Graduation: A Launching Pad

I'm in Orlando, Florida for my Masters Degree in Entertainment Business, but I'm closing in on graduation. This generates a considerable amount of curiosity for my future, and how I should strategically work for what I want. I'm avidly seeking a career in the feature filmmaking industry; one where I would eventually work at my own studio, producing my own projects. In order to effectively create a career for myself in the future, I must network like a mad man.


Networking is not entirely one-on-one conversations with other industry professionals; it also includes exploiting social media applications to the max. One of the key elements I use in networking is Linkedin. While sites like Facebook or MySpace are social in nature, they are more devoted to personal lives and connections. Linkedin is a social network for business professionals. Presidents and CEOs from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies all use Linkedin. There's no reason that I shouldn't either.



The "pounding the pavement" approach of networking is commonly done through industry events--for me, film festivals are the most common. This is where a considerable rolodex of connections can be made, if leveraged appropriately. Good manners, a quality business card, and a smile is usually all it takes to establish a decent networking contact.


Good hooks that get new contact's attention are profiles of work previously done. There are a number of wonderful professional profile sites that offer you the chance to post content in an organized and coherent fashion, such as Behance:



Aside from just linking to profiles on other sites, some content distributors, like Vimeo, will offer the option to embed your work:



Regardless of your method of reaching out to networking contacts, making a lasting impression is what matters the most. It allows you to call them up six months after you met them, and continue a conversation almost like you spoke on a daily basis.


Contacts made, whether through traditional or emerging means, can prove useful in the coming years when you are seeking advice for product development, marketing, distribution, or even monetization strategy. Different entrepreneurs have different skill-sets and experiences that make them unique assets to any up-and-coming businessmen or women.