“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances; if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” -Carl Gustav Jung

Networking can be an ugly word. It conjures images of men in ratty brown suits with maroon ties guffawing at jokes made at the expense of their wives while holding paper coffee cups in a cheap lounge. I also think of a man in a shiny jumpsuit with glowsticks getting down to some techno track called “Networking” but I think that’s just me.

Anyway, networking is a necessity if you want to really make it in any business. In the theatre world, it’s imperative. We depend of the support of patrons, investors and each other to stay afloat. Some truly amazing productions and companies have fallen apart without that support and, let’s face it, some truly horrendous pieces of sidewalk bubble gum have achieved greatness with such support (I’m not naming names but my mom might… get it?).

I’m still building up my networking skills but here are some ways that I’ve learned to get started.

1. Business cards! I mentioned this in my first post but these are an absolute MUST! The power of a great business card would surprise you. I gave a card to a wonderful gay rights advocate I met last night and he stopped mid-conversation when he read my card to say “Oh wow!” He’ll remember me.

2. Be calm: No one wants to interact with someone falling apart at the seams and there is NO REASON TO! No matter who you speak to, remember, they’re just people. Steven Spielberg is just a guy that knows how to make good movies, Lady Gaga is just a girl who has a different point of view and Steven Sondheim is a god, so he’s the exception… just kidding… kind of… Similarly, never treat anyone like they aren’t important enough for you to speak to. That wimpy guy could be the next Woody Allen or, more importantly, a producer. Plus, it’s just rude.

3. Personal pitch: Have a reason to talk to everyone you approach. Now you don’t need to say, “Hello, my name is Alex and I want you to come see my show and invest money in it,” in fact, I strongly advise you not to say that. Go up and strike up a conversation appropriate to the event. When I went to the NYMF (New York Musical Theatre Festival) Mixer, it was appropriate to say, “Hi, I’m Alexandra, I’m writing a musical.” However, at an event for gay rights, it was more appropriate for me to thank the speaker for what they said and perhaps ask a follow up question first. Then, I mentioned that I was writing a new musical which included transgender issues.
Now, your reason to talk to each person will vary: information, support, talent, representation. You don’t need to immediately steer the conversation in that direction but let them know who you are and what you do and then LISTEN TO THEM. This is a problem that most young people have. They don’t listen to the person they are talking to. Here is an example of a well navigated encounter:

You: Hi, my name is Kate Winslet, I noticed you saying you’re a director.
Them: Yes, I work over at the York actually.
You: Oh, I’ve heard wonderful things about the York. Yank! is getting great reviews. (or if you haven’t) Oh? Where is that? (Don’t pretend to know things you don’t until you are a pro, you’ll just get into trouble!)
Them: Yes, I’ve been working there for some time now.
You: I’m new to the city actually. I’m an actress so I’m trying to get on my feet.
Them: Well, best of luck, it’s a tough business.
You: Thanks, I’ve heard! Could I give you my card? I’d really appreciate any advice you could give or any direction you could point me in.
Them: Yes, sure, here’s mine, too. Oh, good, you have a website. Are you musical or straight theatre?
You: Both, really. I have a lot of dance and voice training.
Them: Great, it was nice you meet you.
You: You, too! Enjoy your night.

What’s great about this conversation is it is short, which most will be, and has a natural ebb and flow. You talk, you listen, you respond, you listen, you find your opening, you don’t force them to stay with you until they offer you Thoroughly Modern Milly.

4. Follow up: Always always always send a follow up email within a week after meeting someone. You need to be fresh in their minds. Ask them if it’s alright to keep them up to date on your projects, you’ll annoy them if they don’t want to get your emails about doing five different one act festivals. Here’s an example:

Hi Mr. Deville,
It was such a pleasure meeting you last night. Thank you for recommending The Art of Directing. I picked it up at The Drama Book Shop today and am looking forward to reading it on my daily subway commute! I would love to keep you up to date on my projects via email and, of course, invite you to opening night of my directing debut in June. You can also check out my website or email me anytime if you have questions or are interested in my future productions. Best of luck to you with your new show on Theatre Row. How exciting!
Best,
Julie Taymour
www.yourwebsitehere.com
youremail@goeshere.com
555-555-5555

This works because it reminds them of who you are in the first two sentences, lets them know you were listening to them and were affected by what they said, reminds them of what you are doing, makes the effort to sustain the connection and gives them all the info they could need or want about you!

That’s all for now!
Be happy, be brilliant!