Success Stories: JAN'4 the value of NETWORKING on Stage32

Congratulations!

thank you

How cool, Stephen. Congratulations!

Hi, I used to include "Network" to my twitter handle to remind me what I'm tweeting for. Mr. Botto ;) ;) lol, proved to be a real charmer in the Film courage interview compelling me to join S32. Well I'm still here and "networking" is still the name of the game. Thanks Stephen for generously sharing and infectiously spreading gracious alchemic awesomeness converting silver-linings into a golden panorama blanketed by hues of enlightenment. Forgive me for I'm having way too much fun with words. Cheers!

That's great Stephen. Keep it going!

Admittedly, I struggle with this. I'm real comfortable engaging with people on a deeper level, but it's that grey area prior to that which remains in a fog to me. To offer an image, I live on 16 acres in the middle-o-nowhere, my nearest neighbor 1/2 mile away from me and I LOVE IT! I love the isolation and solitude and while I absolutely cherish my time with my family (all grown and living in other cities now), I don't generally socialize. My point being, I've finally come to recognize that I'm a bit of a recluse.

@Roderick, I think all artist's are a bit reclusive (I am), but when it comes to making connections for your WORK, I say GOGO! @Serafin, THANK YOU! @ Jeff THANK YOU!

Hi Stepehen. What are your suggestions on HOW to network via Stage32 . Ive been working on some stage projects and am back in LA to Get them seen, and get back to working in the industry. Can a middle aged guy, make a comeback? lol

How goes it? I've been struggling with networking myself. What with being an Digital Artist, makes a bit of a hermit and all. But as time rolled on by, Id figured that it would be beneficial to reach out to more people, to help with the projects that I'm working on.

@Todd, you know I believe in "comebacks" at any age! Jump on the acting lounge here, start connecting with theater directors, actors, start going on auditions…@Garland networking helps in 2 ways: 1) you have to have something to show people (your work) 2) it helps you stay focused and encouraged.

If you don't put yourself and your work out there, it's unlikely you'll get discovered. It's even rarer for someone else to do this for you (unless you're fortunate enough to have an agent). I love Stage 32. The networking is great.

My question for all you fine folks isn't about the 'value' of networking. I get that. I'm wondering about the actual mechanics of it. I know it sounds like common sense, but please indulge me and assume I've no clue what it even looks like (cause I don't). What does networking, for instance here on Stage 32, even mean to each of you? Does it just mean seeking lots of people out and making 'Network Requests'? Sending them messages? Posting on their walls? In either of those cases, what is your approach, or content? Are you just introducing yourself? Are you offering something? Asking something? Mentioning the nice weather we're having? I'm just curious what "Networking" means to different people. :-D Thanks for keeping the convo going! R

Wow Stephen, that is really awesome! Way to GO!

@ Roderick I joke and call it "netwerking" coz basically you are trying to enroll people to believe in you and your work! As an actor, I used my reel to pitch directly to directors on Stage 32 who might like my brand of humor and talent (5 feet tall, high voice, off the hook humor). As a filmmaker when I got into film festivals with "That's Opportunity Knocking" I used those to network with filmmakers (directors/writers) who might like my scripts, my acting…It's basically meeting new folks all the time and promoting that "work" you work so hard creating. I was really inspired at what RB said at the panel discussion last week: "I do more networking than I do writing." I'm not suggesting that people stop working, but most miss the 2nd half of working called selling.