Schmoozing the night away..........................

Well, after an exhilarating opening night in the West End, I'm very much on a high and last night was “buzzing”!! I really do enjoy it when you have such an energetic and enthusiastic audience it really gives you a feeling of excitement and a rush that you can't quite describe.... like in Kylie's song, 'Like a Drug!'
Throughout this week and next the cast have been invited to various venues to promote the show which also means opportunities for a lot of face to face networking to be done!
 I think it is very important to network offline! Whilst online networking is very valuable I think it should work hand in hand with networking off line, they are both equally important. It’s about exposure and getting your face known. I think there is no real substitute in cultivating new relationships especially the first contact. People remember you much easier when they have met you in person. Increased personal contacts also help to increase on line contacts and so your networks grow. If you meet someone face to face  you can add them to your on line networks, such as Facebook, and strengthen the relationship on line and some of these people may have the power to boost your career.

For example;  after last night’s sell out show I was talking to a professional photographer who specialises in headshots and fashion and boudoir style photography, the producer and another cast member  and they were discussing  all different ways to help me pursue my career, giving me lots of good advice and tips they have learned along the way and we had a discussion about corporate gigs.  The photographer mentioned that she knew quite a number of people who organise these type gigs and so she took my details and said she will email me with all her details and will keep in contact!!!

I think many people enjoy meeting you in person and if they have enjoyed your performance they will tell their friends and invite them to your next show. It establishes a good rapport and gives  a more favourable,  humane  impression of yourself.

As my mum always says, "you never know who you're going to bump into" so you should always look presentable and professional when you go out to events and performances!
I've learnt to always carry some CV's and headshots in my bag, just in case. I’ve not got round to business cards yet but these would work in theses types of situations.

Schmoozing seems to be the buzz word for offline networking. In fact some would say how well you network depends on how well you Schmooze and schmoozing isn’t necessarily about glad-handing or insincere sucking up or ego stroking , I think you can soon recognise that in anyone very quickly, but it is making casual, easygoing conversation with strangers and networking is the art of follow up and this can be a necessity  in advancing your career especially in the performing arts industry. 
No one wants to be known as a “greaser” and schmoozing if handled correctly can project your professionalism and etiquette and people will remember you more as a very personable individual. Being natural and being yourself lets people see who you are as a person and not just a glossy headshot looking at them from a screen.  

“Schmoozing is the grease that starts the wheels of networking” says Susan RoAne , author of “How to work a Room”. Social networking can be very effective and should be utilized when opportunities arise and good schmoozing opens the possibility of future contacts.
“It’s not what you know or who you know, but who knows you!” (Susan RoAne  -  “How to work a Room”)

I know some people find this quite difficult – I commented on Mark Iles blog as it is something he feels he struggles with but I think anyone  can improve and become more confident in face to face networking the more practiced they become.  I think sometimes you have to remember too that your new contact may feel just as nervous and uncomfortable as you do. Just because someone makes it look effortless doesn’t mean that’s how they feel inside.  I have always loved meeting people and chatting conversationally with people – I think you can find out so much more about people and the business  but I appreciate some are not comfortable and it can be a nerve wracking experience.

I go to Pineapple a lot at the moment to do classes to keep up with my technique, stamina and training and you never know who may just be in there walking around just watching. There are so many professional auditions at Pineapple and most of the studios have windows where others can easily watch classes!! One day someone of extreme importance who could offer employment opportunities could be watching you..!
I just believe that in this profession you have to be constantly aware of who is around you and who may be watching you, at all times.... and take advantage of any opportunity to promote and market yourself.

I remember reading a magazine article about Lily Cole and she was “discovered” just walking down the street, Daniel Radcliffe was sat in the cinema when he was approached and asked to audition for Harry Potter.

There's lots more promotions coming up in the next few weeks for the cast of Snow White so I will be making sure I look good and have a couple of CV's to hand. On the 20th of December we have a promo at a top West End club and is where most West End stars (actors, dancers, directors, agents etc) go after they've finished their Monday night show!! How exciting is that? I can't wait as I never know who I'm going to meet and I'm really hoping we get to meet some really exciting and interesting people.... and of course "schmooze the night away !!!"

References:

Course Reader - The Networked Professional - Middlesex University 2010

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/schmoozing

How to Work A Room - Susan RoAne .

http://markgraemeiles.blogspot.com/2010/11/changing-practice.html