Tip of the Day

Nov 4, 2009 by benwhitehair    No Comments    Posted under: Acting Tips, Attitude, Thousands of Stories

I’ll be doing a lot of writing about how one of the most important things to do in this business is “meet the people” (to steal Kevin West’s favorite phrase). Sounds simple, but can sometimes be overwhelming, easy to forget, or whatever.

Here’s a little tip to make it easier. The next time you’re at any type of networking event, acting class, Q & A session, whatever, hang around a little longer after it’s over. Just see what happens. Say hi to whomever sticks around. Seek out the most interesting-seeming person in sight and just say hi. That’s it. No fuss. No weird lines. No crazy conversation starters. Just say hi. See what happens. Better yet, as a crowd disperses from an event, go say hi to that “second most important” person who was helping out the big whigs. Newsflash, that “second most important” person probably has more power to help your career than the Big Whigs, who are way too busy for the likes of you (read: all of us).

Think about it. When that assistant/friend/helper/coffee bitch is back at the office with Señor Big Whig and they say something like “Hey, did you meet that Michelle character the other night…she sure was sweet, huh?” “Oh-yeah,” says Señor Big Whig. “That was the woman with the funky glasses right? I totally forgot about her.” Boom, now you’re in.

Do it. Take a risk. It will pay off. I promise.

Ben Whitehair is the Los Angeles contingent of this blog. Find out more information and view his materials on his website, or read the rest of his blog posts.

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