written by: Pamela Kleibrink Thompson ©2001

You've heard it before. To get a good job in the entertainment industry, you have to know someone.

But that's okay, because you do know someone. And that someone knows someone. If you have enough someones in your network, you can get a good job. This month I am going to tell you what networking is and how it works. Next month you'll read about how to do it.

What exactly is networking?
Basically it's staying in touch with contacts, friends you've made, and calling them when you need help or information or helping them with information, referrals or mentoring, when they call you.

Networking can help you in both your career and personal life. Network to get information you need--to do your job, to get a new job, a new client, a place to live, a mate. Ask people for referrals to doctors, florists, caterers, mechanics, whatever you might need.

Like every business, the entertainment business is built on relationships. Those who advance quickly in a career are those who recognize that working hard is only one requirement for success. What you do is important, who you know equally so, and who knows you is more critical still. Most jobs in the entertainment industry are never advertised. Often they are filled by a friend of a friend. Friends of friends is exactly what a network is.

Networking is establishing relationships and maintaining them. As a recruiter, my entire business revolves around the relationships I have with others in the entertainment business--my clients, applicants, and other recruiters.

Here is an example of how networking works: At a Women in Animation meeting (which is open to men too) , Hope told me that Libby was looking for a production manager. I was no longer doing that kind of work, but I had hired Connie, a great producer at a previous job, and she had introduced me to her sister Katie, who was also a great production manager. It just so happened Katie was attending the same meeting. I introduced Katie to Libby and the network came full circle. Katie got the job because of friends of friends. In case you were lost, the chain was Libby-Hope-me- Connie-Katie.

It's not difficult to meet people in the entertainment industry. One of the easiest ways is to join organizations which focus on the areas that interest you. Some organizations are Women in Animation, ASIFA, and if you are interested in computer animation, ACM SIGGRAPH provides ample opportunities for you to make connections or network with others in that field.

Make it a goal in 2001 to meet two new people a day. .

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*Resources: ASIFA-Hollywood, ACM SIGGRAPH, Women in Animation, Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty by Harvey MacKay