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)
 
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