“So, I have a bunch of business cards. Now what?”
-Fictional Reader I Just Made Up
The TAPAlooza{{1}} Festival went swimmingly. The place was packed when I arrived, and there were still a few small groups of people when I left a couple hours later. A good time was had by all, and many business cards were exchanged (including mine{{2}}).
Whether you were at Residuals or not yesterday, you’ve probably run into this situation. You collect a fistful of cards and then… what? Leave them in a pile on your desk? Consider calling them before thinking it’ll be awkward, and deciding not to? Make tiny paper airplanes?
I’ll admit, I’ve done all of these in the past. Then I read Never Eat Alone. It’s book about networking, but the key piece of advice is right there in the title.
It’s great that you got along in an environment designed to introduce you to meet new people, but now is the time to solidify a new friendship. Remember, you met them once, in a loud bar, amongst a crowd of people, while you both were maybe a little tipsy.
So when someone gives you their card, you should send them an email, text, or just plain call them in the next day or two. Invite them out to drinks/coffee/lunch. Hang out, talk about anything but the Business.
This is lateral networking. Your new drinking buddy is in the same position as you. You’re not expecting to get a job from this person anytime soon, and they’re not expecting it from you.
But this is a foundation. Years from now, who knows? Maybe they’ll be a producer, and they will hire you. Or maybe you’ll be a producer, and will need someone with a particular set of skills. It’s a good thing you made friends with said someone years ago at a TAPA drinking party.
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Speaking of TAPACon 2014, what did you think? Did you have fun? Would you like me to organize another one? What else would you have liked to see there, besides this group of hotties:
And if you made new friends, let me know about it in the comments section below. I’d like to believe I’m the new cupid of industry relations.
[[1]]Credit due to Michael Taylor for the name.[[1]]
[[2]]More on that later today.[[2]]
6 Responses
Wish I could have made it but work got in the way (a good thing). It would have been cool to meet more production people outside of being on set just to see how they approach the industry (I come from camera and lighting).
Whoa, “Lateral Networking” is a term I used last night… Was I talking to YOOUUU??
Ha! Really? I read it in that book. Have you read it?
I have not read it, but I should.
I usually choose to eat alone, one arm curled around my bowl in protection, the other shoveling food into my muzzle, usually in the furthest back corner of the commissary, where the workers that only speak Spanish hang out on their breaks…. Probably not the best move for networking.
I’m putting it in my Amazon cart right now, actually.
It was great! Thanks so much for organizing and we all agree your post is helpful and fun to read! Was looking for an editor and was able to meet a few sincere and helpful friends while I was at it. I really want to reiterate what you wrote in this post today. Be helpful and polite in any event. Remember, the same person you blow off at the bar may be the same person you need to ask for a job tomorrow. Be part of the network that creates a community! Cheers!