#ProducerNeedsHelpASAP

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