Conferences, Part 2: Four Tips For Networking Effectively At A Voice-Over Conference (Don’t Be Shy), by Natasha Marchewka
Note: This week (March 28-31), VO Atlanta
– the voice-over industry’s largest annual conference – brings 700+ attendees together for education, networking and fun. Even more will
join virtually. In Part 2 of this series, the author shares tips on how to effectively network with colleagues and voice-over career-builders …
– the voice-over industry’s largest annual conference – brings 700+ attendees together for education, networking and fun. Even more will
join virtually. In Part 2 of this series, the author shares tips on how to effectively network with colleagues and voice-over career-builders …
By Natasha Marchewka
Voice Actor & Course Creator
Networking at any time takes skill and courage. At a conference, it
definitely takes strategizing, planning, and executing with confidence.
definitely takes strategizing, planning, and executing with confidence.
Thankfully, networking at voice-over conferences really couldn’t be
easier.
easier.
You have A LOT in common with everyone in attendance.
Introverted extroverts, extroverted introverts& we’re all quite a crew. But we have so much in common that striking up a conversation is
extremely easy and so rewarding.
Introverted extroverts, extroverted introverts& we’re all quite a crew. But we have so much in common that striking up a conversation is
extremely easy and so rewarding.
Here are four networking tips for a VO
conference:
conference:
1. Welcome meeting lots of random strangers
Sitting with people you haven’t met,
random seating at meals for example, will always provide an opportunity
to network – and with a captive audience at that.
random seating at meals for example, will always provide an opportunity
to network – and with a captive audience at that.
Don’t be shy about
mixing in with anyone you don’t know in the voice-over world. Most people
are very good at welcoming you immediately, including you in
conversation, and introducing you to people you’ve never met.
mixing in with anyone you don’t know in the voice-over world. Most people
are very good at welcoming you immediately, including you in
conversation, and introducing you to people you’ve never met.
Introduce yourself to everyone – even in the elevator and at every meal. Don’t
wait for others to introduce themselves. You’ve got one to four days to
meet a bunch of new friends, many of whom could become your very best friends
and/or your support network.
wait for others to introduce themselves. You’ve got one to four days to
meet a bunch of new friends, many of whom could become your very best friends
and/or your support network.
Whether in an elevator when you first
arrive, early in the morning, or at any random time, put out your hand
and be confident about saying hello. (You may already be friends on Facebook!)
arrive, early in the morning, or at any random time, put out your hand
and be confident about saying hello. (You may already be friends on Facebook!)
2. Be judicious and deliberate about handing out your business card
Don’t hand your card out
indiscriminately. You’d be wasting your time and money.
indiscriminately. You’d be wasting your time and money.
It’s presumptuous to offer your card when introducing yourself.
Do ask for
cards from those whom you are truly interested in – potential friends and clients, industry leaders, coaches.
cards from those whom you are truly interested in – potential friends and clients, industry leaders, coaches.
It’s graceful to ask
for someone’s card with sincere interest and then to elegantly share
your card at the same time.
for someone’s card with sincere interest and then to elegantly share
your card at the same time.
Be sure to have enough cards on hand for when you really want them.
3. Don’t ask people to listen to your demo – unless you have a really good reason
We all have demos. Lots of
them. If someone is interested in listening to your stuff, they will. If
you want advice, ask for their business card and connect with them
after the fact.
them. If someone is interested in listening to your stuff, they will. If
you want advice, ask for their business card and connect with them
after the fact.
4. After the conference, reach out to each contact
I try to reach out within a week
after meeting those whose cards I’ve collected, with a personal,
individual email.
after meeting those whose cards I’ve collected, with a personal,
individual email.
This continues the thread of conversation and helps
remind you of each other after the tsunami of introductions and
conference excitement. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know what to say. A
simple, “Great to meet you&hope you arrived home safely” will do.
remind you of each other after the tsunami of introductions and
conference excitement. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know what to say. A
simple, “Great to meet you&hope you arrived home safely” will do.
Without question, there are LOADS more tips for networking. What has been really helpful to you in networking situations?
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ABOUT NATASHA
Broadcast
and non-broadcast, Natasha has recorded 10,000+ commercials and
voice-over projects over the past 13 years, including Adventures by
Disney, ZipRecruiter, and Electrolux. With a Bachelor’s degree in Radio
Television Arts, several years of singing jazz in New York City, and
many, MANY jobs paying her dues, she started her voice-over business as
an eager entrepreneur. She’s also a prolific list maker, which has helped her
move her business and family to three different countries. Her course
offerings from Master VO To-Do List helps working voice talent get
their business on track.
ABOUT NATASHA
Broadcast
and non-broadcast, Natasha has recorded 10,000+ commercials and
voice-over projects over the past 13 years, including Adventures by
Disney, ZipRecruiter, and Electrolux. With a Bachelor’s degree in Radio
Television Arts, several years of singing jazz in New York City, and
many, MANY jobs paying her dues, she started her voice-over business as
an eager entrepreneur. She’s also a prolific list maker, which has helped her
move her business and family to three different countries. Her course
offerings from Master VO To-Do List helps working voice talent get
their business on track.
Email: natasha@natashamarchewka.com
Voice-Over Web: http://natashamarchewka.com
Master VO To-Do List Web: http://votodolist.com
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