Actors are constantly asked to network. They go to networking events where they meet other actors and industry professionals. Often, they talk to the same people many times. And, in a weird twist, they are even encouraged to add these same people over and over again on social media. But how often do actors ask for or receive contact information from those they’ve met?
In this blog we’ll discuss why it’s important for actors to collect business cards and contacts and why keeping these contacts organized is key.
Actors need a Rolodex. It’s that simple. In fact, anyone who works in the entertainment industry needs one, but let’s focus on actors for now. Actors should have all of their industry contacts in one place – an electronic Rolodex of sorts – so that they can easily find someone’s contact information when needed. And that place should be on Stage 32! Here’s 10 reasons why:
1.) Networking is essential to building a career in entertainment and networking is all about building relationships with others in the industry. It only makes sense that you’d want to keep track of the people you meet at networking events and throughout your career (in person and online) so that you can follow up with them when necessary.
I’ve always been a big supporter of the Rolodex. In fact, I was probably one of the last people to use one! I wrote an article in Back Stage earlier this year about the importance of networking and keeping track of your contacts, which is why I feel it’s so important for actors to have their own rolodex.
Here are 10 reasons why:
1. An actor’s career is driven by relationships with other people. Your network of contacts is your livelihood, so you need to keep track of those contacts and cultivate them professionally. You never know who you’re going to meet or where your next job will come from, so it’s important to keep track of everyone you meet and develop relationships with casting directors, agents, managers, producers, directors, theater owners, publishers, and other actors.
2. No more lost business cards: A rolodex is an organized way for you to hold onto all your business cards without having them lost in a pile on your desk or shoved into a drawer somewhere. It’s easy to forget about the cards that are stored away in a drawer somewhere or get lost in the shuffle at the bottom of your purse or briefcase when you need them most! With a rolodex,
1. You are going to need other people when you are ready to make your own movies.
2. You never know who you might need for another project.
3. This is a business of relationships and networking with others is essential to having longevity in the entertainment industry.
4. The entertainment industry is a small world; you never know who knows whom in this industry.
5. Your rolodex may be the door to someone else who can help you further your career in the entertainment industry that you do not even know about yet!
6. It informs others that you are serious about this business when you keep in touch with other people and offer them any assistance that they might need in return for their help and support of your career (quid pro quo).
7. Sometimes, it is not what you know but who you know that can get you further along in your career or life as well!
8. If this were easy, everyone would be doing it and there would be no challenges or opportunities for advancement or success on any level so keep growing your rolodex because it will help to put you in position to take advantage of more opportunities than those who do not have one!
9. The bottom line is that if this
1. To Network – Actors have a natural love of networking, which is why it is so important for them to keep their rolodex handy.
2. To Remember – Sometimes actors get so caught up in the moment that they forget who they’ve met/where/when. A rolodex will keep track of all this so that you don’t have to.
3. To Know Who You Know – Many actors are part of a group, or team, and with this group they tend to go places together. However, if you don’t know who you know, how can you effectively network with them?
4. To Save Money – Imagine the money you would save if you were able to track all your expenses in one handy place!
5. To Get Hired – One of the most beneficial reasons for an actor to use a rolodex is because it will help them get hired for more jobs!
6. To Have A Constant Source Of Income – Actors should always have a constant source of income, such as a rolodex.
7. To Help Reduce Stress – Actors deal with enough stress without having to worry about whether or not their contact information is correct.
1. It’s a competitive industry.
Rolodexes are the most valuable currency in the entertainment industry because it is based on relationships.
2. We are all connected
The entertainment industry is like one big family: we’re all connected, one way or another.
3. You never know who will say “yes” to you tomorrow
If you’re an actor, always be kind, polite and professional to everyone you meet because you never know who will say “yes” to hiring (or re-hiring) you in the future!
4. Your rolodex will always be a work-in-progress
Especially if you’re new to the entertainment industry, your rolodex will be a work-in-progress for a long time. But don’t give up! Just keep working at it and your rolodex will grow and grow over time, as long as you are out there auditioning and networking every chance you get!
5. Keep track of your contacts
To keep track of your rolodex, I recommend having an actual paper Rolodex that alphabetically lists all your contacts. Then simply have a file folder for each letter of the alphabet that contains loose leaf sheets with
The actor’s rolodex is a vital tool that can help you navigate your career and secure future jobs.
1. Networking: As an actor, you need to know people to make things happen. Your rolodex is the best place to start when looking for new opportunities, because those are the people who know you and your work ethic!
2. Reputation: Once you’ve established yourself as a reliable and friendly person in the industry, others will be more likely to refer you as they’ve seen first-hand how well you perform. You’ll also be able stand out from other actors who aren’t using their contacts effectively or at all!
3. Business contacts: These friends of yours will have a wealth of knowledge about what it takes to succeed in this business; whether it’s advice on agents or managers, tips on auditions or set etiquette — they’ve been there before themselves so learn from their experiences! This resource can help shape future decisions regarding your career path which could lead towards success down the road (if not now).
4. Trustworthiness: People trust those whom they know; by building relationships with casting directors, producers etc., -they’ll see that not only do you care about what happens with their projects but also value
