Pay it forward

If I've discovered one thing over the past couple of years it's that people are kind. In a corridor of closed doors it's easy to get disheartened but there will always be people willing to help you along the way. Out of the speculative emails I have sent out (I'd estimate around 250) I received no response from around 80% of these. I received polite 'thanks but no thanks' from another 19.9%. Then there's the joyous 0.1%, the generous people who take five minutes to actually read your email properly and even click on the attached CV, who drop an email back saying 'Sure, pop in and let's chat.'

Now, in the current climate I'm not expecting anybody to drop everything and declare 'Behold! We've found her: the next big thing!' but those people are are willing to meet for a coffee and offer advice are like gold-dust. It's easy to think that those people who agree to meet you but can't offer you a job aren't useful, but I've realised that networking is what the TV industry is built on. Particularly at the moment when small companies (and large ones, for that matter) can't afford to take risks.

My advice? If you meet up with somebody and they help you out or give you some of their time thank them. I know that sounds simple but follow up your meeting with an email. Offer them something in return, like a contact or a script report. Then make sure you keep in touch with them. I have met several brilliant people along the way who offered advice to me, I thanked them and then I went merrily on my way. That was stupid. I should have kept up the contact, kept emailing them, offering my services. Not enough to be annoying, but just enough so that if anything comes up - either for them to help you or you to help them - you will be forefront of their mind. I have helped people out in the past too, either with script reports or advice and they have drifted off too. I'd be happy to help again, so keep in touch.

Over the last couple of weeks I have met with a few more fantastic people that I really should be keeping in touch with. And when I'm in a position to help people who are helping themselves I'll be sure to pass the favour on. As I was told this week

I'm happy to help. It's the only way to get into the business at the moment. And people helped me when I needed it.