Want to stand out and make connections fast on Stage 32? Introduce Yourself Weekend is one of the greatest ways to do that. On the third weekend of every month, all weekend long, members of Stage 32 are looking to connect with one another. Considering that Stage 32 is the largest online networking platform for Film and TV creatives and professionals—that’s pretty epic.

Whether you’re looking to connect with industry executives, make industry friends, or simply practice getting your work out into the world—Introduce Yourself Weekend can help. But it only works if you know how to show up!

Setting The Right Intentions

Before you start writing your introduction post for this virtual event, you want to think through who you want to connect with. While you may immediately think about the top-level executives you want to network with (and you should), remember that the entire industry is based on relationships. The person who is a critique partner or writing buddy could also help you rise in the ranks as they do. The person that you strike up a conversation with in one of the Stage 32 lounges, could already or someday be a highly sought-after director, DP, actor, composer, producer, editor, casting director, etc. looking to crew their next project or identifying writers that they’d like to work with. Building relationships with people at all levels is vital because you need people in your network that you relate to, aspire to be like, and rise alongside. If you don’t have these connections, your experience in the entertainment industry will be much lonelier (and slower).

Human connection is vital in entertainment. The industry operates on deeper levels of trust because confidentiality, creative vision, execution, and work ethic are all things that are difficult to put into a simple resume and cover letter. Having other people who are trusted sources within the industry to vouch for you is critical to getting your foot in the door. In order to become someone other people in the industry trust, you have to be trustworthy. That means showing up for your relationships, communicating, and championing the work of others—not just your own. A big part of this is setting the right intentions—both for Introduce Yourself Weekend and for your relationships moving forward.

For example, if you set the intention to connect with people that you can be supported by while offering support—that’s a solid foundation to connect from. However, if your sole focus is on what you can get from others during Introduce Yourself Weekend, you’re going to repel the very people you want to attract. Everyone wants to be seen and appreciated, not just for what they can do for you but for who they are as humans. Make sure you don’t ignore the human aspect of Introduce Yourself Weekend and connect on a deeper level with people who aren’t just there to give you a job. Truly build a community around you.

Making The Most Of Introduce Yourself Weekend

Once you have your intentions set and you know which types of people you’d like to build community and relationships with, now you’re ready to start putting things into practice.

Start, by navigating to the Stage 32 Introduce Yourself Lounge. You can find the lounge through the toolbar at the top of your browser window. Click on "Lounge", which will direct you to a new page listing all of the current lounges available to you. Then select "Introduce Yourself". This is where the party is!

My best piece of advice here is to use the “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Cross” method by Gary Vee. This method speaks about giving value three times before making an offer (or in this particular case, putting yourself out there or offering a private conversation). Gary Vee’s approach to social media for business owners works wonders on Introduce Yourself Weekend because it speaks directly to our human desire to connect in meaningful ways.

JAB- Post Meaningful Comments On Other People’s Posts

Shockingly enough, this is the most important thing you can do all weekend. If you do ONE thing and one thing only, do THIS. While people can connect with you on your own post, those connections will rarely be as strong as when you find a point of connection on someone else’s post. Thinking through it logically, when someone comments on your post with a “me too!” statement and talks to you about an aligned experience, belief, or value—you instantly have positive neurochemicals pumping into your system. Other people go through the same thing. People will remember how you made them feel LONG before they remember who you are or what you do. By posting meaningful comments, you create this feeling of being seen and heard in the other person.

A meaningful comment is defined as five words or more with a reflection, acknowledgment, or insight that continues the conversation. Continuing the conversation is key to standing out. Likewise, if you don't have something nice to say—don’t say anything at all. Stage 32 isn’t like other social media channels. While other social media channels are built for polarity, contrast, and debate–Stage 32 is built for relationship building. If you come to someone’s post and you’re arguing, debating, or sharing negative things—you’re going to kill that relationship. And here’s the thing you may not realize—that relationship won’t only be compromised with that individual, it will also be dead in the water with the other people reading it. It’s in your best interest to show up to Introduce Yourself Weekend committed to uplifting others and connecting in a meaningful way (and don’t forget to use the “like” feature on other people’s posts, too). Acknowledge that you appreciate what they brought to the conversation.

JAB- Use The Tagging Feature

By using this feature, you will grab the attention of the people you’re speaking to in the comments. Without it, the notifications can go by the wayside. Make sure to use the tagging feature to keep conversations going. To properly tag someone, simply type the “@” symbol ahead of their name. A drop-down menu will appear, allowing you to click on the proper person’s name. Once the tag is in place, their name will appear in blue text and they’ll receive a notification alerting them to your reply once it’s posted.

JAB- Make Your Own Post

Posting about yourself is important, not just to connect with others on Introduce Yourself Weekend, but also because you want to practice introducing yourself to industry professionals. There’s no better practice than Introduce Yourself Weekend.In making your own post, you want to share who you are, what genres you love, the work you do and/or aspire to do (e.g. are you a screenwriter, director, actor, etc.), the types of people you’d like to connect with, what your goals are, and how you hope to contribute to the community. For example, this will be a post I use in the upcoming event:

Hey, everyone! I’m excited to be here with you!

I’m a writer and an editor who loves to connect and support my community. Currently, I’m shopping three pilots in three different genres: one sci-fi, one fantasy, and one romantic comedy (with an emphasis on comedy because who doesn't love belly laughs?).

I love connecting with other writers, as well as actors, directors, producers, managers, and agents. If you love writing or entertainment as much as I do, chances are we can have an incredible conversation and nerd out on things only we industry lovers can understand.

If you’re looking for friendly feedback on a script, someone to speak with about your projects, or if I can help you in some other way, feel free to reach out. I’d love to get to know you. Tell me your favorite genre in the comments and your biggest goal for the next year. If I can help you, I will.

Here’s another example of a shorter intro post:

RIGHT CROSS- Send A Network Request

If there’s someone that you feel you’ve made a connection with, enjoyed speaking to, found common ground or interests with, or are inspired by, the last step is to send them a network request. If you click on their name or photo from one of their comments or posts, the site will re-route you to their profile page. This is where you can learn more about them by reading their full bio, seeing their credits, reading and reviewing their loglines, and/or watching videos and reels that they’ve shared, etc. Most importantly, you can click on the “Add to Network” button at the top of their profile page, to send them a network request. Once they’ve accepted, you can connect and communicate through direct messages, to continue growing the relationship.

Remember, it's never a waste of time to re-introduce yourself to the community each month because there are new people to meet and connect with on Stage 32 every day. Not to mention, it often takes multiple touchpoints for people to remember who you are. So reintroducing yourself every month puts you back on the radar and keeps you top of mind.

In my next blog post, we’re going to explore how to continue the conversation beyond Introduce Yourself Weekend to make the most of your Stage 32 experience. Stay tuned!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Emily at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

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