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Dear John

How do I start 'networking'?

First published 11th May 2006

Question:
Everyone tells me that I should be 'networking' to increase my chances in showbusiness. However, since I'm not successful yet, I don't actually know anyone to 'network' with. Where do I start?

Answer:
Between toiling away at the growing mountain of Dear John queries and burning the after midnight oil on overnight radio, my own current networking opportunities are somewhat limited these days, so I can certainly vouch for the fact that the sooner you dip your toe in the networking waters the better.

A case in point is that many of the people I've bumped into when I did have more time to do the social rounds are proving to be great sources of advice and experience on topics like this one. But as you say, it's often breaking into the circle that's the challenge, so here are some practical tips from two people who are not only good networkers in their own right but have a lot of experience in helping others over that initial hurdle.

Daphne Clifton

Daphne is an executive coach and motivational speaker with a particular interest in practical networking skills. Daphne works with youth groups, several of whom are very much 'outsiders', which demonstrates that it's not so much who or even what you know that builds your contact list. It is more a case of who do you need to know and why?

"Networking can be extremely effective in finding work but as the name suggests it involves work. First you need to define what success means to you. If that is many short contracts, one big film or a specific TV programme you want to target, then take that target and aim carefully.

"Your networking needs to reflect where you want to get to, otherwise you can put a lot of work in but end up with nothing in your net.

"You may find it helpful to list the people you want to meet with - what they can offer you and what you can offer them. As the saying goes, you're only seven people away from any person you want to meet, so it becomes a thoughtful numbers game. It's worth remembering that you have already been 'networking' since birth, so don't panic now, simply because what is our natural process of forming relationships has been given a fancier name.

Look at is as part of your business plan. There may be formal networking groups to join - think carefully about their relevance and try before you buy. If you're invited to meet people, don't write them off because they appear not to be useful. Listen, learn and move on accordingly - don't hang around at expensive parties where work isn't even on the agenda. Once you know what success looks like, you can move forward very effectively.

Ken Rock

Ken is a freelance scriptwriter, consultant, lecturer and also president of the British Society of Comedy Writers. Writing by its nature can be a solitary profession so for creative people in this field networking opportunities can seem particularly rare and difficult to break into. But that's certainly something the BSCW is working hard to address. Here's his advice and a very useful upcoming event to start your networking in earnest.

"It is always difficult trying to find out where the action is, especially when you are a newcomer, but it's not impossible. The easiest place to start is on the internet. There are several websites that give information of forthcoming events, such as Talent Circle (www.talentcircle.co.uk) and Mandy (www.mandy.com).

"You can also use the internet and local library for details of events in your area. It's the perfect place to begin searching for like-minded people and you might just meet the person who can give you that all-important break

"Also, the British Society of Comedy Writers is holding its annual networking event, which takes place at the Hobgoblin, Balcombe Street, London on May 20 2006 from 11am to 8pm.

"If you are serious about comedy, comedy writing, acting, music or songwriting, come along and meet fellow writers, artists, TV producers, songwriters, record producers and industry representatives. To register, log on to www.bscw.co.uk or contact the BSCW at the address at the end of this page."

John

I think a key point I'd draw out of what both Daphne and Ken have to say is that it pays to think a little more widely than just your own area of specialisation when it comes to networking. Certainly actors can find a lot of support in connecting with other actors, as can comics with comics or magicians with magicians. But it can sometimes be even more fruitful for a performer to take the time to attend an event which is mainly for writers or vice-versa - it's often a combination of complementary talents that lead to a successful project.

By the way, having worked with many performers I do realise that someone who is very confident on stage may be the exact opposite in a social context, so it's worth reminding you that the best networkers I've met are usually people who are as good if not better at listening as they are at 'talking themselves up'.

It's important to know what you are hoping to achieve by attending networking events but it's just as important to keep an ear out for what other people who have come along are hoping to achieve - you just might be the person with exactly the right talents to help them achieve it.

* Daphne's company may be contacted at www.cliftonconsulting.com

* The BSCW site is at www.bscw.co.uk You can also make contact on 01902 722729 or by writing to: BSCW, 61 Parry Road, Ashmore Park, Wolverhampton WV11 2PS.

* Feedback/queries are welcome to dearjohn@thestage.co.uk

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