How well do you communicate who you are and what you have to offer? Are you able to distill in a nutshell your current project when you introduce yourself to others?
 
Whether you want to find a new day job, book more performances, build your fan base, build your teaching studio, or simply expand your network, you need a good “elevator pitch.”
 
Keep in mind that most networking is lateral: it’s not done with super-impressive people with “power,” but with colleagues, peers, friends of family, etc. It’s a two-way street: so be interested in the OTHER person—ask questions—and you’ll be on your way to a new friend, mentor, or colleague.
 
Here are the basics of an “elevator introduction,” appropriate for a short ride with a new acquaintance:

1. Your name and what you do.
2. Relevant credential (such as well-known places where you’ve performed, or where you’ve taught, or with whom you’ve collaborated, etc.)
3. The project you’re most obsessed with or fascinated by now.
4. What you’re looking for (advice, ideas, contacts, or feedback relevant to your project).

This should be 60-90 seconds only!

         NOTE: If what you’d really like is a job, to be booked for a performance, or money for your project, NEVER ask for these in an initial networking meeting! Asking for a job, a booking, or money at a first meeting is like proposing on a blind date—it’s not recommended.

         Instead, ask for advice. Initially, you need to be cultivating contacts and expanding your network. Get to know people first, and if there’s any interest, if you “click” and would like to re-connect with this person in the future, ask if that would be OK “Could I email you in the next week? I’d love to meet with you over coffee and pick your brain about . . .” If they’re OK with this, ask them for their card so that you can contact them in the coming weeks. Because you are the one asking for advice, it’s up to YOU to contact THEM (so don’t hand them your card expecting them to follow up with you.)

Happy Networking, all!  Summer is a great time to connect--

And please send me your networking stories (good and bad)--I'd love to hear'em!