So, I attend this industry event the other day on "How to Survive and Prosper During a Recession". I thought it would be interesting enough, and that maybe they would provide some original insight, or some in depth forecast of the road ahead with anecdotal memories of how each of the panelists had then survived themselves during previously challenging times in the industry. But,... no such luck. It was a step above a resume writing conference which left me feeling like whaa..? As in, "What were YOU thinking?" I'm glad I spent the $25 though, because as an entrepreneur, it was a great reminder that my destiny ( God willing ) continues to remain in my own hands. I wasted funds on a reality check that I should have given myself before I came.
The flying lesson hear folks, in case you missed it is that we are each responsible for saving ourselves and a few others along the way. When the runway is crowded full of unemployed denizens that all look like people you know, we all have to ask ourselves, what sets us apart, what makes us unique, what particular skill sets do we have or can we acquire in combination that will help us to stay above the fray? Of even greater importance ( and almost ridiculously so ) we need to ask ourselves WHO we KNOW... YES, THAT'S RIGHT! WHO WE KNOW? And how can we partner strategically with those we know and compensate by building fresh relationships with those we don't. Yes! This is absolutely the time to be passing business cards around, but more so to be making deals, to be collaborating, to be following up, to be forging partnerships and strategic alliances. I heard that a lot of agents at WMA and Endeavor were doing the same ( forming teams ) in order to hold onto their jobs during the merger and their clients as well. Hat's off to them!
One seasoned commercial producer told me that she had been laid off and out of work for three months and was thus panicked and ready to practically volunteer. Personally, I thought it was a great idea. But more than volunteering at her age and experience level, I think she should have been creating reasons to collaborate. Find the writer, the dp, the art director etc. who're in the same position and clear the runway ahead of you by taking off in a different direction. Put a story together that you can sell, or at least draw some attention to you and your craft or your business on Youtube since all of the studios and networks are now looking there anyway. Be proactive. Be the pilot that you are! Most of us didn't get this far by simply waiting in line, so why stay stuck in the traffic jam?
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