Michael Kammes Blog March 17th
We all experience necessary evils Whether it’s walking through a snowstorm (evil) to get to the store so you have purchase food for dinner (pleasure), or networking to land more work, there is always a conceivable downside the payoff. I like networking. I get a rush connecting with someone about their project, or seeing their face light up when I *get* what they are saying. It isn’t immediate, nor is it guaranteed. For every connection with a potential client, there are a few strikeouts. Perhaps you don’t see eye to eye, perhaps they don’t need your services, or perhaps they’re looking for a handout (which, coincidently, you’ll be asking for if you don’t land another gig). The end justifies the means. I use that term quite frequently. I personally see no problem with making small talk if it leads to a discussion about a possible collaboration. Although I much prefer a discussion on things less topical, you can’t really open a conversation asking about their personal life. However, I’ve found that many people have an issue with this – that is, making small talk when you’re really after their business. They feel guilty for “lying”. I don’t see it as such. If I am going to form a bond with someone on a professional level, I do not want to be just a tech resource. Or a sound resource. I want there to be a dialog in all arenas. Why? If they respect my thoughts on other topics, that will certainly lend credence to my notions on sound design. Plus, there is *always* down time when doing post sound. What about during a layback? Or during a mixdown? During technical glitches? A client will always recommend someone who is personable and friendly as well as technically proficient over someone who just knows how to turn knobs. It’s a package deal. Hell, don’t you want to make new friends anyway? Making small talk is not the easiest thing in the world to do, especially when you’re dealing with the already vague concept of networking. I personally don’t have a huge problem with it. Once I realized that everyone was there for the same reason, and a vast majority of the people *wanted* to talk (that’s why they’re there, right?) it eased my mind a bit more. The only difficult thing was to find topics to discuss which were not so topical as to appear as small talk, but not so deep as to pry. It’s a fine line. Normally, relating to something that is happening at the event seems to suffice. Other hints, such as: who are they talking to? Do you know them and what do they do? What films are being shot in that town that may be of interest? I also try and keep up with the local rags: what the trends are in the industry, the big moves with personnel, etc. This isn’t too difficult – any person wanting to grow their own business cannot live in a vacuum, they should really know what’s going on in their region. I think what it boils down to is: Knowing that what you do adds value to their project. You are not looking for their charity, you do not have to plead for their business. They would be better off going with you. You need to believe that or you will always appear to be unworthy. It’s a state of mind that is not easily attained, and one that I personally struggle with as I continue to work on larger projects. .: michael kammes, MPSE
Return from Michael Kammes Blog home page
|
