Just a little etiquette lesson. It was good advice given to me and so I am going to pass it on. Please take note people that have been bugging me for free advice, services, et al, lately:
Do something for someone before asking for something.I wish someone had told me this before I made some mistakes early on. I might have burned a few bridges with my over zealousness and desire to know more.
It's really simple. Actually, I was originally told to do THREE things for someone before asking. Those can be little things. Bring them a cup of coffee. Pass on a article that you think they might find useful. Heck, throw them a compliment. Compliments go A LONG way.
It's not like you have to buy them, but for god's sake. You're asking them for advice on how you should do something, who you should contact, what you should do to further your career. Offer something FIRST.
We're all busy people, and by that I mean EVERYONE on the entire planet. We all have tasks, goals, jobs, deadlines, et al. So anytime you ask someone for something you are interrupting their flow.
Some forums are made for that. I run a monthly screenwriters group. I get asked business and career advice from the start of that meeting until its over and I love to share with those people at that venue. Its my job; my task; my goal; and my pleasure at that particular time.
But if you are going to do a drive by on me via email or on the street or where ever respect me enough to at least offer to buy me a Grande Mocha Frappachino (I don't do coffee in the summer time heat of Arizona). I may turn you down on the offer, but I'll respect that you took the time and made the offer and most likely help you out.
But, under no circumstance, ask for help/advice but refuse to share any details and keep it all hush-hush, super-duper, top secret. That just flat out turns me off. You want a budget or help with your budget? Then tell me what the project is. Get over yourself. There are no incredibly unique ideas, only incredibly unique execution on those ideas.
And definitely DON'T ask me for an introduction without giving details. I won't do that to anyone and I don't expect anyone to do that with me. You want me to turn over someone I have a direct relationship with, then I want details. I'm not turning over a contact with even a c-list actor if your super secret project is another take on porn and I'm not taking that risk unless I know what the project is and if they might be interested (hey, some c-listers might do porn if its discreet, Cinemax, soft-porn).
Come on people, its really simple. It's been around for centuries: Do Unto Others...
