Hot Tip: -- by Shane Clements

They haven't come for me yet, but they will. It's deadline time and I'm supposed to have an article for the e-zine. A couple of weeks ago, I spoke with one of the principle writers seeking inspiration for this article. She tells me: "This month is an Entertainment theme...Write about some wacky ways to promote yourself." Uh huh. Sure. I spend most of my day talking people out of the "wacky" ways they promote themselves.

You see, most employers find "wacky" as a serious character flaw or perhaps a sign of mental illness. Undaunted, I started trying to think up some "wacky" stuff. I had two problems however. First, it was difficult to be wacky without suggesting something that would be at best embarrassing, at worst would earn someone a couple of years at one of Alberta's fine rehabilitation Centres. Second, I still held on to the fact that most employers still see "wacky" as a reason to buy a security system. What was I to do?

In the end I took my own advice: "If you really want to know what a particular employer wants, ask them". So, with some quick calls to a director friend and a little reading, I am ready.

Self promotion is probably one of the most difficult things a job seeker is asked to do. We are often raised to believe that it is impolite to talk about oneself. Yet, the people that do this well have the most success in finding work that they enjoy. How does a person promote themselves without sounding like your favourite place has lots of mirrors? Check out some self promotion ideas for the entertainment industry (most of these are good for other jobs too):

Do Your Thing

One of the best ways to promote yourself in a particular area is to go ahead and start doing it. For a lot of occupations you can find opportunities to volunteer. This is particularly important for actors, singers, writers, etc. to gain much needed exposure. Not only will you gain valuable experience but you can meet some contacts in the biz. Whether you are a writer, actor or a sideshow freak, seek out whatever opportunities you can for exposure.

Have Your People Call My People...

For many people in the entertainment industry, an agent is your passport to work. An agent's job is to find work and access opportunities you likely can't. A good agent can be difficult to find with all the new agencies springing up. It is important to shop around. My friend the director tells me that you should avoid agents who want up front fees or for you to take their "acting/modelling course". A "real" agent either thinks you are marketable or not and will tell you so. Another sign of a real agent is that they get paid when you get paid. So there are usually no fees unless they find work for you. You should also find an agent who you are comfortable with.

Take Your Show on The Road

Many entertainers find that they can gain exposure and (even!) earn a little cash as buskers. I understand that the more unique the act, the more people tend to give. However, busking in Calgary does require a licence or you could be fined. Contact Calgary Parks and Recreation about licencing. Also, some entertainers get exposure by building their own Webpage featuring some of their recent work.

Schmooze

Take it to the people. Audition for everything. Attend openings and events in your area. Kiss hands, shake babies. Hand out your own business cards to people. Let people know who you are and what you want. The Calgary Herald's "What's Up" section often has information on big events in entertainment to go see and be seen. You don't need to be pushy, but it can't hurt to introduce yourself as opportunities arise. If this sounds like it is really too hard to do, look up the section on nextNet dedicated to networking... it can be easier than you think.

Hey Baby, Want to See My Portfolio?

Start collecting evidence of your skills/achievements. Make a demonstration or a sample of your work that you can show people. If the entertainment industry is your bag, you will likely want a photo done of yourself to add to your portfolio. Many agencies will try to get you to purchase large package of colour photos. Don't bother. I am told that if you have a plain black and white 81/2X 11 that shows your face well you have got exactly what casting people want to see. It also helps to have a friend pick out your photo for you. You will pick the one you look best in, but the person casting is looking for a picture of what you really look like. Actors need a specific resume as well.

Illegitimi Non Carborundum

What I mean is: don't give up. You may get advice or criticism which leads you to believe that you'll never be good at what you love. Learn from people who offer ideas, but always keep working at your art. My director friend says you can't take rejection personally. Often, entertainers have an excellent act but don't fit the desired image. He even recalls losing a part in a commercial because his eyebrows were "going the wrong direction". The point is that rejection can be for reasons that have nothing to do with talent. His biggest piece of advice for newcomers to acting is to seek exposure and to be persistent despite a lot of rejection.

See you in the movies!

There, done. I can tell you one thing for sure: in the fine art of shameless self promotion, one trick that doesn't make friends and influence people is being late for the deadline.