying to be seen by people whose job it is to see actors in the first place. But they do work for some. Just be aware that most people will at best get small walk-on part from these and that those who do best tend to be distinct character types. But they really aren't true networking situations in the sense that you build up any meaningful relationship with the guests. If anything, some claim you get marked as (subtext - desperate) workshop actor.

The best way to network anywhere is to actively be involved in the things that really interest you, and to connect with others who share that interest. If, where you are, you can make that industry-related, so much the better. But you may be surprised to find one day that someone in s a completely different compartment of your life comes through with a connection you never expected. Inversely, I really wouldn't expect much networking from any activity that comes with that label pre-attached.

Networking is easy for some and difficult for others, depending on your personality type. I have learned that it is definitely a skill that, to some extent, can be taught. The ability to network without it seeming obvious or desperate is a fine line that comes naturally to some, and for others is a learned trait.

I achieve it very naturally. HOW does it come naturally, you might ask? Simply by being FRIENDLY which is something many many many people in LA are NOT. Every time I am at my acting school or an audition or anywhere for that matter, and I initiate a hello or smile and it is not reciprocated, I am always so astonished by it. It is no secret that LA and the biz are a lot about making connections and who you know. That said, just by being my friendly and SINCERE self to all I encounter, I have made contacts. i.e. the supermarket while handing out food samples, for God's sake! I also have another potential hook-up that I established through a bartender in Laughlin, Nevada while at his bar drinking and gambling- AND tipping him well. I had no idea at ALL that he might have a connection or anything. I was just hanging out, being chatty and taking care of him. Another reason to ALWAYS tip those who serve you. People, it is simply a case of getting out there and initiating friendship and conversation with EVERYONE YOU POSSIBLY CAN. But it has to be REAL. If you are a cold and distant asshole, you need to ask yourself why you are that way and make an effort to change it. Trust me, when you are simply friendly, approachable and most of all REAL you will create opportunities beyond your wildest dreams.
Oh, and if anyone sends you an email- write back to them please! It is just good karma- and manners...

I agree with miss stone: often I get auditions, interviews, and a few times even roles by just being genuinely friendly (emphasis on the word genuinely)to both industry folks and random people I meet. I guess the reasons why many actors are so rude is either because they see each other as fierce competition and/or they have tunnel vision on certain industry people and think no one else matters. Whatever the case may be, there's no excuse to not be civil to people: if anything it creates bad karma for yourself in the long run.

For instance, I never understood why people get snobby around catering or crew members. You never know, that crew member you just snubbed might be Speilberg's second cousin twice removed.

quote:

Originally posted by whiterose:
Superhotstar, I went to the link shared but I'm curious about how the network studio in NY works? How much does it cost? and how many events do you get? would you say is worth it?

Thanks,

I wouldn't know anything about the network studio in NY.

Oh! I was just asking because earlier in a comment you said you've been going to www.thenetworkstudio.com

quote:

Originally posted by superhotstar:

quote:

Originally posted by whiterose:
Superhotstar, I went to the link shared but I'm curious about how the network studio in NY works? How much does it cost? and how many events do you get? would you say is worth it?

Thanks,

I wouldn't know anything about the network studio in NY.

As Jim expressed very well, it's about your real interest in other people.

People collecting business cards and updating rolodexes should better invest their time in collecting monologues and good acting partners.

That's where I see the advantage of networking: to get good rehearsal partners.

The important contacts people dream about, you only get them when you impress someone with your work, and when you are impressed with that someone's work. And so on.

That's a true connection. Nobody will cast you because you dishonestly grinned into his face, and stuffed a businesscard down his throat.

My best networking has been when I needed a specific type of contact. My approach is to ask EVERYONE I know or meet if they have the connection I need.

For example, I was working on a project many, many years ago and we needed a connection to NPR. I asked all my professional contacts but it was a deadend. A friend asked her journalism contacts but that did not fly either. After about a month of asking everyone we knew, I finally got a lead during a Florida vacation visit to my grandmother. She revealed that the then head of NPR in Pittsburgh has a summer cottage right next door. We met over the fence and worked out a deal right there.

I am not a big fan of a general network. It helps me to have a focus to networking.

quote:

Originally posted by Jackie:

quote:

Originally posted by Truthie:
I need my cash for my acting classes, so how the higgins could I get networking without working myself into a network of debt?

Maybe you already do this, but I am always surprised at how little people avail themselves of FREE networking events, like SAG panels and speaker events or backstage events or other local events. Even plays, you can usually get free admission if you usher, just contact the box office and ask if they offer anything like that. And how about creating your own networking events like a monthly gathering of people from your acting class or college acting program where you can share news/info and bring friends...or a monthly play reading...I don't know where you are so I can't be more specific...

I'm in LA.

Please tell me: where can I get this info? I mean how do I know where SAG panes are (for SAG members only?), or speaker events...

Maybe I'm the only one awkward with this, but I hope not.

quote:

Please tell me: where can I get this info? I mean how do I know where SAG panes are (for SAG members only?), or speaker events...

I have attended some (not all) SAG Foundation events as a member of AEA, both in Orlando and New York. Look it up on SAG.org and see if you can register without union membership. Some stuff, like CD workshops, may be limited to SAG members only. I attended the last agent panel in NY last week.

quote:

JimChevallier

Thanks for the info I agree that will help me along my way.

well, the best way you can network is by being able to help someone else. I think you'll find the focus here about going to events where people can help you. People catch on to this very quickly, and realize why you're talking to them. So identify the people you want to meet, figure out how you can help them, and then I promise they will help you...trust me

quote:

Originally posted by Truthie:
Parties are good to meet people.

I once happened to get to a party with lots of actors and casting people.

I heard about it by chance.

Any good sources for such parties? Or are they a secret?

Are you in LA? Get to know some club promoters and once you get chummy with them, they will let you know what parties are happening and who will be there. There is also the Hollywood News Calendar that lists all the LA events for paparazzi.

Real interest in the other person.

I am so sick of those quick scans of career gold diggers. And, what's more, I don't think these people don't get ahead.

They are just being produced by those bottomed-out over the top down under networking guides and seminars, which are held by - surprise! - unsuccessful people.

By the way{

Have you noticed, how some film seem to be the starting point for several new actors?

Or that some famous actors were room mates?

To ditch the word "networking" and put "inspiration" in its place...

... because I think that it's inspiration from others that gets you along. You meet others, and are encouraged, and you encourage in return.

And if a job comes up, who do you think of recommending?

The fellow actor who inspired you? Who was great to do a scene with?

Or the in your face-gold digger that got you a nice paper cut with his/her business card she knifed into the palm of your hand after a fifteen second talk?

I unfortunately have a day job in advertising, and nothing gets me angrier than people attacking me with greasy, amateurish self-promotion attacks.