ABFF RECAP
I attended the 23rd annual American Black Film Festival in Miami in June. I enjoyed myself tremendously because I was with one of my closest friends, and I was surrounded by so many inspiring artists within the entertainment industry. Although, it was very motivating to be in a room with so many talented and successful people, being in such rooms can leave you feeling anxious and unsure of yourself. I experienced moments where I had to mentally coach myself from the sidelines. Looking back, I am happy to have had this experience because I learned what it takes to navigate these spaces. Below are a few helpful tips I learned from networking.
1. Know you are ENOUGH
Before you even step into the room know that you are enough and that you possess infinite power. If you’re like me, someone who is still struggling to achieve their dreams, it can be so easy for us to give away our power and allow ourselves to play small because of our own thoughts of inadequacy. Just remember that high profiled person you’re speaking too once was in your position. So allow your light to shine. In the words of Marianne Williams “As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
2. Create A Plan
It can be overwhelming attending networking events. It’s easier when you attend with a friend because you can have someone to turn to if things go left, but if you’re like me, always trying to grab the bull by the horns, you’ve probably found yourself alone in a room where you don’t know anyone. Then there’s that awkward moment when you feel like the new kid at lunch and you don’t know where to sit. Just remember to take deep breaths and survey the room. While everyone is clamoring to get to that celebrity or TV executive, talk to the person right next to you. Find someone that may also be by themselves or standing off to the side or find someone you could compliment and spark up a conversation They might be your next cinematographer or DP. So set your sights on meeting at least 3 people. It’s 3 people more than you knew before you walked in the room.
3. Be Genuine
Actually, be interested in what people are saying, it’ll help with the conversation. No one likes talking to a person and it seems to be going in one ear and out the other. Even if that person can’t “help” you on your journey, you never know how they’ll turn up later on in your life. Also, don’t be scared or ashamed to open up about what you do or want to do. Surprisingly, most people want to know about you so it keeps the pressure off of them.
4. Follow up
If you meet your soul sista or brother at an event and you both have similar interests, follow up with them. Invite them to lunch or another event you think they would be interested in. You might be gaining another business partner, collaborator and friend.
· LISTEN TO MY PODCAST WHERE I INTERVIEW ACTOR JESIMIEL JADDUA ON THE POWER OF NETWORKING