Hello, Stage32 Creative Community!

I hope you are all good at these challenging times of creativity. Today, I'd like to talk about networking and how it can change the game for screenwriters. I am a communicator, but occasionally, I am not! I am not typically extroverted or introverted. It all depends on how I feel about the situation and the day.

What did I do to achieve a balance between my two sides?

Before I share it with you, I'd like to talk to you about something that became the hook for my strategy. Many years ago, I was at a fashion show with a booth promoting my cork fashion accessories brand. I was fatigued because it was the last day, and my desire to network or connect was minimal. I was there when a lady came in. I thought there was another curious person. She started asking about the products, the company, and myself. I recall that I didn't want to be pleasant and that I wished she would leave. Then she asked to see our best-selling item, the cork umbrella.

I opened and explained the cork umbrella, expecting she would leave because I assumed she preferred not to conduct business. I was nice but not empathetic. When she withdrew her card and introduced herself: "I am the First Lady's assistant, and we would like to invite your brand to the Presidency reception in three months. The First Lady is welcoming you.” You can imagine my face! My thoughts vanished, my energy returned, and my face was beaming with joy. I changed my mood, transitioning from introvert to extrovert, from nice to empathic. As a result, six months later, I was in Norway with Portugal's President and First Lady, showcasing the finest of Portugal.

My lesson: You never know who will approach you. You never know who they are or what opportunities they can provide for you. Be polite and an active listener, and don't listen to your mind—trust your instincts, which are always correct.

My strategy.

To avoid situations like this, I create my own storytelling, and I have become my leave-behind business card. This serves as my 30-second elevator pitch. I tell the essentials about me, who I am, and my goals. At that time, it was based on my business and company. Today, I pitch my filmmaking career. It helps me to begin conversations, to introduce myself and what I want to achieve. I learned the lesson because we never know who the listener is. You can be in front of the producer you want, or the director and you don’t know.

My 30-second elevator pitch

“Hi, I’m Sandra, a screenwriter and executive with a thriving international career as a businesswoman. My love for cinema began in my youth—at just 14, I wrote my first novel. My debut screenplay, Soul Mated, is a universal and groundbreaking story that defies norms, celebrating authenticity and self-worth. I’m now seeking a passionate team to bring this vision to life and make it truly epic. This is me, and I’d love to know more about you!”

How to Create Your Own Pitch in 30 Seconds

1) Identify Your Key Points

Who You Are: Start with your name and a brief description of your background.

Your Identity: Highlight what defines you as a person and a professional.

Your Goals: Clearly state your career aspirations and what you are currently working toward.

2) Craft a Compelling Narrative

Opening Line: Begin with an engaging hook that captures attention.

Core Message: Provide a succinct overview of your background, identity, and goals.

Closing Statement: End with a memorable line that leaves a lasting impression and invites further conversation.

3) Practice and Refine

Rehearse Regularly: Practice your pitch until it feels natural and confident. You can use the mirror to practice. Record yourself in the mirror practicing your pitch and watch later, changing what you need to change.

Seek Feedback: Share your pitch with friends, family, or mentors and incorporate their feedback to improve it.

Adjust as Needed: Tailor your pitch to different situations and audiences to ensure it remains relevant and impactful.

Example of a 30-Second Pitch

"Hi, I'm Alex, a passionate filmmaker with a background in documentary production. My storytelling journey began with a love for capturing real-life narratives, and I've since transitioned to exploring fiction. Currently, I'm working on a short film that delves into themes of identity and resilience. I'm always eager to collaborate with like-minded creators and bring compelling stories to life. Let's connect and see how we can create something impactful together."

This technique serves multiple purposes:

Starting Conversations: It helps break the ice and makes it easier to engage with others.

Introducing Yourself: It provides a concise and compelling introduction that leaves a lasting impression.

Clarifying Goals: It clearly communicates your aspirations and what you are seeking in your career.

By having a well-prepared and engaging storytelling pitch, you can confidently introduce yourself in any situation and make a strong impression on potential players and industry professionals. Remember, you never know who might be listening, so always be ready to share your story. This is why having a well-crafted storytelling pitch is crucial. It ensures that you are always prepared to make the most of any opportunity that comes your way.

To network effectively, a writer should develop a variety of skills and traits that facilitate building genuine connections and fostering professional relationships.

Here are some essential traits and skills based on my experience that, I hope, will help you.

Essential Traits and Skills for Success

1) Communication Skills

Self-Connection: The journey to building meaningful connections with others begins with connecting with yourself. Start by embracing positive affirmations to cultivate self-awareness and confidence.

Clarity: Master the art of expressing your ideas clearly and concisely to ensure your message resonates.

Asking Questions: Harness the power of thoughtful questions to foster understanding, nurture relationships, and promote engaging dialogue.

Active Listening: Show genuine interest by truly listening and paying attention to what others have to say, creating a foundation for trust and empathy.

2) Confidence

Self-Assuredness: Feeling comfortable in social situations and presenting oneself with confidence.

Assertiveness: Being able to assert one's opinions and ideas without being aggressive.

3) Empathy

Understanding: Being able to understand and relate to others' experiences and emotions.

Compassion: Showing genuine care and concern for others.

4) Authenticity

Genuineness: Being true to oneself and authentic in interactions.

Honesty: Building trust by being honest and transparent.

5) Adaptability

Flexibility: Being able to adapt to different social situations and personalities.

Openness: Being open to new ideas and experiences.

6) Persistence

Resilience: Being able to handle rejection and setbacks without getting discouraged.

Determination: Continuously pursuing networking opportunities despite challenges.

7) Professionalism

Etiquette: Understanding and following social and professional etiquette.

Reliability: Being dependable and following through on commitments.

8) Creativity

Innovation: Thinking creatively and coming up with unique ways to connect with others.

Inspiration: Using creative skills to inspire and engage others.

9) Organization

Planning: Being able to plan and prepare for networking events and interactions.

Follow-Up/Check-In: Keeping track of contacts and following up regularly.

10) Cultural Awareness

Sensitivity: Being aware of and respectful towards different cultures and backgrounds.

Inclusivity: Embracing diversity and fostering inclusive interactions.

Start Practicing Today: It’s Introduce Yourself Weekend on Stage 32!

If you’ve been looking for the perfect moment to put your 30-second pitch into action, now is your time! Stage 32’s monthly Introduce Yourself Weekend kicks off today, and it’s one of the best opportunities to make meaningful connections in this global creative community.

All you have to do is head to the Introduce Yourself Lounge and post your pitch. Share who you are, what you’re working on, and what you’re hoping to connect on. It’s a welcoming, low-pressure environment where creatives of all experience levels are showing up to collaborate, encourage, and grow together.

Remember, you never know who’s reading. Your next collaborator, supporter, or opportunity could be one post away.

You’ve got the tools. Now, put them into action.

See you in the Lounge! Click here to join now.

My final message for you:

Stop defining yourself as an introvert or extrovert and start defining yourself as an individual by looking at your social battery and boundaries. Try to challenge yourself!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Ashley at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

Please help support your fellow Stage 32ers by sharing this on social. Check out the social media buttons at the top to share on Instagram @stage32 , Twitter @stage32 , Facebook @stage32 , and LinkedIn @stage-32 .