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MARKETING Person-To-Person Networking Tips For VO: Prepare For Anywhere - Even The Elevator December 15, 2016  By Paul StefanoVoice Actor You have heard the saying a million times: "It's not what you know, it's WHO you know." And you thought it was about the acting? Well, it is, and of course, as a voice actor, you won't get anywhere if you can't act (it's in the name after all). But the rules that apply to any other business apply to voice over as well. So, while you may bristle at hearing that axiom once again, in voice over, you really need to be networking. This may occur over the Internet, for instance, in Facebook Groups or bulletin boards. It may occur through email correspondence. It should, however, also occur in PERSON! Yes, this is a people business. WHERE TO INTERACT As voice actors, we may spend an inordinate amount of time in what amounts to tiny little boxes. But the best relationships still are often created, or in some cases boosted by, personal interaction. There are many industry events to attend, from trade shows like VO Atlanta or the Audio Publishers Association Conference (APAC) to fun events like the infamous Uncle Roy Yokelson's annual BBQ. You could literally spend your entire year bouncing from one event to another. Something can be gained from all of these events, but you must have a plan. A RECENT EXPERIENCE Case in point. Over a recent weekend, I was lucky enough to be invited to The Voice Over Cafe Holiday Extravaganza in New York City. Voice actors and actresses from all over the world were in attendance. Really! There were veterans with more experience than you could imagine, as well as people who are completely new to the business, and everyone in between. While there was no shortage of great people to meet, this was first and foremost A PARTY! People were there to socialize and have fun. Still, though I had "met" a lot of industry folks earlier through social media, there were very few with whom I'd had the pleasure of shaking hands. Actually, I take that back: there were ZERO. So I went to the party with a few networking tricks in my back pocket from my days in B2B sales:
LIST WHO TO MEET I had a definitive list of attendees I wanted to meet at this party. Not an actual list, just a sort of mental Rolodex. As I went about having conversations (and a few adult beverages), I made sure I talked to almost all of the people on my "list." Not all were great conversations. Some were as simple as saying, "I really wanted to meet you because I admire your work." Others turned into long diatribes by me, or the other person, the topics of which I can't even tell you now. The point is to use the time to your advantage. If you do it correctly, you'll meet a lot of people, and have some real conversations. Plus, I made some great "real life" friends. TIP: CONNECT OTHERS Finally, here's a super-secret networking tip I learned long ago when I was working in insurance. The best way to approach a networking event is to go in with the mindset of making connections for other people. Now, stay with me because this is like the Jedi mind trick of networking. It works not only on the people you talk to, but your own mind! When you walk into a room and somebody starts telling you about their business, listen - really listen. Don't just pass the time waiting for your chance to talk about what you do. Then go to the next person and do it again. Soon, you will find people who can help each other. HOW IT WORKS ... In the voice over world, for instance, you may speak to an actor who told you he needs a new commercial demo. Across the room, you see a producer with whom you've always wanted to work. Here is where the magic happens ... You grab your new friend and march over to said producer and introduce your friend, saying something like "Hey, I know you do great work. Johnny here was just telling me he needs a new demo." And then add, "Oh, by the way, I'm Paul." What just happened? You found a way to introduce yourself to someone you always wanted to meet, and you have brought them a potential client! You have also helped out your new friend by fulfilling their needs. TAKES PRESSURE OFF I have used this approach for decades in every type of business, and it always works because it takes the pressure off of everybody. You don't feel shy because you are working on somebody else's behalf. Also, it gives you a built-in "wing-man" - and who doesn't feel more confident when they have somebody along with them to have their back? You also don't seem pushy to the person you are trying to meet because you are not talking about yourself. With all the events in the voice over community, it really does behoove you to check some of them out. Keep the above checklist in mind, and as Frankie MacDonald says, BE PREPARED! ------------------ ABOUT PAUL Paul Stefano is a voice actor with training dating back 20 years. His primary focus is narration, eLearning and audiobooks. He also co-hosts The VO Meter podcast, helping newcomers to the business. Email: paulstefano@gmail.com Web: www.PaulStefano.com The VO Meter Podcast: https://vometer.com |
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Your post on effecting networking techniques hit he nail on the head. It really reinforced the importance of using others around to your advantage. I will also implement the connecting others aspects at future networking events in London, UK.
Kind regards
Kenny Dunkwu
Voice Actor - Versatile Voices