How to network as an actor
The other day I was reading an article about "Untapped Backlink Sources" which speaks about "secret" ways of getting more links pointing to your website. As I was reading this, it hit me that Brian is not necessarily teaching how to create backlinks, but how to network and that this list really applies to all sort of entrepreneurial networking. And yes, that includes actors and filmmakers. Here are some tips that I read out loud and instantly converted to networking concepts:
Give Testimonials
The author talked about how you should be reaching out to companies and telling them how much you love their stuff. Guess what, you can do the same with film directors, and producers and other actors that you truly admire. Be it social media or if you have access to their email or phone number, reach out and say "hi". Ask them if they want to grab a coffee or go see a comedy show together. And no, this doesn't mean retweeting John Travolta, unless you know John Travolta, in which case I should be reading your blog instead.
Reach out to people. Make the first step. Even if they don't respond for a while, make a second step, but don't write "Hey, I don't know if you got my last email.", they probably did, no need to put them on the spot. Instead try finding something more neutral like "Hey, there's going to be a screening of ABC at XYZ, if you're planning to go, give me a buzz, maybe we can grab a bite before" - as you see, no pressure, but also quick and informative. Maybe they didn't know about the screening and they are in fact interested in the screening.
I said "screening", even though it could be any event. I could be a meetup, or a show, but shows and screenings are special in that you could keep an eye on what your favorite directors are up to and send them a quick hello asking them how to get tickets to the screening. Not only you'd be telling them you're a fan, but when they see you at the event there's a better chance they'll recognize you.
Blogger Reviews
The author asked readers to reach out to others to ask for suggestions or recommendations. In our case, actors could reach out to filmmakers asking them about their opinion on headshots. You could say, "Hey, sorry to bug you, but I really admire your work and wanted to get your opinion on something". Just be honest and ask away. It's not the same as saying "Hey, hire me! I'll do a better job than Jane Doe!".
Filmmakers, on the other hand can reach out to film critics, asking their opinion on their film. Send them a DVD with a personalized note. Many times the critics will review your film positively and post it on their website or a blog. They will probably link to your project's websites as well. You can then link back to them, and take out the best parts of what they said about your work and add it to your testimonials.
Both instances show the person you are contacting that you believe their opinion matters. Most times they'll appreciate it, but they sure as hell appreciate it more than an email saying "what can you do for me?"
Link Reclamation
This one talks about how finding the name of the company that isn't hyperlinked can make an improvement in SEO value after it's linked up. By now you're probably thinking I must be making this stuff up, but no, this is nothing else but reaching out to people who have already spoke about you.
Maybe someone paid you a compliment on twitter, or someone else tagged you in a photo. Who knows, maybe some film critic from the aforementioned idea said that you did an awesome job in ABC portraying XYZ. Why not reach back out to them and say thanks? Who knows, it's possible that a creative relationship that is mutually beneficial can be established.
Of course, for that you may need a tool to help you out a bit. Try reading this blog post from last year.
HARO
Talks about connecting with reporters and offering them useful sources. How would I translate this one? I'm not even going to try. :) I did not know that HARO existed, but now that I do, I have signed up for their service and marked off the "Entertainment" section of their mailer. Now, if a reporter needs a quote about something related to the entertainment industry and I know an expert who can help, I will send the reporter to them.
This is beneficial to everyone involved! The reporter gets his or her story, my source gets to be named in an article, and I gain bonus points for introducing the two. And hey, if the reporter is looking for something you can offer expert advice on - that's even better.
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So, as you can see, the underlying logic of networking is quite broad and can encompass any spectrum of topics. You might be talking about building links for SEO, all I might be hearing is how to get actors and filmmakers to connect with people who will help bring their creativity to life.
