Research. Outreach. Polite Persistence.
We all live on the shores of our own watering hole. It’s easy to stay safely on that shore, with the same people over and over, and not expand that personal circle of influence to a larger, productive group of like-minded individuals who can help us and will find our input helpful as well. Yes, I know that Reese Witherspoon doesn’t need your help, but she is not who we are taking about There are plenty of like-minded individuals in your field that have traveled the road before you with some success outside your present reach.
On one of our Zoom calls, I added a weekly to do to find films/ filmmakers, scriptwriters, actors that mirror your own endeavor and/or style. Follow them. Reach out to them politely with a specific question without intruding. Sharon (who never misses a marketing call) did just that. She found a film mirroring her own that just got $10M in funding. She reached out and “Scott” is helping her, gave her some amazing advise around raising money, and joined her posse. Here is her initial outreach to him. - Christine
First, Sharon connected with him on LinkedIn. After he accepted her connection, she sent the following message:
Sharon Contillo sent the following message at 11:02 AM;
Hi Scott, thanks for connecting. I'm the President of Women in Film here in New England and an Indie filmmaker. I'm also an investor and member listed on Slated. I saw that you participated in Animal Crackers. I'm doing an animated Xmas feature
myself and if you're open to it, I'd be very grateful for 10- 15 mins of your time to hear about your experience. all the best, Sharon
Thursday Scott CS sent the following message at 2:37 PM
Hi Sharon... I'd be more than happy to. What would work for your schedule?
Sharon Contillo sent the following message at 2:55 PM
Hi Scott, thanks so much, really appreciate this. I can do Monday, after 3pm or Weds 12-1:30 ? I can set up a zoom if open to that... Sharon@wifvne.org
Friday Scott CS sent the following message at 7:00 PM
Monday after 3pm sounds fine. Phone would be better if that's okay. What time zone?
Saturday Sharon Contillo sent the following message at 5:42 PM
Hi yes that works. 3:30 eastern?
And so it went.
Here is the thing. It’s easy to stay with a daily ‘to do’ list that lets you cross off a ton of things and makes you feel productive at the end of the day. And you were. But the ball is not moving forward toward the success you want, or what you deserve.
I believe in letter writing and when possible to send it snail mail. I love John Steinbeck’s letter to Marilyn Monroe. Thoughtful. Respectful. Clever. Yes, I do know you are not Steinbeck, but I still think there is a lot to learn from his approach. Outreach, outside your box of comfort. Don’t underestimate its potential. What’s the worst that can happen? They don’t respond?