I have talked about the DON'Ts of Actor Networking. If you missed it, you can read about it here. In this blog I'm going to share the things that Actors should be doing at networking events.
DO bring business cards. I recommend business cards whether they be paper or digital as a quick way to share how folks can connect with you.
DO bring a notebook with a working pen/pencil. Not everyone will have business cards, so this is a great way for folks to share their name and email with you.
DO follow up with folks. I like to write my "great to meet you" email the day after a networking event. You can always put a delay delivery on it if you don't want to send it the next day. I don't wait for people to reach out to me. I send them an email to folks so I know they at least have my email if they'd ever like to connect.
DO write down notes during or right after the event. You can also use a voice recorder to record your notes. I like Otter.ai because it also transcribes my voice notes.
I like keeping notes on who I met, fun facts about them, and anything interesting from the night. These notes can come in handy if/when you run into folks at future networking events and auditions.
DO be kind to everyone. I haven't met rude person yet, but that's because we all know this industry is small. People know people. That's part of how we all work and get work again.
So be genuine and kind because you don't know who knows who in this business.
DO be yourself and have fun! I have found in both theatre and film networking events to my favorite things to attend because IMO there's not pressure like you find at auditions or crew calls. We're all there to hang out, reconnect with folks we know, and meet new people. Go out there, be yourself, and happy networking
How do you feel about networking? Is there anything I didn't address you're curious about? Send me an email and let me know.
Happy Networking!
Amelia