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No One Can Sell You Better Than You

In the Los Angeles job market, you know you are a small fish in a big pond, and you are basically trying to swim up stream. Yet, people make it here, and the best way to get attention is to market yourself. Yep, I said. Look at yourself as a commodity, because employers, agents and casting directors will. If you wanna get noticed, you have to see “you” through their eyes. Luckily, STC is here with some tips for creating a marketing plan for yourself and making connections that will get attention.

1. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Make a written list if you need, but you should be aware of areas where you basically rock, and areas where you might not be the best. Often times in interviews and meetings, employers will grill you on the areas where you are weak. Have a solid answer ready, and reply for how you are working to make it a strength. Being aware makes you seem reliable and honest. Also, no matter how modest you may be, know how to talk yourself up. If you talk a big game, and smartly admit your weaknesses, no one will likely call your bluff.

2. Develop a Message and Package

While it might seem tired to keep repeating the same lines about yourself, have a little script prepared. As goofy as you may feel, practice it in the mirror. Be ready to deliver information about yourself in a clean package. Plus, since you have a “script” you will be more comfortable and can add more personality than worrying about if you are saying the right thing. If you are dealing mainly in email, find a way to make your email special without getting cheesy. For example, add an interesting photo at the closing and change it each time you correspond. You could also close the email with a interesting quote each time. Stand out without seemingly trying too hard, and still keeping it professional. Oh, and definitely have business cards.

3. Back Up Your Words With Your Look

Now, I’m not saying to cruise around town in a business suit constantly, but look good whenever the potential to meet someone in the biz (whatever biz that is) is present. Know what clothes are in style and appropriate for your desired business. L.A. is not New York when it comes to fashion in the workplace. So, know the styles and fashion that are appropriate for your business of interest. Most are more casual than you would think, especially in entertainment. So, stay in style, and when opportunities are possible, be ready to put your fresh face forward.

4. Have a Name in Cyberspace

If you don’t already, make sure you have an account with facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Make one your “go-to” as the page you send people to for more information about you. Anyway that you can make your name pop up at the top when someone does a Google search, is a good thing. You not only want to make a good impression in person, but you want to follow it up with solid materials after. While it’s fine to use these pages for personal use as well, try to keep it clean and relevant or it could come back to haunt you. Un-tag those pictures of that Friday night debauchery now.

5. Hitch Your Wagon to Another Rising Star

While you definitely want to make a name for yourself, it couldn’t hurt to meet people with similar goals, and get on their team. If you are a writer and collaborate well with someone with firmer roots in the L.A. chain, it just might benefit you. This doesn’t mean to take advantage of people or sell yourself short, just make friends with those who share your desires. You can ride the rail to success together.

We can’t claim these are surefire ways to success. It takes hard work, the right skills and a little luck. But these tips should up your chances for lady luck to deal you the right hand. – Lori Bartlett

This entry was posted on Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 10:35 pm and is filed under Career in the City. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.