Friday 29 June 2012

Networking - the boundaries

Networking in any industry is key. In television it is essential.

The world of TV is like one big extended family - everyone is connected in some way, and that is often due to excellent networking.

Almost every job you take, someone will know someone else you know or have worked with before. Try it out - look around you now and do some sneaky googling. You will be amazed how many friends in common you have on Facebook with the rest of the office!

Now - I am not saying that knowing someone is how to get a job (although it can help) but having mutual connections can help bond you with people offering jobs.

I am not going to tell you how to network - I am not an expert (although I do have a lot of excellent contacts so must be doing something right!)... what I will discuss today rather are the boundaries around behaviour via email and at a networking event. Having sent and received a lot of emails re. networking, and attended lots/hosted my own events, I feel this is an area I can safely comment on! Cheers to the fabulous trafficlighttv.com for the suggestion of topic!

So - with networking at an event, we have two main scenarios: you are either at a network specific event in which networking is actively encouraged, or you are at a non networking event full to the brim with the type of people you long to network with. How do you behave?

SCENARIO 1 - THE NETWORKING EVENT
Clue's in the title... get networking! These events are held for a purpose - and that purpose is to enable you to meet relevant people in the industry. My tips for networking at a designated event are as follows:

1. Approach people with a smile and confidence - nobody remembers a wall flower. Be energetic, outgoing and positive. Make someone want to connect with you again.

2. Listen with focus - if you do introduce yourself to someone, really listen to what they are saying. There is nothing more insulting than someone staring blankly, whilst waiting to sing their own praises and thrust their CV at you.

3. Listen some more. When networking it is imperative to hear what the other party is looking for. What are their needs? Find which ones you have and are wishing to pursue, and match yourself to those needs. By networking, you are trying to develop a relationship. A relationship has two parties in it - and thus along with selling your own requirements, you must take on board those of others.

4. Give - do not just take. Use a networking event as an opportunity to introduce people you already know to someone they don't. Be seen as a 'connector' - people will migrate to you and your social capital will snowball. Plus, it is good manners. It can be very overwhelming for someone who knows not a soul at a networking event - help a peer out. Equally - it can be daunting if you are the person people want to meet, and time consuming; meaning that you don't actually get to meet anyone yourself that you may have desired to. If you see a 'key person' at a networking event drowning in networkees, offer to take them over to meet someone you think they might find useful to meet.

5. Network wisely - go for quality not quantity. It is the wise networker who leaves an event with 5 solid contacts who are happy to help/be helped, over 500 names and numbers at random. I say this with experience - when I am thrusted business cards with no proper introduction or conversation, I generally dispose of those cards as I struggle to recall what relationship I would have with that person. So the key here is to build an efficient network - not a massive one.

6. On that vein, it is important to focus on finding the right people for you at a networking event. Do you want to work in editing? Focus on edit contacts - both at senior and junior level. The casting researcher is probably lovely - but not hugely relevant to your career path at entry level. Equally, whilst you will want to network with contacts who could prove useful in the future - a more senior person in your field, a supplier or a potential new recruit, do not forget the power of networking with your peers. Since my last #tvmingling event, I have been delighted to see how many of the runners have kept in touch and are helping each other to find work.

7. Time - do not abuse it. if someone gives you their time at an event you should firstly, ensure you have planned ahead and know how you are going to use it (wisely). It is also polite to thank them at the end of the conversation - and if you want to impress, ensure you end it. It will be noticed if you are considerate of others and say something along the lines of 'I would love to stay and talk - however I can see there are lots of people here wishing to talk with you. I very much hope we get to speak again in the future. Thank you'. This is really important - you can leave someone feeling very uncomfortable if you overstay your welcome.

8. Whilst you should exude confidence - do not blur the lines of the relationship and act with over-familiarity. I speak only for myself here - I often offer a polite hug or a kiss on the cheek to someone I have communicated with previously, but do not wish to be otherwise touched by a stranger. Equally, following someone into the toilet to continue a conversation is not the done thing at a professional event. On a Friday night on the razz with friends this is fine however...

9. Be prepared. OK, so you know general rules... you are ready to network. Do so with a plan in mind, a wallet full of business cards and a clear marketing message. In networking you are marketing a product - you (or your supply/company). Be clear about why you are a useful person to know.

10. Don't flirt. Ever. It is weird and uncomfortable.

SCENARIO 2 - THE NON NETWORKING EVENT
OK - lets create a potential scenario: the wrap party. An occasion like this can be one at which you may, for the first time on a job, meet some of the staff face to face for the first time. You want to make an impression - to be remembered and hopefully invited back. Equally, there may be someone there moving onto a great new project you are dying to get involved with - what do you do?

1.Remember that the primary purpose of this event is not networking. People may be there purely to celebrate, booze, chat about non work things, etc. It isn't the right time to try and do all of the above - however you should still take heed of the tips.

2. Be remembered - for the right reasons. Want to impress and remain in the important folks minds? Be funny. Be sociable.Talk to everyone without coming across as desperate for a new job. Be polite and have good manners. Don't be remembered for being the girl/boy who brought their CV to the wrap party... or got shit-faced and fell down the stairs... or slept with the IT guy/gal (or any guy gal for that matter... be discreet!).

3. Have fun - and at the end of the night, when you are leaving, casually hand your card to those you want to keep in touch with and say 'it was great working with you - do think of me if anything else comes up'.

4. Follow up the non networking 'do' with a polite email - keep it light-hearted and say that you would love to have an informal chat about potential future work etc - and that you didn't think it was the right time at the party but do want to follow up.

So... they are just the thoughts of little old me. What is the Weazel now wondering? I am wondering what you think? Please do share any advice on the comments page!Equally, do you have a funny tale of a blunder or awkward experience at a networking/other event - share it here and others can learn!


 ©July 2012 – Lou Gallagher

Thursday 28 June 2012

Social media when working in TV – friend or foe?


I love Twitter… and Facebook… so much so that I have short cuts to the desktop of my ‘smartphone’, and wiggle with excitement when I have a spare 15 minutes in the day to have a good old nose [saddo].


I have a rule – Twitter is for all and Facebook is for my ‘friends’ only. If I have accepted you as a ‘Facebook friend’ then it means I trust you enough to let you look through all my photos (predominantly drunken antics), not feel uncomfortable if you ‘poke me’ and am happy to swear/share sad times/share naughty moments/share drunken cringe statements etc with you.
If I live by this rule, am I therefore saying that I don’t do these things on Twitter? Well, not entirely. I do however use Twitter as a tool – a tool to find staff, to find peers, to find suppliers. I also use it as a tool to promote my events, my job vacancies and my friends’ projects. I occasionally tweet something of a social nature – i.e. a thought, a funny photo or an exasperated comment. Occasionally. I RT useful things – jobs, tips and links.
I used to use Twitter much more freely. Now, not as freely as I use Facebook – after all, my Tweeps aren’t ‘friends’ – but I had an assumption that I could use it quite freely nevertheless.
Don’t misinterpret what I am saying – I didn’t post photos of myself with my skirt hitched around my bum cheeks on drunken nights out (largely as I don’t own any of those types of photos…), nor write abusive messages to people I think are absolute fools (I won’t name names but as an example (and naming a name) Joey Barton); but, I did speak more fluidly in terms of the language I used and I RT’d things that made me giggle.
I didn’t stop for one second to consider that the things that made me giggle, or the language I didn’t find offensive, would upset/distress/annoy/or provoke strong reaction in anyone else. Who would/should it? After all, this was MY personal twitter account – if someone didn’t like it they could simply block me, right?
I was working, at the time, on what some might consider the ‘dream job’. You know, the elusive job that every new/junior entrant craves and every senior person seems to have worked on? It was going well – I had a good rep, was respected, commended for my personable nature and more importantly was turned to when people were in need of help or advice – so well in fact that many of the people I met whilst working on it tried to add me as a ‘friend’ on Facebook. Well, ‘obvs’ I wasn’t accepting them all – FB after all was where I was ‘naughty’. I didn’t object for a second though when they followed me on Twitter!
One day I said a naughty word: a word that I thought was funny and not particularly offensive to describe a type of person. It didn’t spark anything untoward; it was after all a mere word.. Some time afterwards a very well known Twitter account that I follow (in the sector) made reference to the statement I had made with the ‘naughty word’ and I giggled… and RTd it.
Nothing too dangerous here right? WRONG!
Somebody took offence. That somebody had worked on the same show I was on and therefore knew where I worked. That somebody knew all the key people in the company… and complained to them. About me. About my offensive and company representative tweet.
Now – I won’t go into the details too much here – they are not relevant. What I will say is that when my time on that job ended, I wasn’t invited to stay on. The good, the hours, the support, the praise… it meant very little. I had enabled someone to make a complaint and that killed that.
I reacted badly – I deleted my Twitter account. I resented having ever supported anyone I had worked with, resented having given up my free time to help others. I was very cross. Then hurt. Then amused.
A long time has passed since this occurred (and a lot happened thereafter) – and I am now able to view the incident with much more balance than I did at the time. I certainly did not need to put myself through quite as much torture as I did. I did need to learn though.
So – what did I need to realise and what can I hopefully share with you that will prevent the dangers of social networking (in relation to your career) causing you to shed a tear? This:
  • Do not have a social networking site account without including the simple statement that ‘THIS IS A PERSONAL ACCOUNT. My views do not represent those of my employer or anyone else’.
  • Don’t blur the use of your social network site – is it for fun? Fine – don’t approach employers on it. Is it for networking? Great – network away, don’t hassle people (there is a fine line between making efforts and stalking). Is it for professional purposes? DO NOT therefore RT non professional items, tweet when pi**ed or comment on controversial matters – unless clearly stressing once again that THESE ARE YOUR PERSONAL THOUGHTS.
  • Be very cautious about the language you use on a public account – regardless of the nature. Far too often people appear in my timeline writing inappropriate things – I have followed them because they want to be a ‘TV contact’ – I unfollow them and generally ignore them.
  • Do not abuse contacts – don’t assume that someone is ‘ignoring you’ and then hassle them – they may well be busy and by the time they get around to reading your tweets about how you are ignoring them, instead of a reply, you get a block!
  • Don’t say a bad word that rhymes with rat – some people don’t like it!!!

 ©June 2012 – Lou Gallagher

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Asking for help - and saying thank you!

I wonder how many of you reading this have asked for help in relation to your career in TV - no matter what your level - and been so busy thereafter you didn't thank the person who proffered it?

I hate bad manners.

I didn't have much as a kid - don't get me wrong, we weren't impoverished, but we certainly had a restricted income - but the things I will be eternally grateful for in my parents are these: my passion for reading and learning (I attribute that to the fact they read to me every single night as a child, without fail); my desire/lack of fear to try new things (probably stems from my dad offering me a fiver when I was 7 to eat a green chilli in an Indian take away meal...); my life mantra of 'there is no such thing as a black hole (ta mum); and, lastly, that good manners cost nothing.

I wonder if people sometimes forget to say thank you simply because a. they are just ill mannered or b. because we work in such a busy industry we don't always have time to do the non 'critical' things - or if rather, because when you volunteer help or put yourself out there as a source of advice, that people simply assume they don't have to thank you, that you are simply doing what you offered to?

When I first started to trying to break into TV (career change, etc etc) I wrote to a lot of people and asked for help - and thanked every single one in advance for any advice they may have been able to have offered, along with thanking them upon their reply. I even went as far - a few months later when I wrapped on my first job - to write and update them (very briefly) on my success, and thank them for having contributed to it by helping me. Am I suggesting they were interested? No. Am I suggesting you hound folk with newsletters? No. What I can say though is that I have subsequently formed professional relationships with all of them - and each have been keen to meet me face to face and hear how I have got on. Useful beyond words that thank you...

I do offer a lot of advice - I stress it is my personal opinion (although formed on good grounds) and that I don't expect people to always agree with it. What I do expect though, is that even if someone does not agree with it, is that if I have taken the time to reply to a personalised request for help (and more often than not I invest time and redo CVs for folk for free), that the person in return simply acknowledges that investment and says thank you. I don't want flowers (prefer wine!) but just an acknowledgement goes a long way.

I am not alone - some very close friends also support progression in the industry and aid development - and they too are overwhelmed with the volume of people who forget their P&Qs.

Anyhoo - that is what I am wondering today... why do we (and when I say 'we' I mean 'you') sometimes forget to say thank you? DON'T! Do it without delay!

You know how I said that if people don't stop working for free in TV then companies won't stop expecting them to? Well, same applies here... if people don't say thank you, people will withdraw their help... and where would that get anybody?!

Today's lesson - a thank you = 3 seconds of your time, and a continuation of support in the future from the person you are thanking (usually).

p.s. as for manners in general day to day behaviour of people in ANY industry, well - don't even get me started! I once worked with a semi senior member of staff who was so rude that despite my absolute hatred of violence, made me want to Jackie Chan style kick them where it hurt!!! It made my blood boil that someone could progress in a tough industry whilst being so impolite and patronising to others. I consoled myself with the fact they had a hugely disproportionate arse. It was mahoosive.


 ©June 2012 – Lou Gallagher

Monday 18 June 2012

The TV Cover Letter

Hello, my name is Lou and I am obsessed with excellent cover letters (and CVs).

I often wonder if I am only obsessed with a strong and well thought out cover letter because I did not start out on my 'job journey' in the TV sector. In the commercial world a 'stand out' but 'by the book' (i.e. Dear Sir/Madam, Your Sincerely/Faithfully etc.) cover letter is imperative - anything less generally goes in the bin. TV however *appears* to be more forgiving. Don't get me wrong, an email along the lines of Mrs Doubtfire's famous 'I. Am. Job' probably won't get you very far in TV - but, I have found that my media peers are a lot more forgiving about formalities when it comes to what they deem acceptable in a cover letter.

That isn't to say that a good cover letter isn't sought in TV - but, I think it is fair to say that generally, the rules surrounding one are a little more fluid than in the corporate sector.

Even so, TV is a notoriously competitive industry to both get into and progress within. Passion on its own is not always enough to get you by - and there will be times those amazing contacts just don't have a role for you, and you have to start sending out the CV. Here is where an excellent cover letter will serve you well.

I personally think that courtesy and manners are key - even if you are applying for a role with someone you already know. I also think that an introduction to how you are applying is a good measure too i.e. where did you see the job advertised, or how did you come about attaining their contact details. I am a big fan of:

'I am writing to apply for the role of XXX as advertised on XXX, and attach my CV for your consideration'.

A cover letter should sell you in a nutshell - about 60 - 70% of an sheet of A4 is a good size. No longer or they might stop reading. A cover letter should never be too long or too over packed: we (as recruiters) generally don't need your life story, and we don't need a summary of the contents of your CV - that's what we will look at next.

A cover letter should not be a blanket copy... nothing bores me more (personally) than reading a generic cover letter. Having a good template is fine - but take 5 minutes to personalise it to the job/company/person. It will make a difference - IMO. I think social media is an excellent way to suss out a person or company's 'personality' - that you can then tailor your cover letter towards.

An area often lacking in a cover letter is personality/a human side: this doesn't mean you should start telling jokes etc. but do talk feelings. Cover Letter's often list skills - but don't make example of them. Don't just state that you 'possess excellent communication skills' - evidence how and whilst doing so, show something about yourself:

'I believe I have excellent communication skills - developed whilst volunteering as a radio presenter at my local hospital on their in-house radio station. I hosted weekly phone in sessions - and received good feedback about my ability to develop relationships with our callers.'

Every word in your cover letter should be there for a reason... use them, don't abuse them!

OK - it is time to start writing your cover letter - what do you include having noted the above?

If the name of the person you are writing to is obvious or can be readily found, address them by that name! If  not, then Dear Sir/Madam is appropriate.

Kick-start with an introduction to who you are and where you saw the advert/got their details/heard about the job.

Refer to the specifics of the job advert/inside info your friend gave you - keep it succinct but do briefly evidence/provide example to any statements of fact.

Never talk generally about interests and hobbies in your cover letter unless absolutely relevant to the job or the programme content - even then, nobody needs to know that you have been an active horse rider for 17 years and what your favourite breed of horse is.

Please don't make jokes/try to be funny/behave in an over familiar way when sending a cover letter - there is nothing more insulting than someone you have given your card to then writing to you and saying 'Alright babes, sooooo lols meeting you last night. Really up for that job you mentioned - sounds wicked'.

Please don't copy and paste your CV into your cover letter - neither should emulate the other.

End your cover letter with your availability for both interview and work - and state best method of daytime contact:

'I am generally available for interview at all times, and would be in a  position to start with you, if successful, on XXX. I am available on my mobile number at most times/I am currently working so cannot readily take calls, but check email regularly/etc'

SPELL CHECK SPELL CHECK SPELL CHECK!

Sign off formally - cheers, ta, see ya later, etc is not acceptable.

So - that's what I think. I have shared this advice and supported creation of a 'new, formal' cover letter to several people I have worked with of late - and the feedback has been great. One example - an amazing chap with a good CV was not getting any work. A new cover letter and a quick tidy up of said CV and now he is solidly booked for the next 8 weeks. Coincidence? Maybe. I however, am all for the power of a top cover letter...

 ©June 2012 – Lou Gallagher

Friday 15 June 2012

Working for free in TV - grrrrrr...

Please note - I write this purely in relation to 'working' for free in order to get a job in TV - not in relation to any other sector (on which i can't pass comment), nor in relation to legal work experience placements when a student.

A tough challenge for new entrants to  is that they need experience but there's a severe shortage of paid entry opportunities. It becomes tempting to take on free work to build those missing skills. DON'T. The NMW law is there for a reason - employers in the industry will only stop breaking the law if you stop working for free. TV experience - not TV slave labour. Please ensure you are wise.

The above is a collation of 3 tweets I 'tweeted'. I was saddened by the amount of responses and texts I received to say 'but that's just how it is'. 

I am a hypocrite.

I was so busy getting frustrated by this situation that I completely forgot a naive comment I made in my very first ever article for 'So You Want To Work in TV?'. I said I would work for free.

Technically this was not true - I had just been paid a lump sum which was the equivalent of 8 weeks wages (at the time) and thus I figured it was an ideal time to 'change career' and gain experiences by volunteering my services. 

Essentially - it was true. I offered to work without payment.

Firstly let me highlight - I DID NO SUCH THING. Fortunately for myself, the offer alone was as far as it got. I took on a paid job as my first role. I did however, as I hold my hands up, make the offer.

Rather than debate the whys and hows of the situation in which I said it, let me rather focus on why YOU should not. (I merely admitted saying it before some wise ass pointed it out!).

1. As above stated, the National Minimum Wage Law is there for a reason.

2. You are not a slave. Slave labour does/should not exist in the UK: all well done work deserves to be paid.

3. You are permitting the ruthless swines in our industry that are happy to not pay staff the opportunity to continue this awful trend. I am fed up of people saying comments such as 'but if nobody is getting paid thats OK right?' NO! 'I need the experience' THERE ARE OTHER WAYS 'Everyone does it, its the only way in' IT WON'T BE A WAY IN IF PEOPLE UNITE AND REFUSE!

The industry works to a budget - budget for your required workers!

The NMW Act 1998 was a flagship policy of the labour party during its 1997 election campaign. The ins and outs of the politics can be found elsewhere - what is relevant to my writing is that interestingly, the policy was opposed by the Conservative Party at the time of implementation, who argued that it would create extra costs for businesses and would cause unemployment.

This is the crux of today's discussion I think: would you rather work for free in TV than not at all (in TV)?

It would appear so - almost 40% of those I have spoken to have been refreshingly honest and admitted that yes, if they thought it meant a 'credit', notch on the CV or gaining relevant experience to help get a aid job, they would work in TV for free.

When I asked the question 'When have you or would you work in TV for free, or is it ever ok?' to my army of loyal followers, responses included: 

Worked 2 weeks free at an online video producer to earn understanding & experience in a different area, plus key contacts.

Because '100 other people are right behind you who will do it for free'  ?

I have to get experience and that seems the only way at the moment

If none of crew are getting paid eg. low budget short, I think that's ok.But if 1 person is getting paid,everyone should.

Unfortunately for every 1 person who tries to stand up to it, there are 2 more able to work for free. Very difficult.

This genuinely upsets me - and I am not alone. Many campaign tirelessly to ensure that this illegal culture comes to an end. it isn't however ending - so what can we do?

So - where do I go from here? I alone do not expect to be able to make a difference - but what I am hoping is that with actual research, a far more planned and detailed article than this merely opens conversation on, and conversations directly with those who are in breach of the NMW Act that maybe - just maybe - I can fuel a fire that could eventually lead to the word being spread further, and you all buying into this simple mantra and saying it with confidence: I want to work in TV. I'm not doing it for free.

 ©June 2012 – Lou Gallagher
USEFUL INFO...correct at time of writing (June 2012):

Current NMW rates

There are different levels of NMW, depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. The current rates (from 1 October 2011) are:
  • £6.08 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over 
  • £4.98 - the 18-20 rate
  • £3.68 - the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18
  • £2.60 - the apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
If you are of compulsory school age you are not entitled to the NMW. Some of your other employment rights are also different.

If you have any questions in regards to whether the placement you are undertaking is legal or other wise, seek advice.

#tvmingling

#tvmingling - what is it all about? I sold (well - not really - it was free) #tvmingling on the basis that it was:

#TVMINGLING An evening of mingling... come and drink, network, seek advice, give advice, make contacts, share contacts, take part in a Q&A with leading industry experts, make new friends and hopefully, have a good time!


If you are a new entrant wishing to find a way in, a junior member of staff looking for advice on how to step up or an expert seeking new talent/ new opportunities/ wishing to share the wealth of your ways, or, someone working in/wanting to work in the industry and just fancying a pint and some banter, then #tvmingling is for you!

Essentially the first event was a 'pilot' - an opportunity to test the water, to see if anyone wanted such an event and then to see what they wanted to make them return!

The first event was a resounding success - so much so that I had too many gin fizzes, and whilst I retained composure throughout our Q&A, I was certainly bordering sozzled at home time! Next time I shall remember not to mic my drink requests to a crowd of 200!

I intend to make this a quarterly, regional event - and hopefully it can expand with sponsorship and interest. It will remain a free event - as without the generous support of those who helped me, I would not be writing this today; so, karma and all that...

Fancy a mooch at some of the photos from round 1? of course you do! They are about to follow, courtesy of the EXCELLENT lifestyle and stills photographer Kris Piotrowski. i insist you book him - and prior to that check out his fantastic work:
http://krispiotrowski.com/
























































 ©June 2012 – Lou Gallagher