September 11, 2024, apart from being a date that will live in infamy to all Americans, is also the date of the next Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) Media Mixer. Previous events have been packed affairs featuring current and aspiring film industry professionals. Even business owners not currently active in the industry per se, have found it worthwhile to come out and mingle with GCFC staff, and others who love this work.
Whoever you are, you might just meet someone who needs what you offer for an upcoming project they may be working on. As I have admonished y’all in the past, be sure to come prepared for making connections, and to have a blast! Register today for a chance to win a pair of movie tickets.
Networking is described as “the process of making connections and building relationships. These connections can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions. Networking can even help you find unadvertised jobs/internships.” If you are contemplating a career in the growing film production industry in NE Ohio or taking your current industry related job or business to the next level, there is no better opportunity for quality networking than a GCFC Mixer.
Tips for a productive night of networking and fun at our event, or any other for that matter include:
- Bring plenty of business cards and arrive early with a connections plan. Try to make your desired connections within the first hour if possible. This will take some of the edge off for the remainder of your time at the event.
- Don’t be a wallflower and stand around not speaking to others. Be proactive. Introduce yourself and act like you belong in the place. Believe me, everyone has a touch of anxiety in a social setting and will love you for breaking the ice. My late father-in-law loved to tell our kids right before they were about to play in a big sporting event – “Let them know you were there!”
- Don’t launch into a long soliloquy. Be concise and ask questions about the person you are engaging. You are unlikely to close a deal on the spot. Exchange information and the promise to get in touch to set up a meeting for more detailed follow-on conversation. Remember, networking is about making the connection. Be respectful of people’s time, as the person you are speaking with may have networking goals of their own.
- Introduce yourself to all GCFC staff and board members. We are available for advice, as well as to point you in the right direction of the individual(s) with whom you are looking to connect. There are also QR coded sheets at the check in desk to facilitate setting up a time to meet with GCFC staff in the future for information sessions.
- Your name tag should be legible and accurately communicate who you are and what you are seeking to do. Someone else might be looking for you, so write large enough for people to see as they pass by you during the night.
- Be mindful of body language. You can tell how a group is standing (open or closed) as to whether they are open to a new person joining in with them. Click here for body language tips. A firm handshake and looking people in the eye when you address them is important, but don’t be an uncomfortable Seinfeld “close talker.” LOL.
- Have fun! This is a party, so it is okay to act like it. People like to be around others with positive energy, but of course, don’t overdo it with excessive loudness and “barroom curls.” Not being a wallflower doesn’t mean that you have to the life of the party.
- Post event follow-up is important as the event itself. Try to send an email to each person you took a card from at the mixer within 24 – 48 hours if possible. Mention how nice it was to meet, a tidbit about something you remember from the conversation, and specifically request to get together in person if applicable. Do your LinkedIn research prior to that follow-up meeting.
- SIGN UP FOR THE GCFC NEWSLETTER! That way you can keep up with what is going on in the local film community, including future productions, networking opportunities, industry related classes, and job/intern opportunities. Visit the GCFC website – www.clevelandfilm.com where you can register as a vendor or production crew, as well as access other valuable industry related data geared to film professionals.
Last month I talked about investing in a social profit. Here is a little reminder that becoming a supporting member of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission makes you a part of the “cool factor” of workforce and economic development in Cleveland.
For a limited time, if you become a member at the $100 “Bronze” level or above, you’ll receive a vintage t-shirt from the GCFC 2016 screening of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” as our thanks! (Only while supplies last, available only in size XL).
As a film industry professional who has, or will be, benefitting from all the opportunities that GCFC is creating in the area, inquire about the special rate for industry people like yourselves. Or you can join simply because you want to help keep film rolling in Cleveland in a major way.
In addition to the trappings of membership, an investment with Greater Cleveland Film Commission, a 501c3 social profit organization, helps us continue to drive workforce and economic development impact.
Blessings,
LP, Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement