Does hearing the word ‘marketing’ or ‘networking’ instantly make you want to find the nearest exit? It often feels… icky, right? Like you have to be someone you’re not just to make connections with casting directors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But what if building industry relationships wasn’t about playing a part, but about leaning into who you authentically are? What if you could create a strategy that <\/span>actually<\/span><\/i> feels good because it’s an extension of your true self, and still gets results?<\/span><\/p>\n So forget that old-school idea of schmoozing under fluorescent lights. Too many actors approach meeting casting directors with vague hope, crossing their fingers they’ll be remembered. Here’s the truth: Hope is not a strategy. A system designed with an actionable plan is.<\/span><\/p>\n Genuine relationships \u2013 the kind that leads to opportunities \u2013 aren’t built on pretending. They’re built by showing up as yourself, consistently and genuinely. The key is creating a marketing and relationship-building strategy that feels true to you. This will ensure you actually do it and that it works.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n So, where do you start putting that strategy into practice? It begins before you even walk into the room, by focusing your energy:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can’t chase a thousand butterflies at once, right? Trying to connect with everyone is exhausting and ineffective. The key to pre-gaming events isn’t hoping for random encounters or worrying if they know you yet (they likely don’t); it’s about you knowing where you want to go.<\/span><\/p>\n Get clear on the kinds of projects you genuinely want to do and the types of roles that truly fit you. That clarity will guide your research and focus your energy. Before your next event, use that focus:<\/span><\/p>\n Knowing who you want to connect with based on your goals transforms networking from a scattergun approach into targeted, meaningful relationship-building where you can plant the right seeds.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You’ve focused your energy and maybe even made some targeted connections (or at least identified who you want to connect with). Now what? You need a way to keep track of these interactions and plan your next steps so nothing falls through the cracks. That’s where your contacts tracker comes in.<\/span><\/p>\n Any effective relationship-building strategy requires organisation – you simply can’t turn contacts into connections if you drop the ball. Most actors meet people and have good intentions to follow up… Then they freeze, unsure of exactly what to do or say next, and those moments get lost in the shuffle.<\/span><\/p>\n Don’t be that actor.<\/span><\/p>\n You need a contacts tracker (or whatever you want to call it); your personal relationship map where you keep track of the real interactions you have. A simple spreadsheet is your new best friend for putting your strategy into practice.<\/span><\/p>\n Set up a simple spreadsheet in Excel or Google Drive to serve as your tracker (or grab my free template when you join the challenge mentioned at the end). Once your spreadsheet is ready label the columns:<\/span><\/p>\n Fill this tracker consistently after interactions. When deciding who to follow up with first, be strategic. Add up the ‘Ability’ and ‘Willingness’ scores for each contact. Focus your first round of follow-ups on the top 5-10 highest combined scores those with the most potential to move the needle soonest. Remember, you’ll nurture everyone eventually (don’t ignore your mum) but prioritise initial outreach for maximum potential impact.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You met someone \u2013 perhaps one of your targeted ‘butterflies’ \u2013 had a genuine chat and logged it in your tracker. Now, the follow-up \u2013 think of it as an extension of that authentic interaction. To reiterate: A great follow-up reflects the connection you made, it doesn’t just ask for a job. It reinforces your genuine interest and personality.<\/span><\/p>\n The \u2018good example\u2019 references their perspective or something they shared and that’s key. It shows you listened and valued their input, making the connection feel real.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Keep your follow-up short, specific, and reflective of your voice and the actual interaction. Your goal is to be remembered positively as the authentic person you are.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\nStep 1: Focus Your Energy<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Step 2: Build Your Contacts Tracker<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Step 3: The First Follow-Up – Reflect on Your Real Connection<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Your Authentic Mission (Should You Choose to Accept It):<\/b><\/h3>\n