LA actors, want to make some major strides in your professional connections in 2014? “Make It A Networking New Year!”

Okay, before you run from your computer, let’s get something straight. Networking does not have to be slimy and shamelessly self promoting. Networking is sharing. And as long as you have something to share, it will be an enjoyable exchange for both parties involved. Be genuinely interesting and be genuinely interested.

The amount of people you know matter less than the connection you have with industry professionals. So instead of trying to meet as many new faces at a party as possible, invest time in someone who you really click with. And never ever think solely about what you can gain from knowing them. I’ve had interns help get me auditions, as well as Broadway producers. Talk to everyone at parties, film screenings, plays, casting director workshops, coffee shops. You can meet your next great collaborator waiting in line for your latte at Starbucks.

The main thing to remember when networking is you don’t have to prove yourself. This is only your first interaction. Imagine if you acted that way on a first date, rattling off a laundry list of acting accomplishments and hopes. Scary. You are simply starting a relationship that will take time to cultivate. It may take a few more interactions before you actually get to working together, it most likely will take many more. So breathe and enjoy getting to know someone new.

With that said, I do think it is important to have some knowledge of what you are going to share. In other words, no one wants a prepared speech, but you should have a few key ideas in your back pocket. the best questions to have thought previously on include:

Are you working on anything right now?
What do you want to do long term?
What have you been up to lately?

Now you want to be honest when answering, but selectively honest. Stay succinct and positive. Give your highlights! And if you aren’t working on anything new, flipping the question and saying, “I just wrapped work on a brand new video game for Sony” is totally acceptable! Just be prepared to talk about the game, or whatever you just completed, in a fun way.

And hey, mixing work and non-work news is awesome! Saying “I plan to focus on action movies,” is even more exciting when you share how you just went to a Krav Maga self defense weekend in Israel! Who doesn’t love exchanging travel stories? Food, TV, hobbies, and hometowns all bond people. Just please stay away from politics, religion, and commuting stories. If I hear one more Los Angleano complaint about the 405, I’m going to scream.

Finally, it’s great to give out your card, but it is even better to get theirs. This way you are taking responsibility for the next step in reconnecting. Asking them to remember to email you after a long night may not happen. But you can make certain you’ll follow up with them the following day. Make sure to include a friendly reminder about how you met, so they can remember if they reference back to the email months later. And please be easily accessible yourself. Include your cell, email, and website info.

Now that you are ready to expand your community and network your way into a bright new year, let us know how it goes. We’d love to hear your stories about connecting in this city. And we hope to always be part of your extended network too.

Break legs!
Megan