I just got a call from a student hoping to make it in the television industry- she was referred to me by my college professor and mentor, Bob Walker. She seems to be a good student, but as a professional trying to gain contacts, she needs work. But then again, when you're a sophomore in college, professionalism isn't exactly high up on your to-do list. So here's a few quick tips to help you out.
1. Learn to talk to people!
Talking to people is a game in and of itself. People who constantly Facebook and text tend to be lacking in real time face to face conversational situations. The best way for you to get better at it is by talking to as many people as possible- starting conversations with random people in places like an elevator is great practice. Say something about the book in their hand, their outfit, their cell phone....anything! Whatever you feel most comfortable talking about, strike up that conversation!
2. When asking a new contact for something, be specific!
Bright, young, chipper new interns get referred to certain contacts on a daily basis; it's not uncommon for someone to get emails from 40-50 new interns a day. Because you never know how many interns your new contact is speaking with, you need to set yourself apart. Simply stating "I need an internship" isn't going to cut it. Be specific in what you want, and make yourself memorable. I don't care if your dream is something as crazy as wanting to have a TV show about pepperoni pizza- you can either be Doug, the guy who wants his own pepperoni pizza show, or you can be Doug Who?- it's all up to you!
3. Do not inform a new contact that you can be texted at this number.
Ah, texting- the wave of the future. Teenagers who send thousands of texts a month are now becoming college students who send thousands of texts a month. Even social media marketing firms have phones for calling people. In 20 years, everybody from the age of 45 downward will be proficient at texting. Those people on the older end of that spectrum will be the ones running businesses, but until we get to that point, calling is the only way to go for the older generation. When you tell a new contact that you can be texted, it makes you look like you don't have enough social skills to get up and call someone.
4. Clean up your Facebook page.
This one is the most common one to address. Making your profile public means that just about everybody can see your pictures, comments, and whatever else, good or bad. Either set your profile to private or untag yourself from photos that show you in less than a positive light. The more you permanently get rid of, the better. If possible, only use a Linkedin account when asked for a website.
That's all I've got for now. What tips do you have?
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