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Part 3/5: Networking like a B.O.S.S.-Organizing your T.I.M.E.

3/30/2016

1 Comment

 
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Welcome back! We are on part 3/5 of our series, “Networking like a B.O.S.S.!” If you’ve been following along, I’ve been giving you tips and tricks for how to network as a creative, using B.O.S.S. as an acronym to make these ideas easy to remember.

Yesterday, we discussed the importance of “Bringing your Business Card” {the B of B.O.S.S.) and how a well-designed card can do the talking for you {which can be extremely important for the introverted networker}.

Today, we will be discussing the “O” in B.O.S.S. which is “Organizing your Time” as you network like a boss at conferences, events and the like.

But before I begin, I’ll let you in on a little secret:

Although I am a member of the “extroverted writer’s club,” even I can get overwhelmed at the thought of “networking” at a large event. If I can feel that way, I can only imagine the hesitancy/concerns/fears of my more introverted colleagues and clients. Talking about your work and what it means can be hard for several reasonons: it is so much a part of who you are and what you do and how you feel.

Networking can be a beast for the extrovert and introvert alike!

But have no fear. Because today, I am going to give you the tips I have learned on how to organize your time when you enter a large room of people, hopefully alleviating some of the fear and uncertainty. So, let’s consider the T.I.M.E. you have when you enter a networking event of any sort.

T- Transcend the Room
I- Initiate the Conversation
M- Mix it Up {don’t Monopolize}
E- Execute the Follow Through

So here we go!

Transcend the Room- In order to maximize and organize your time when entering an event, you need to transcend the room by getting in the right space mentally.

TIP 1: Prepare yourself mentally by seeing the room for what it is. Don’t overwhelm yourself with the amount of people in the room. Look at each person as an individual you can talk to one-on-one or in small groups. And if it helps you, give yourself a small goal of talking to a certain amount of people or collecting a certain amount of business cards. If you pass your goal, keep going! As discussed yesterday, have your business card ready, because you can use it as a talking point.

TIP 2: Transcend the room by remembering that most likely everyone else is as nervous {if not more nervous} than you are! Upon entering the room, take deep breaths, smile {even if you don’t feel like it} and use body language that indicates you are willing to listen. These small things will make you approachable, allowing you to get the most out of your time.

2. INITIATE the Conversation- I know, I know. That is so much easier said than done. You’re an introvert, you say. But conversations won’t happen by themselves. Remember, you are prepared with a business card, and you already have a job to do…which is…

TIP 1- ASK THE PERSON WHAT THEY DO! I kid you not—this is literally how I approach people. I walk up and say, “So, tell me what you’re working on? I’d love to hear about it.” Often times I don’t even say “hello” or “nice day out.” Being direct cuts to the chase, allows you to avoid small talk, and people appreciate a direct question they can answer.

TIP 2- Focus your question/conversation around the topic of the conference—whatever that may be. This immediately removes the guesswork on what to discuss.

3. MIX IT UP {don’t monopolize one person’s time!} Often times, my introverted clients and colleagues tell me that when they attend these events, they pick out the most approachable person in the room, and hang out with them the whole time. DO NOT DO IT!

TIP 1- When organizing your time at an event, you want to make the most of it by making meaningful connections with as many people as you can. Have a good conversation, but don’t camp out there {unless you have met a producer/agent/investor who wants to work out a deal}. I say 5-10 minutes is a good amount of time to stay in one place.

TIP 2- So, you have approached someone, and now they are talking you’re ear off. How do you gracefully exit in order to move on to the next person? You can be honest and say, “It was so nice chatting, but there are a few more people I need to talk with, but let’s stay in touch!” or if you can’t be that direct, you can say, “Please excuse me, but I’m going to go grab some water.” And then on your way to said water…strike up another conversation! The more people you meet, the larger your network and base for your platform can become.

And FINALLY in organizing your time:

4. EXECUTE THE FOLLOW THROUGH! Your time networking will have been a waste if you don’t follow up with the people you met and the cards you collected.

TIP 1-E-MAIL them as soon as possible. I try to reach out within a week of meeting them, but the sooner the better! They will remember you because your business card made such a good impression! And then your conversation can continue.

TIP 2-Put THE EVENT YOU MET THEM AT in the subject line of the e-mail. This way, it will help the person you are reaching out to mentally recall when and where you met, allowing the conversation to be more productive
TIP 3- ACKNOWLEDGE them in the e-mail. You can acknowledge them in multiple ways. Here are some ideas: express that you enjoyed speaking with them! If you were impressed with their work or accomplishments, tell them so. If you feel that there is something you could learn from them, ask if they’d be willing to mentor you in that area.

This acknowledgment will seal the deal in terms of a good contact, I promise! Everyone appreciates and loves being acknowledged!

Now you are prepared to organize your time when you are networking “like a boss.”

Tomorrow, we will discuss how to SELL (the “S” in B.O.S.S.) yourself when networking. It is an important skill that proves to be invaluable to writers and creatives.

Until then…

Happy Writing!
Whitney
"Everyone has a story. Write yours."

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Part 2/5: Networking Like a B.O.S.S.- Business Cards

3/28/2016

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So, today we are talking about the ever important business card. After months of attending conferences, I have learned that these little suckers are one of the most important {if not THE most important} tools when it comes to networking, especially if you're in a creative field, like writing. And listen up, introverts: if done well, an ORIGINAL, WELL- DESIGNED card can do the talking FOR you.
It is NO JOKE when they say first impressions are everything. Why not make it a good one with an awesome business card? Additionally, I think it is perfectly acceptable to have a card for your "day job" and a separate card for your "creative endeavors," or in other words, a card you are free to design yourself. This "creative card" is what we will discuss today.

For the sake of example, I have inserted the front and back of an older version of my business card into this post. I designed this one AFTER attending at least 4 conferences. I think this was version 2. And I may be on version 4 now {I forget} as my business has evolved!

Below I have offered some tips for creating the perfect business card in order to network like a boss! Let's consider the following about your C.A.R.D.

C- CREATIVE, CLEAR, CONCISE, CORRECT!
A- ADD SOCIAL MEDIA!
R-REQUEST!
D-DELIVER!


1A. CREATIVE- MAKE YOUR CARD STAND OUT! When you attend a conference or networking event, you could potentially be crossing paths with hundreds, if not thousands, of people, so you need to STAND OUT. Here are some ideas!
  • TIP 1: PUT YOUR HEADSHOT ON YOUR CARD, INSTEAD OF a LOGO IMAGE! I can not tell you how helpful this is, especially when you meet so many people within a span of a few days.
  • Like we discussed in the last post, YOU ARE YOUR BRAND! It helps if people can put a face to your name! And in the age of selfies, I think it would be remiss of me if I did not remind you of the following. For the love, if you use a selfie... make it a professional looking one! :)
  • TIP 2: DO SOMETHING UNIQUE! As you can see, I had Literary Consultant under my name in this version, but don't be afraid to be UNIQUE! One of the most memorable cards I ever received was at the Writers Digest Conference last summer from a fellow creative, Christian Berkey. On the front of his card, he had a great headshot, with his name directly underneath. Below his name, it simply stated, "Writer, Runner, Tall Guy." I never forgot him​!
  • So, for my version of unique, I simply put my company log-line on the back of my card. "EVERYONE HAS A STORY...WRITE YOURS." Because that's all there is on the back ...it stands out. I always got compliments on this aspect of my card, I think because it was simple, and it made a statement. Which leads to the next point...​

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​1B. CONCISE, CLEAR and CORRECT- MAKE SURE IT'S EASY to READ, CLEAN and SIMPLE and HAS THE CORRECT INFO!

TIP 1: Include NAME, TITLE, WEBSITE, and the best NUMBER and e-mail address at which to reach you. Make sure all information is correct before ordering the cards!

TIP 2: In the same vein, Do NOT put TOO much information on your card. In this digital age, I think it's ok to leave your physical address, fax number, etc. off of it!

TIP 3: If your information changes, ORDER NEW CARDS! There is nothing more frustrating than receiving a card and not being able to reach the person who gave it to you! Additionally, it can come across as unprofessional to hand someone a card and then apologize that several aspects are incorrect. Just get new ones. :)


2. ADD YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLE: Something that I didn't do on this previous version, but have since added, is my social media handle. If you truly want to network like a boss, you need to be active on social media (we will discuss this at length during part 5 of this series).

AWARD-WINNING BEST TIP OF THE POST: MY FAVORITE PLACE TO ORDER CARDS IS MOO.COM! I absolutely love, love, love them! And they offer a FREE ZIP FILE WHERE YOU CAN DOWNLOAD ALL THE SUPER CUTE SOCIAL MEDIA ICONS! Check out this link! So lovely! They are the best! And no, I am not a paid endorser of MOO! I just heart them.

3. REQUEST- Okay, you're almost there. You have an AMAZING, CREATIVE CARD that shows your smiling face and all your info, and it will do a lot of the networking for you. But you're still an introvert, you say?
TIP 1: When you approach someone at a conference, ask them what they do! Trust me...people love to talk about their passions and what they are working on. So, if "networking" makes you nervous...ask your colleague about their work and then....
TIP 2: REQUEST THEIR CARD! Just ask them for it!

4. DELIVER YOUR CARD! If you want to "network like a boss," your card doesn't do you ANY GOOD if....um let's say, you leave it in your car, or your hotel room, or at home, or in ANOTHER BAG! People! Bring your cards and give them out like they are goin' out of style! {because in reality, it probably will be soon!}

So, now you have networked like a boss, people loved your card, and you accumulated a ton of cards yourself.

Here comes a...BONUS TIP! You can download an APP for your phone where you take a picture of the business card and it automatically uploads the contact information on the card to your phone! There is one called SAMCARD, which is fantastic. This way, if you are a creative like me {and a bit scatterbrained} you won't lose their card...ever! Well that is, unless you lose your phone....

Seriously, your business card, if executed well, can do most of the work for you. If you need help thinking of ways to brand your card or need ideas on how to make it unique, don't hesitate to contact me!

Join me tomorrow on how to approach networking by ORGANIZING your TIME {the "O" in BOSS}. We will discuss helpful tips on working your way through a room.

Happy Writing!
Whitney
"Everyone has a story. Write yours."
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 Part 1/5: Networking Like A B.O.S.S. 

3/28/2016

2 Comments

 
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​In Hollywood, "Awards" Season is officially over and "Networking" Season is upon us.  Although not a hard and fast rule,  a lot of "deals" are executed during the spring and summer months. Agents are looking for new material to pitch, pilots are getting bought, writers are getting staffed.  You get the idea.  As a result, opportunities for networking abound, with many conferences and film festivals planned from early spring through late summer. And really, this is the case no matter what line of work you may be in.  

Over the past year, I have attended over 20"EVENTS" since the launch of Whitney Davis Literary in August of 2015.  What do I mean by "EVENT?"  You name it...conference, film festival, writing summit, etc..  

Why have I attended so many in such a short time, you ask?  The answer is simple: NETWORKING.  When you are in the entertainment/arts business {whether it be TV, film, novels, acting or other}, networking is everything, because guess what?  

YOU are your BRAND!  

And although this post IS specifically aimed at the creative-based entertainment crowd, it can really apply to anyone that networks on a regular basis.
So, with 11 events under my belt in the past 8 months, {and as a unabashedly extroverted extrovert}, I'd like to share a few key tips on how you, also, can network "like a boss," even if you aren't naturally comfortable with it {or, in other words, you are an unabashedly introverted introvert}.  

This week, I'll be discussing 4 ways YOU can improve your networking skills when attending an event of any sort.  When networking "like a boss," be sure to remember the following things:

B- BRING your Business Cards
O-Organize your TIME 
S- SELL Yourself
S- Social MEDIA

Often times, I think people get nervous about networking because they are afraid of how others will perceive them.  But, when I coach my clients, this is how the screenplay goes down:  

Client walks in downtrodden and sad, feeling unimportant.

Client: I'm done writing.  I just got rejected for the blankety-blank time.  And I'm done.

Me: No. Stop it. YOU are the ONLY one with YOUR STORY.  Stand out! Be proud! Keep going.

Client (insert sad face emoji):  But why? No one cares.

Me:
 Yes, they do care. Because people LOVE ORIGINALITY and there is ONLY ONE you.  You will never influence the world by trying to be like it. You must keep writing, and you must keep reaching out to people. It will happen.  
 
And this, friends, is the truth! So, be encouraged!  By the end of this blog series, you'll have the knowledge to be a master networker!  I hope you'll join me and come back for the first installment, where I'll give you some great tips and tricks on how to leverage your Business Card to make an amazing first impression! {It can basically do the work for you!}

Happy Writing!
Whitney
"Everyone has a story. Write yours."


2 Comments

The Time is NOW!

3/23/2016

7 Comments

 
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Hello Everyone!

After months of planning and designing and dreaming, I am so proud to share Whitney Davis Literary with the world!  

As many of you know, when I moved to Los Angeles in 2005, I had zero aspirations of working in the entertainment industry.  But, because I was in the right {or "write" haha} place at the right time, it literally fell in my lap!  I will save the major details of that story for later.  But, in a nutshell, as a 26 year old, I was approached by a TV Literary Agent (then at the William Morris Agency) who was interested in turning an idea I had for a novel into an original TV series.... and the rest is history!

Even though nothing HUGE happened from writing/developing that TV pilot, I wouldn't be here today if it hadn't happened.  

​I have always loved writing {and telling stories} and as a result of my time dabbling in the TV world, I knew I wanted to stay involved.  SO, after several years of helping others develop their screenplays and novels {effectively serving as a developmental story editor and creative consultant}, I have decided to make things more official!

Hence, I am so proud to tell you about Whitney Davis Literary- a full service boutique literary management firm for anyone wanting/desiring to have a successful, fulfilling writing career.  I did a soft launch this past August and I am thrilled to report that things have gone really well.  I get so much fulfillment and joy from helping others achieve their breakthrough goals and see their creative dreams become reality.  

In the future, you will find the following things on this blog!  My first official post is coming today {I know you are on the edge of your seats!}

* featured author profiles and interviews

*featured literary agent profiles and interviews

*reviews of conferences/film fests I attend

* tips for writing, promoting author platform and building writing careers

* And anything else I feel might be useful to the writing community

If you {or someone you know} would be interested in being featured on the blog (as a writer, screenwriter or agent} please have them contact me!

Thanks so much for joining me!  This will be a blast! 

Feel free to look over my website {which is still a bit of a work in progress} to learn more about what we offer, and as always, NEVER hesitate to reach out!  You can also like my Whitney Davis Literary Facebook Page and follow me on Twitter at @wdavisliterary.  

​And please, for the love, share this with your family, friends, 
neighbors, dog-walkers....yes, basically anyone you know! Thank you again for visiting!

Happy Writing!
Whitney 
"Everyone has a story. Write yours."



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    Whitney is the CEO and President of Whitney Davis Literary. 

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