That Ugly Ugly Word-"Networking"//Part 2//List of sites

Yesterday we have laid down some basic rules of the game.If you are still wandering why you should involve yourself with social media networking,consider this-many professionals are predicting that in the near future social networking sites will replace job boards.So whether you want it or not,it's time to not only move with the times,but make a strong claim to the changing scene of job hunting.
While doing research for today's post,I stumbled upon an immense list of sites,most of which are irrelevant to our professions. But there are some that are slowly building momentum and are quite helpful.

1. LinkedIn-the for runner of professional social networking sites. Although not specific to our industry,not only can you find a lot of people from the industry on the site,there are also an immense amount of specific groups you can join for the extra kick of networking. You can tell though that this site is not meant for those of us who have audio and video files to show,as opposed to pretty spreadsheets-you can only link to those.Regardless ,you better join the tide of more than 60 million people who are already on there.
2. NextCat-you can tell they know what they are talking about by just reading the motto-"It's all about who you know"."True"-I say as I quickly put in my registration info. This site is specific to the entertainment industry. The one thing that catches my eye is that you can tell the market they tried to grab first where models and actors.But there are actually quite a bit of sound people now joining the ranks. The media control options are quite enjoyable-one can post audio,video files right on the profile,and even start a blog-Oh Boy!
3. SHWBIZ-ah,this is a strange one. But great if you like completely random networking. Once you create your profile,you can see what everyone on the site is doing and chat with those whose posts intrigued you. Great way to meet people you never would otherwise,but will you be able to catch a great big fish in the algorithm of all things random?
4. FilmContact-now this site just screams "Indusry". Why?While because you have to pay for the various membership options in order to get to the enticing services they offer. Let me rephrase that-"very enticing". Not only can one network,but you can promote yourself in various ways and......(drumroll).... put yourself as interested crew on a posted project. That is as targeted as social networking can get. The full set of features will set you back 133 $ and one can only hope that that is the price for the year.
5. Crewster-another site that is all about the crew. The site is based on recommendations and is used as a tool for crewing up on any given project.An interactive availability calendar is a very useful feature,if you actually remember to use it. Great site,and unlike some-FREE.
6. NING-bizarre name/great concept. For a fee one can create a social networking site. The effect this can have on your career depends on how you work it. But suddenly world domination is one step closer. For those of us who don't want to bother,you can search through the social networks that have already been created by someone else and join those.A quick search discovered a group for professionals in the audio-visual industry.
7. Meetup-this is not a social networking site per se. But what it does is connect you to groups of people that do actually meet regularly. There are a few entertainment industry groups on the site already,but if you can not find what you like-start your own group. Some meet ups are free to join,some require a small donation.In order to create and manage a group the website does charge for a yearly fee. Might I add that there is a group in LA called the "Sound for Visual Media"?One might even say,that it is quite awesome.

There you go. The world is your oyster. There for the picking and cracking. The truth is,there are numerous tools for you to succeed,but there is one constant required-you actually using them.So make yourself a cup of joe,poor a glass of beer,sit your rear on a comfortable plushy object of choice,grab the keyboard and network away....

That Ugly Ugly Word-"Networking"//Part 1

Social Media Networking. What at first seemed to be the secret password among the hustlers of the industry has slowly morphed into a mystical and ever attractive concept that some of us attempt to utilize in our careers. Sometimes successfully.But mostly are futile attempts get lost in the great big black void of the "lost connections" section of the internet universe.So here are a few pointers and lists of sites that should be of interest.
First of all,think of online networking in the same terms as dating. Once you look at it in those terms,a few basic guidelines will (hopefully) form:
1. Know what you want and know how to ask for it. Writing to everyone you can find on linked in "Hi,how are you?Lets connect" with a cute "smiley face" is pointless,unless of course you were going after relationships that will go no further than an online add(if you are lucky). Not having a plan,will bring predictable results-none. Know what you want to achieve from networking,who you need to contact,how many people you need to befriend to get to that person,what you want to sell yourself as.
2.No spamming! And by that I mean specifically no "copy and paste" messages.We are all alike in one thing-our desire to not only feel that we are special but have this assumption supported by those around us. Court your person of interest by having at least one paragraph describe their awesomeness and why your world will change,if they get back to you. Which leads me into the danger zone of the second rule...
3. Desperation repels. Yes,yes. Half of you have been repelled,and the other half-"for cryin' out loud,snap out of it!"Be ware of sounding desperate by the means of too much flattery,being too persistent,too aggressive. What's even trickier is that some people,who are genuinely passionate about what they do,might come across as trying too hard to sell themselves.
So what's the solution?Moderation. Foremost,remember that this is all about business,and this implies a certain degree of composure and distance. Secondly-be curt. Being able to say a lot with few words(while still keeping the grammar in tact) is a great skill and also minimizes your chances of saying something stupid. Thirdly-ask a friend to read your letter and give you feedback. Compare if the impression you were hoping for is what others feel from your communication. Adjust accordingly.
4. Stay focused. Having the time to send out a hundred emails in one sitting,does not mean you should do so. Actually lets nip this in the bud right this second-don't do it,ever. Why?Let's say the stars were aligned,and eighty people wrote you back and all of them want to either hear more sweet nothings about themselves,or talk on the phone some time this week,or have a lunch date,or skype about the weather. Suddenly you have 80 connections you are trying to turn into meaningful relationships. Ever tried dating 80 people at the same time,in hopes of finding "The One"?See where I am going with this?
5. Business only please. People on business related networking sites are not on there to find peeps to drink beer with and most importantly-they are not looking for a date. Keep your cool and stay professional-there are certain things in life that should be separated and never combined. Your failed romantic online escapade might one day cost you a job.It has definitely been known to happen. Too many times.

Stay tuned for part two,with the list of professional networking sites.

LAPPG-a meet up for those of us who thrive in post

"The Los Angeles Post Production Group (LAPPG) is a member driven organization for anyone with an interest or passion for film finishing and the post-production process. It is an opportunity to have questions answered, advice given, stories and tips shared and lessons learned. This supportive community inspires its members to excel in the finishing process of all forms of digital content. The LAPPG is an open membership group and its members dictate what is of interest.

Unlike many user groups, the LAPPG is not platform specific and discusses all aspects of post production, from color correcting to red camera workflow, to the latest rotoscoping tools and techniques. A special emphasis is placed on audio post production, as this seems to be an area that is not well represented in other groups and communities.

In this ever-changing technology based industry, the LAPPG enhances its members’ understanding and abilities in post finishing and broadens their overall knowledge and skills. Our core competency is post-production but we will not be limited to those skills. We share techniques, tools, and best practices for telling great stories. We also promote member collaboration by sharing our work in a supportive environment and creating opportunities for our members to flourish.

The LAPPG meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm. We respectfully request a voluntary $5 donation at the door. The Founder and Moderator for this group is Woody Woodhall, CAS, President of Allied Post Audio, an award-winning audio post house for film, television, commercials and multimedia.

Questions and reservations for LAPPG can be sent to: rsvp@lappg.com."

I have visitted these meetings on several occasions and each was wanderful.Every time there are great guests and always something new to learn.Woody and his wife Wendy have made this group a great success!Check them out at http://lappg.com/

Audio Engineering Society

Most of us know them already,but every student and newbie in the world of audio should take serious note of this site.This is a very active society that often provides conferences and conventions all across the world. Their site offers information for both students and professionals.There are also recording contests for students(never hurts to give it a shot).To top it all off- numerous tutorials and technical papers for the nerd in all of us.Oh and did I mention the magic words-job board?
Check them out at www.aes.org
Or at their youtube page http://www.youtube.com/AESorg

P.S..The deadline for the 128th Student Recording Competition is April 15,2010

LinkedIn

We all know that without the knowledge and help of those around us,neither one of us would ever get anywhere. The most important part of any business or career is the dreaded word "networking". Dreaded by me because,if a word would be able to give me an allergic reaction -this one would be it. Through my beginnings it has been drilled into my head by those around me with as much impact as they could muster.
One of the websites that I absolutely am grateful to the Mighty Internet for is www.Linkedin.com.It is an unbelievable tool that allows you to connect to all of your contacts and find numerous new ones.It is like facebook,but with a better purpose and without the awkward pictures.
Your profile is basically your resume,where people are also able to recommend you and write how amazingly great you are. The profile can be linked to an external website(perhaps one that has your demo-reel on it... hint hint) and to twitter.A variety of applications can also be used-all of them are business related(presentations,slideshows and so forth).
There are numerous groups available,where one can ask for advice,promote an event,discuss industry related news-basically (cringe) network.
The search engine allows you to look for people,company profiles,job postings and answers.If someone on the site is in your network but you are not directly acquainted,you can ask your contact to introduce you.
And of course,it is a global website.
All in all,a wonderful website and a great tool if used appropriately.And really,with all of the practice on facebook-very easy to figure out.