When was the last time you were at a party, in a bar, at the grocery store, saw a person you were really attracted to, approached them, and immediately told them (before saying anything else) exactly what you want from them?
How did that work for you?
I get many inquiries for help with projects, careers, introductions, etc. The inquiries are short (by the writers’ choice), rarely greet me by name, often do not close with a parting salutation (or even the writer’s name), almost never give me any background information, often don’t even tell me whether the writer is an actor, writer, director or producer, and…in the most direct and unadorned style…ask me to do something for them (look at material, make intros, provide ideas to advance careers, etc.).
So…we haven’t met, haven’t become acquainted, I’ve not seen any indication that they’ve done any research about me or that this isn’t a formula email they’ve sent to 200 agents, I haven’t been offered anything that would be of value to me, I’m not familiar with their work (if they’ve done any) and yet the person is expecting to get time, attention, thought, and guidance and even introductions from me.
Think about the last time you tried to approach an agent, a manager, a development executive, a producer…by letter, by email, or in person. What was your approach? Did you just ask for what you want? Did you introduce yourself first? Did you try to break the ice…find some common ground…build a relationship first…compliment them on their films, clients, career success, etc., etc., etc.? Do you think that they are sitting in their offices just waiting to hear from you specifically so they can start devoting themselves to advancing your career? Have you thought about who they are, what they need, how hard they worked to get to the point that they can help you at all, the value of that expertise, and what you should do to earn it? In business, as in life, think about dating people before you ask for a commitment.
