Posts Tagged ‘Networking’
6.5 Steps To Better Networking by Geoffrey Gitomer
Let me begin by stating that it is absolutely crucial for any blogger dreaming of even marginal success must be an avid reader. Not only a reader of his particular profession, but also that of his diametric opponent. Why? This fuels the imagination, and at the very least forces your mind to contemplate vocabulary and voice that you yourself do not employ. That being said Jeffrey Gitomers book is the fun, helpful trip through a wise old sages colorful mind.
1. Subject
Naturally, we have all been through some sort of self imposed course on how to interact with others and utilize these relationships for business purposes. However, I for one have struggled while search for a simplistic, non-verbose, book to give me a nudge every once in a while. Gitomer does a good job of engaging you, and teaching you the fundamentals of networking.
2. Structure
The book is bound in black felt, which is very fun to hold while reading. Perhaps you are like me, and even appreciate the binding, font size, and even the paper type of a given book. Gitomers book has it all. From its simple chapter and subject structure to the glossy finish and sweet smelling pages. You can easily read through his chapers, and are not struggling to finish. He even adds a red bookmark! Yes, I love the structure.
3. Content
Excellent tips and tricks for the novice and professional alike. He provides basic checklists, and quotes for your reading pleasure. Full of personal anecdotes and trite recommendations I felt as if I was reading a wise old uncles cheat sheet to business rather then a stuff biz book.
Conclusion
I can not recommend this book enough to every web series creator, and new media creator. Why? Because a very large part of our business by nature is determined through social mixers, and other events which fit perfectly alongside Gitomer’s gameplan. Its a fun and easy read, that is just as good the second time through as the first.
Mixer Networking 101
I most recently had the pleasure of being invited to the Producers Guild of America’s New Media Council. (For those of you acronym prone thats the PGA NMC.) I must say I was most impressed with the overall organization, beneficial industry contacts, health benefits, and tasty treats.The event was orchestrated by two newfound friends, Susan Zwerman and Alison Savitch.
While there I had an interesting discussion with several other webseries creators regarding the intent and benefit of social mixers. We came up with the following short form list to help all those entering into the social underworld of new media how to network. Feel free to add to this list to your hearts content.
1. Scout : Scan the room, and identify the persons you would like to speak before the night is out. Perhaps it is a popular web or television star, producer, or agent that you recognize. DO NOT approach these people first. You need a bit of time to practice your pitch. Everyone from professional athletes to musician need time to prep and warm up before they knock it out of the ballpark or take their place on stage. Why should this be any different for those pitching their profession?
2. Network : This may seem like an over simplified step considering you are at a social event, but you will be surprised at how many people attend a mixer and talk to only one or two people. Remember this is like speed dating. Make a great first impression, get an overall understanding of who they are and what they do, and move on to your next person. They may be your next best friend. I have several now, and they all started out as strangers. Don’t be afraid.
3. Pitch : I have heard thousands of pitches over the course of the years, and the most impactful pitches are passionate, informative, but most importantly SUCCINCT. Your pitch should consist of only a few sentences, ending with a call to action. Stay on target, cover the basic information. Avoid false starts and rabbit trails. Don’t forget to smile. Remember you like what you do! No one wants to work with a Negative Nancy. How do you perfect this pitch, you ask?
Pitch Tip #1 – Begin by practicing your pitch even before you leave your car. Remember to actually say it out loud. It may feel strange, but you will be able to catch your verbal fumblings and ramblings faster. One attendee stated she forces himself to say it 7 times. Each time slightly different and she picks the one she likes best. It’s somewhat similar to actor’s rehearsing.
Pitch Tip #2 - Next try your pitch on the greeter at the front door. These persons are naturally friendly, and have waded through everyone that has already pitched them. Follow up after you are done, and ask them if they need clarification. Finish by asking, “Who else is here that you think I should talk to?” They will point you in the right direction. One of my best leads last night was Greeter Drew, a Post-Production Supervisor at Fox.
Pitch Tip #3 – Before you go and pitch to the few persons you REALLY want to talk to take a brief moment, and perfect your final prep pitch. Waiters/Bartenders. Every mixer wouldn’t be complete without one. Some of the best critiques I received have been from waiters. If you can inform an innocent bystander with you and your profession, especially given they are unfamiliar with you turf, then you are well on your way. Besides that they may reward you with tasty good treats. (Last nights food was delectable. I still crave those pot stickers.
4. Communication Etiquette : Current pop culture topics are always great conversation starters. Its a lonely place to be the only one standing around with no clue what happened in todays news. Avoid inflammatory topics as much as possible. Religion and politics very quickly parts the room, and you don’t want to be caught in awkward silence from an easily avoidable slip-up. Also make sure you do not interrupt another persons conversation. Very irritating, and a horrible first impression. I overheard somewhat of a heated argument regarding the recent election. Does it really matter right now at that moment? Probably not.
5. Enjoy Yourself! : The reason mixers are thrown is to build a sense of camaraderie and friendship between people of similar interests, not to mention the networking benefits. Bring a camera take plenty of pictures of you and your new found friend. Upload them to your social network and give them a reason to stop by for a follow up visit.
Conclusion
Hopefully this has been either an eye-opener or a refresher course for you on how to not only survive, but thrive in this social media world. Thank you once again to Susan and Wendy for throwing a great mixer! Feel free to add any comments, rants or raves, anecdotes or accolades from your mixers. Enjoy.
Webseries Kiss of Death
The recent surge of webseries popularity, and the overall improvement of quality has made webseries the new kid on the block. Formerly technologies, directories, and applications stood within the limelight, but thanks to programs like “The Guild” (Felicia Day) “Hooking Up” ( ) There is a immense interest in getting your webseries sold or better yet licensed.
I suppose I should have named this entry “Webseries Negotiations Kiss of Death Comments,” but the title was far too long, and not nearly as snazzy as I would have hoped. I have included several phrases which spell death for any webseries creator to utter.
1. How much money do you think I can get for it?
You just made it embarrassingly well know that you don’t know the value of your market, let alone of your product. If you don’t understand its value why should your audience appreciate and therefore I pay you for it?
2. If the money is there I can make many more!
Obviously. This goes without saying, that if someone paid you to do, what you love, you would do it. ALOT. If a fat kid was paid to eat candy he would make the effort. Catch the drift?
3. “We aren’t looking to sell it, just see where it goes.”
Essentially you just disclosed that the project is a lose leader with no vision or exit strategy, and very few companies are looking to acquire lose leaders. One exception that I am aware of HBOlabs. Woody has stipulated from the very beginning that it is a testbed. Excellent. However in the real world no vision + no direction = No money.
4. “I really don’t know.”
In this case ignorance is not bliss. Admitting that you don’t know is alright, but please follow up with what you are doing to remedy this. The unknown is incalculable, and irritating. We want to feel secure in working with you, no innundated with factors which may lead to our demise.
5. “I…I…I….”
Believe it or not its NOT all about you. I would like to work with you to see what you can do for ME. Definitely let me know what you do, but never fail to bring it full circle to let them know EXACTLY how they can benefit from your relationship. Remember I have the money, connection, distirbution, etc. and you have to convince me that you are trying to get ahead, but that you have my best intentions at heart.
Ownership : There are few things to consider when negotiating. Either you can own alot of nothing, or some of alot.
Revenue Model? Is it Pay Per Minute? Revenue Shares?
New Media Rock Star Kit I
What is a New Media Rock Star? How can I become one? Sadly, there is no simple substitute for hard work, and determination. However there are a few hints, tips, and tricks for you to consider which I have accumulate over the years from a successful online personalities and new media entrepreneurs. The result of conversations at mixers, soft sell pitches, closing meetings and so forth. Enjoy, and feel free to add to the list.
1. Reel or Portfolio
Always have an example of your creative project ON its medium. If you sell video, show it to me on a ipod. If you sell comics, bring me a paperback. Don’t just give me a card with a link. I’m busy, and to be honest, unless you really interest me I may not remember your face, name, or card due to the number of other new people I meet. Give me a tangible. Personally, I take my iphone and play the content right there on the spot. Gauge their reaction, and change based upon that.
2. Debrief Kit
Pen & Pad. Both small. Don’t bring a leather portfolio or a pocket full of sharpies. You want to keep your hands free for shaking hands, hugging people, and randomly kissing the occasional passerby. I bring a notebook that fits in my back pocket and a golf pencil. Small and cheap. Yes, this can be used for contact information, but here’s a new idea. I write a checklist throughout the event of what I have or have not been doing in conversation. Basically I become my own business coach. I read this before my next conversation. Typically my personal notes contain, “Talk slower” and “Get to the point fast” most often. I collect these personal critiques, and am now able to use these notes as my “debrief” before my next meetings at a later date.
3. Gifts
Small gifts for your new found friends really makes you memorable. Not bribes! Who doesn’t like gifts? I have been given some of the oddest trinkets by some of the most amazing people that I remember to this day. Whereas their pitches may not have been perfect, their personality and inspiration remains with you, and in turn the pitch. I have received plastic black widow spiders, a cloth orange, a chocolate Easter bunny, army men, a pocket mirror, and body lotion (don’t ask). All of which are small enough to place in my pocket, I can’t throw them away. I’m emotionally attached to this and the odd person. (I still have them even though only one of them ended up working.)
4. Deliverables
Let the other person know the actions you will be taking after this conversation. Wheather its keeping them on file or emailing them on Tuesday. (Never Monday) This helps them connect the dots later on. Typically I say I will send them an email with either more content or even arrange for a phone conference with them on a specific day/time.
This is a very good foundation for your Media Rock Star Kit. Begin with these, and gradually add to it the more mixers and/or events you attend.