Everyone loves stories. We like them even better when they are success stories! What can be more motivating and encouraging than hearing someone else's success story?
According to Kara Ortiz who is an actor and owner of a company called Amp Subs, (a hard copy headshot submission service) “I keep a database of industry people on studio lots so when I go I can walk around and do drop-offs. I also keep a database of people's birthdays and send cards every month to those on it.
I consider both activities integral to my marketing efforts, as they are part of the personal effort I cultivate relationships as opposed to simply ‘Hi I'm in such and such come see me’ marketing.
I had wardrobe for something on a studio lot and happened to notice in my records that a casting director on that lot was having a birthday. So while I was on the lot, I had delivered a card to her.
I walked in and gave it to her assistant and left. As I was walking outside, the casting director tapped on the window and motioned for me to come back inside. She asked for my headshot, which of course I had on me. We chatted for literally just a minute and I headed out the door. About three months later I got a call from my commercial agent who quizzically said/asked ‘you have an audition for a movie’. It was cast by non other than the casting director I had delivered the birthday card to. This ended up being my first studio film role. The best part? I got to take my daddy to New York for the red carpet premiere. :)”
Kara's experience may be something you've tried without the same results, but the more often you go the extra professional mile to put yourself in front of decision makers, including CDs, agents, directors, and producers . . . the more likely you'll have a success story of your own to share!
How you do motivate yourself to go the extra mile when you don't see an immediate pay off?
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