Neworking via socal media
Oftentimes, people reach out to me incorrectly via social media, wanting to be put on.Or, as of late, someone asked to be a panelist for one of our networking mixers. My response is always, “let's meet virtually,” or I’ll ask if they would “consider attending one of our networking mixers” so our team can get to know them. I do this because Atlanta Film and TV has a brand and a standard that has been consistent over the past 6 years. It's also not wise to include panelists whom we don’t personally know because we don’t know what they bring to the table.. Though we may follow each other on social media, it doesn’t necessarily mean I know you. It's important to meet and network with people outside of the screen because someone’s portrayal on social media may differ from in person. Someone may appear to be outgoing on social media, but in person, they might be shy. Or, they may seem as though they have expertise in a specific area but don’t bring any value to a conversation.
I say all this because there is a right and a wrong way to communicate with people online. Typically, when reaching out to someone via social media whose email address may not have, I'll politely ask for it and then follow up by sending a professional email. In my email, I’ll state what my name is (even though my name is in my signature). I won’t go into full detail here. You will have to stay tuned for our Networking Masterclass!
I wrote this post because there are plenty of good things that can come from networking. Networking can open doors for you. For instance, this past September, I connected with someone I noticed was interacting with our posts via Atlanta Film and TV’s social media. I decided to follow them on my personal Instagram account. Once I did, they followed back, and I gave it about a day to send them a message. When I did, I asked them if they “had time to chat.” Later, they responded. The following day, we met via ZOOM. During our conversation, we figured out how to help one another in entertainment (as networking should not be one-sided). The next thing I knew, they asked if I had plans later that week to be a guest on their show (Atlanta & Company), and a few days later, I was interviewed on live TV!
I say all this to say, yes, a publicist can assist you in going to the next level. But, if you don’t have the money to pay for one, there are steps you can take to be interviewed by a journalist or get a role on TV. It’s all about how you network, brand, and market yourself!
For more, be sure to stay tuned on how to purchase Atlanta Film and TV’s Masterclass! And, be sure to get your tickets TODAY to our first Coffee Chat & Brunch Networking Mixer on Saturday, February 22nd from 12-4pm at Chow A La Carte/Uptown Test Kitchen in Atlanta. Tickets are $15 and $20 at the door.
Comments