Hey all,
I have to start off by saying "Welcome to Chandler's!" Another day, another hustle and another time to share some valuable information with you. If you are an avid tweeter like myself, you would know that from the name of my blog this week...that # is no surprise. On Twitter there is something known as "Trending Topics." It means that on any given day the most talked about topic that day will be trending.
I enjoy these trending topics as much as the next tweeter. For example, the trending topic for today, as well as yesterday, is #PrayForJapan. Given the horrible tsunami that ravaged it, everyone has been donating and tweeting links to the American Red Cross and any other organizations willing to help out.
The # can also be used just to emphasize something. You see when you add the # to a word with hopes of making it trending it becomes highlighted in a beautiful electric blue. This electric blue stands out to any tweeter reading their time line thus making the eye go directly to all of them. #LikeSO "Where is all of this going you might ask?" Well like Sherlock Holmes would say "It's Elementary, my Dear Watson."
You have to know how to make social media work for you. It's fun and yes, social able. But when it all falls down, you have to know how to work the system. I remember when I was working on the set of a production I was producing. The day was running smoothly but then we hit a bump in the road. A few of our principle talents couldn't film and this was hours before we were due to start filming. We already paid the camera man and rescheduling wasn't an option. We had to improvise with the talent we had and the venue.
We all brainstormed at what we could do. I remember we reached an idea but it would involve A LOT of extras, more than what we had. Could we pull it off? I remembered Twitter and that #. I tweeted phase #ProducerNeedsHelpASAP and included some brief instructions in the follow up tweets. I held my breath as minutes passed. Within 5 mins, I had about 40 @ replies with my name asking about the locations and more information. These individuals came to the set and saved the day! All because I made social media work for me!
The same thing could happen for you! Regardless of the platform, stay in tune. For Twitter (like myself): FIND PEOPLE, TWEET FROM SET (It builds interests) and ASK AND ANSWER QUESTIONS! You have been blessed with an amazing job or position. Individuals write me all the time for advice or information and I always share. I scratch their backs so when I was in need, they RAN to scratch mine.
For Facebook: PASS ON INTERESTING LINKS (I'm always sharing news about the entertainment industry and my field. This opens up intense dialogue and discussions not only with friends but friends of friends. Networking is KEY so this is a special way.) LIKE AND FRIEND PEOPLE IN YOUR INDUSTRY (You get the privilege to be a fly on the wall and see first hand why they're successful). ADD GUILDS TO YOUR TIME LINE (I follow SAG especially Producers and Writers Guilds to inform me on new changes, laws and implementations within them. These WILL affect you so watch them closely and learn more about them.) http://www.sag.org/industry-services/producers-center/producers-center
Another personal favorite of mine is U-Stream: USE IT AS A FOCUS GROUP (On U-Stream I discuss everything with anyone who is a fan of what I do. I give them previews of trailers and get their honest feedback. It lets you know what works and what doesn't. NETWORK (Not only does fans watch but people in the industry. Don't do all the talking but read and listen. You can respond and give them email addresses for private business later on) PROMOTE (This is a GREAT way to sell yourself or your projects. It builds up interests. Also when you are finished U-Streaming, Archive it so people can view it later or share it.
It's my hopes that these help you utilize social media to your advantage this week. Remember, help is always around the corner so don't be scared to #ASK. :)
Nyjo "Chandler" Brennen
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Networks & Networking
Good Afternoon,
I have to start out by saying, "Welcome to Chandler's!" Funny thing...that was said in my "Welcome to Moe's" voice. :) I want this blog to remind you of my favorite restaurant. I want you to come here hungry and somewhat empty. Yet when you leave, you will be full, happy and anticipating the next round. My name is Chandler Nyjo Brennen. Yet professionally and personally, I'm known/credited as Nyjo Brennen. Chandler doesn't go unused though. It comes in handy for unique projects like this. I'm fortunate enough to be what they credit nowadays as a multi-threat though it didn't always start as that. To make a long story short, extensive experiences and training in Musical Theater (acting, singing and dancing) morphed into an outrageous platform that now encompasses producing, directing, writing and modeling. All of these things keep me sane and I'm passionately dedicated to each of them.
A lot of people I tend to network with on the daily tend to ask me "How?" I don't know what exactly they're asking of me. How did I get to this fortunate position I am in now? How do I balance all of my passions? Or, how do they start? Regardless of their question...the answer can always be the same. Hard work, dedication and NETWORKING, NETWORKING, NETWORKING! If you are applying for a position, of course, your resume has 50% to do with it. No lies...what you have DONE does get you far. Yet it doesn't get you farther than who you KNOW or what you DO. I would love to tell you where I'd like to work or what I'd love to do after graduating with my Masters. But to be honest with you, that would be vaguer than you Talking With a Taxman About Poetry (No shameless plug or pun intended) www.TalkingWithTheTaxmanAboutPoetry.com
I plan to do a lot of things. My life is random. My industry is random. I could produce a film in the spring. Act in a series by the summer. www.IWantMyMBK.com Do a photo shoot or become a new face for a new upcoming clothing collection I truly believe in by fall. And yes, I will even sneak into recording studios to try my hand at making music in the wintertime. That's what I live for. I love that uncertainty in life being so beautifully random. All of these industries have different ways of "getting in." It's so odd how you can allow yourself to BE the one holding auditions with directors as an Executive Producer then the next week, you are across the table at an unsure acting callback. The processes change but one thing that doesn't is that networking time. Whether I'm talking with different aspirants in the hallway or catching up with industry vets working on our sets...it's a MUST! Always be willing to sell yourself, always be happy to assist others (THEY will be happy to assist you in the future) and treat everyone with respect. A quote I live by is by Samuel Johnson "The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/q103605.html This reminds me and helps me tap into the greatest part of me on a daily. I've received my biggest gains and "breaks" in life just by being referred or networking when I least expected it. You just never know.
Another huge PLUS is self promotion. You HAVE to be willing to invest in yourself and what is freer than YOUR time? Social media sites are GREAT for that. I used to live on www.Myspace.com when it was first invented. Many different friends would drop in and read my blogs and ask questions. It was actually a great platform because I was acting in a TV pilot at the time. It created a surprising following. These followers turned into viewers, supporters then investors. Now that pilot is now getting ready for its 3rd season with me now as an Executive Producer. And even though Myspace isn't the MEDIA GIANT it once was...all of my "friends" followed me to my other newre channels such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter. Even though I'm very busy with working and my projects, I make it my OBLIGATION to always check in with them on all. I must say www.Twitter.com is a great way to keep them abreast but sometimes it feels so narcissistic. I tend to feel that TOO much of a good thing isn't a good thing. Yet that's for the people curious and interested in MY life on a daily so that's what they want. It sometimes finds me tweeting pictures on the set, photo shoots and they love that. Yet for my Producer side, I love www.Vimeo.com I recommend it too. I film videos to stay in touch and edit them in iMovie, which fulfill my artistic side. I love how I can answer questions that way and it offers a more personal introspective instead of writing or tweeting.
I urge you to find a social networking site that caters to your lifestyle and industry. But you just have to know...out of sight DOES MEAN out of mind. If you want to stay on their minds, you have to stay out there...in moderation that is. :) Until we talk next time, God bless always.
Nyjo "Chandler" Brennen
Also, check out my Twitter page & Linked Profile today (via the address or buttons)
www.Twitter.com/NyjoBrennen
<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/nyjo-brennen/30/2ba/a52" >
<img src="http://www.linkedin.com/img/webpromo/btn_profile_bluetxt_80x15.png" width="80" height="15" border="0" alt="View Nyjo Brennen's profile on LinkedIn">
</a>
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/NyjoBrennen"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/t_small-a.png" alt="Follow NyjoBrennen on Twitter"/></a>
I have to start out by saying, "Welcome to Chandler's!" Funny thing...that was said in my "Welcome to Moe's" voice. :) I want this blog to remind you of my favorite restaurant. I want you to come here hungry and somewhat empty. Yet when you leave, you will be full, happy and anticipating the next round. My name is Chandler Nyjo Brennen. Yet professionally and personally, I'm known/credited as Nyjo Brennen. Chandler doesn't go unused though. It comes in handy for unique projects like this. I'm fortunate enough to be what they credit nowadays as a multi-threat though it didn't always start as that. To make a long story short, extensive experiences and training in Musical Theater (acting, singing and dancing) morphed into an outrageous platform that now encompasses producing, directing, writing and modeling. All of these things keep me sane and I'm passionately dedicated to each of them.
A lot of people I tend to network with on the daily tend to ask me "How?" I don't know what exactly they're asking of me. How did I get to this fortunate position I am in now? How do I balance all of my passions? Or, how do they start? Regardless of their question...the answer can always be the same. Hard work, dedication and NETWORKING, NETWORKING, NETWORKING! If you are applying for a position, of course, your resume has 50% to do with it. No lies...what you have DONE does get you far. Yet it doesn't get you farther than who you KNOW or what you DO. I would love to tell you where I'd like to work or what I'd love to do after graduating with my Masters. But to be honest with you, that would be vaguer than you Talking With a Taxman About Poetry (No shameless plug or pun intended) www.TalkingWithTheTaxmanAboutPoetry.com
I plan to do a lot of things. My life is random. My industry is random. I could produce a film in the spring. Act in a series by the summer. www.IWantMyMBK.com Do a photo shoot or become a new face for a new upcoming clothing collection I truly believe in by fall. And yes, I will even sneak into recording studios to try my hand at making music in the wintertime. That's what I live for. I love that uncertainty in life being so beautifully random. All of these industries have different ways of "getting in." It's so odd how you can allow yourself to BE the one holding auditions with directors as an Executive Producer then the next week, you are across the table at an unsure acting callback. The processes change but one thing that doesn't is that networking time. Whether I'm talking with different aspirants in the hallway or catching up with industry vets working on our sets...it's a MUST! Always be willing to sell yourself, always be happy to assist others (THEY will be happy to assist you in the future) and treat everyone with respect. A quote I live by is by Samuel Johnson "The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/q103605.html This reminds me and helps me tap into the greatest part of me on a daily. I've received my biggest gains and "breaks" in life just by being referred or networking when I least expected it. You just never know.
Another huge PLUS is self promotion. You HAVE to be willing to invest in yourself and what is freer than YOUR time? Social media sites are GREAT for that. I used to live on www.Myspace.com when it was first invented. Many different friends would drop in and read my blogs and ask questions. It was actually a great platform because I was acting in a TV pilot at the time. It created a surprising following. These followers turned into viewers, supporters then investors. Now that pilot is now getting ready for its 3rd season with me now as an Executive Producer. And even though Myspace isn't the MEDIA GIANT it once was...all of my "friends" followed me to my other newre channels such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter. Even though I'm very busy with working and my projects, I make it my OBLIGATION to always check in with them on all. I must say www.Twitter.com is a great way to keep them abreast but sometimes it feels so narcissistic. I tend to feel that TOO much of a good thing isn't a good thing. Yet that's for the people curious and interested in MY life on a daily so that's what they want. It sometimes finds me tweeting pictures on the set, photo shoots and they love that. Yet for my Producer side, I love www.Vimeo.com I recommend it too. I film videos to stay in touch and edit them in iMovie, which fulfill my artistic side. I love how I can answer questions that way and it offers a more personal introspective instead of writing or tweeting.
I urge you to find a social networking site that caters to your lifestyle and industry. But you just have to know...out of sight DOES MEAN out of mind. If you want to stay on their minds, you have to stay out there...in moderation that is. :) Until we talk next time, God bless always.
Nyjo "Chandler" Brennen
Also, check out my Twitter page & Linked Profile today (via the address or buttons)
www.Twitter.com/NyjoBrennen
<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/nyjo-brennen/30/2ba/a52" >
<img src="http://www.linkedin.com/img/webpromo/btn_profile_bluetxt_80x15.png" width="80" height="15" border="0" alt="View Nyjo Brennen's profile on LinkedIn">
</a>
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/NyjoBrennen"><img src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/t_small-a.png" alt="Follow NyjoBrennen on Twitter"/></a>
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)