Networking for actors

Networking is a great way to meet industry people. There are all kinds of networking opportunities available for actors – special events, screenings, opening nights, official meetups, association meetings, dinners and charity nights. There may be other actors, directors or producers to meet.

But ‘schmoozing’ at an event does not come easily to everyone! For some people, even introducing themselves and offering to shake a hand can be quite nerve-wracking.

If that’s you, here are some tips for making your next networking experience a little easier.

1. Find out who will be there ahead of time, if the information’s publicly available. Sometimes if there is a Facebook invitation, for instance, or a guest list, and you can see who has RSVPed to the event. There may be someone there you’ve heard of, who you’d particularly like to meet. You can always do a little research online to find what projects they’ve recently been involved in – that’ll give you something to talk about when you meet up.

2. Plan something to say about yourself. The most common question people ask at an arts-based networking event is, “What are you working on?” Have an answer to this question – be able to speak about the latest play you’ve done, or film you’ve shot, but you can also talk about something you’re planning or hoping to do, especially if you don’t have a recent performance project. Maybe you’re writing a play or you’re doing a course. These are all things that can answer the question, “What are you working on?”

3. Take a friend with you – sometimes it’s easier to walk into a new place with someone you know. Even if you plan to separate during the event, and reconnect later on, it can be a confidence booster when you first step into the room.

4. If you have business cards, make sure you bring some. You can shake hands with someone and then reach into your pocket and hand over your card. Not everyone has business cards these days, of course, but a fancy and well-presented card can make a good impression. Give it out early! You never know who’ll hold onto it.

5. Arrive early and stay near the door - or near the bar! That way you’ll be able to see who comes in, and approach them when they enter. You are already there when people enter the room. Of course, you may feel some discomfort initially because you’re a little early and don’t know who to talk to. Don’t let that worry you. Think of the advantages!

6. Don’t focus on yourself. When you are feeling socially anxious, it’s because you’re thinking of yourself – what will they think of me? Am I looking awkward? Do I have broccoli in my teeth? All of these little anxieties involve hyperfocus on yourself. Instead – look outside yourself: turn your attention to others and show an interest in them. Reach out your hand and say, “I’d just like to introduce myself…” Ask other people questions.

7. Start with non-threatening questions that are easy to answer. Remember, other people are nervous, too! For this reason, they may be wary about who you are and your intentions. So you need to lower their inner defence mechanisms. Begin with simple questions - “Have you been to this event before?” “What do you do?”, or “What are you working on currently?”

8. If you’re at a loss – find a gap in a group. Sometimes groups of people are closed off and deep in conversation. But sometimes they’ll be open, and there’s opportunity to enter the group. Look at the body language of the people in the group: if there is not much space – they are closed. But if there are gaps in between them, or people have open body language – angled to the side – it’s an indication that they are opening the group for others to enter the conversation and introduce yourself.

9. Eat and drink the refreshments – but moderately! Remember you are there to meet people, not to fill your stomach with as much as possible. If you constantly have food in your mouth, it is a little hard on conversation. So, enjoy the food on offer, by all means, but make sure you’re able to chat!

10. Give a firm handshake when someone offers their hand, or when you offer yours. That will make a positive impression. Avoid the “limp fish” saggy handshake! Also - be aware that not everyone wants to shake hands these days, especially since COVID – but it’s still a standard business greeting, so it's rarely out of place.

May your next networking event be spectacular!