Part 3 – The Art Of Networking
The Broadcasters Education Association annual conference was at the beginning of the month and a few students were fortunate to attend and present their research on current media and how it relates to society. During the same time at the convention center next door, the National Association of Broadcasters was holding its annual convention as well featuring many new and upcoming media technologies.
I was there for only a couple of days but would need days more to see all that there was to see; it was more than the lectures and the displays, however, because another major benefit from attending was the networking.
Little did I know that two friends of mine from the Denver market had also planned on going and we all met up later for dinner. This was more than catching up with friends, they brought along their friends who invited along their friends and what was a fun night out turned into potential job opportunities for everyone all the way around whether it be investing in new cameras that someone was selling, hiring a freelancer to help with a video project, or learning about opportunities.
It was nothing pushy or inquisitive, it was fun. Simply visiting and swapping stories, and with that comes reminiscing and trust, and then staying in touch and hearing about opportunities that could turn into potential jobs.
So let’s say you’ve sent out that resume and have not heard anything back yet. Time to be social, especially in this business.
Here are three things to keep in mind in regards to networking:
First, between working in the biz and school and then back to the biz again I worked in guest services for a bit and the most poignant thing I learned was to listen to other people’s stories. Stories tell a lot about other people like their needs, where they’re coming from, where they are and where they eventually want to go and it tells them a lot about you: your listening skills, your empathy, and when you respond, your intelligence. All these are good things that employers look for and they may also know of someone that is looking to employ someone like you.
Second, do things that you are passionate about outside of the business. For me, it was yoga and getting to know people though another activity this allowed me to open up and be myself more. It also opened up many doors. I’ve gotten to be on the set of a soap opera and the front row of The Price is Right and oh, yeah recommended for a job or two as well… You never know who other people know.
Finally, be genuine and build real relationships. I can smell BS a mile away. When someone wants something from you most people can tell and will brush you off.
Many of my friends in the entertainment business may not be the most famous or high-paid executives but they are good, kind, and talented people who do very well for themselves and very well in their jobs. Two of them just won Daytime Emmys last night, so not too shabby.
If I made a decision to only associate with those who I considered being a certain kind of famous or made X amount of money, I probably wouldn’t have any friends at all. These friends do amazing things and will continue to do so as they grow in their career and I can eventually say, “I knew them when…” And hopefully continue to say, “I still know them and they’re amazing people.” And hopefully, they can say the same thing about you as well.
