Networking tips from Runners
'Network like hell' advises the head of an award winning documentary company. This is an acquired skill and does not come naturally to everyone. We can all become better at striking up (and remembering) these 'conversations with a purpose'.
Networking while you're still a Runner has a number of benefits. It increases your knowledge and raises your profile with key people who may be able to help you. You might find out about a vacancy and you may be able to develop one or more industry mentors.
Here are a few tips from people who've worked as Runners:
"After an informal meeting, write a short thank you note to the person and make a quick note about your conversation and any names that could be useful contacts in the future."
"Carry some business cards with name and contact details on one side and your main skills/interests on the other."
"Consider setting up your own website - an increasing amount of recruitment is being done on the internet."
"Attend major industry events and festivals and don't just work the bar but find out which companies are expanding, who is supplying equipment to new start up film or television productions. Take the name of the company and ideally the name of the Production Co-ordinator/Manager."
"Update Producers/Production Co-ordinators every six months on your progress as a Runner. 'Tracking' may seem a little like 'stalking' but anything is possible in this strange industry."