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This week's A.P.T. is the talented and truly prolfic Nat Cassidy. Nat is that great combination of talent and tenacity that makes for an Indie Theatre superstar and a perfect choice for awesome person Thursday. I have often enjoyed the plays he produces and am very excited to see that he is at it again. Check out his message below and be sure to support his latest endeavor. You will not be disappointed.
Excelsior!
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The other person.
When I used to direct, a big part of my process involved having the actors do the scene all the way through with no interruptions. I then spent my time listening intensely to the way they took the scene. I didn't interrupt anyone. I just let them go all the way through. I then would ask the actors about what they wanted in each moment, what was getting in the way, how they felt etc.
Again, I would just listen.
When we started to get into the blocking, I would start making suggestions and asking questions, but at the heart of all of that was listening.
Do you see a pattern?
Good connectors listen.
When you are meeting with someone and thinking of connecting them, it is essential to find out what that person truly cares about. All too often we assume what the other person needs. This is just like giving your actors line readings.
You would never do it.
This week, there is a very good chance you will have the opportunity to connect with someone new. When you get that opportunity, ask how much listening you are doing. Are you paying close attention to what they need and care about? If not, think about how you can.
Great directors give actors autonomy and provide guidance.
Great connectors listen and make matchings based on what the other person cares about.
Listen.
'Nuff said.
Excelsior!
Is when you're drowning.
We often spend a lot of time doing a dance. Whether it be in raising money, sales, or starting a business. The relationships take time, there is no way to predict what will work and what will not and we remain patient and ride things out.
We can't afford to do this when we are in moments of crisis.
The natural inclination for anyone who is experiencing pain and challenges is to turn inward and do the best to suss out the problem on their own, but I can tell you from experience that this is the worst time to turn inward. It's at the difficult moments that we need help from our network the most.
This means asking directly for what we need. In some cases, people may not be able to help us, but in most there is at least something that our network can help with. If you are experiencing a lull in your business, feeling completely stuck, or just lost right now, try asking someone you trust, who you have a good relationship with, for help. You never know what they may be able to do.
If you are doing well right now, take some time today to look at your existing network. Is there anyone in it who could use some help? What might you be able to do to help them?
We all have moments when we are drowning and our network is full of lifeguards. Make sure to put your hand up.
Excelsior!
We've all witnessed the growth of Twitter over the years and seen what it is doing for customer service, building brands, and connecting with people, but I'm not sure how often we advocate for those we follow. Below are five people who I follow on Twittter because I enjoy what they post and what they stand for. If you agree, feel free to follow them as well. Happy Friday!
Michelle Welsch @redheadlefthand - I first connected with Michelle after reading a post where Seth Godin mentioned her and was impressed with how quickly she got back to me. I then participated in one of her famous curated dinners, met some amazing people and recently have started participating in her Twitter chats at #cxchat. If you want great advice on building relationships and to see a wealth of resources, be sure to check out her site and her twitter feed!
Bobby Cronin @Bobbycronin- I met Bobby a little while back and have been to many of his concerts and shows. What impresses me most about his twitter presence is just that, his presence. He loves to retweet and favorite good content, will always respond to those who reach out to him, and is a truly genuine person who is always happy to support and promote the work of others. Be sure to check out his site and twitter feed.
Carol Roth @caroljsroth- I saw Carol speak at a business conference a few years ago and was so impressed with what she had to say that I immediately started reading her book, The Entrepreneur Equation. It was very helpful to me in the projects I was working on and I started following her on twitter. Carol not only has great insights on there from her blog, she also finds great articles and content to retweet. Be sure to check out her site and twitter feed.
Peter Shankman @petershankman- I saw Peter on a panel at NYU on entrepreneurship and I really enjoyed hearing about his philosphy of using twitter to make instant connections in real time. If you go to his feed, you will see how engaged he is with his community and how often he looks to help and connect others. He also is involved in more things than I can count. Be sure to check out his site and twitter feed.
Daryl Ray Carliles @DarylRay- What I love about Daryl is that he makes it a point to promote as many other people as possible. He even has a twitter handle for that @wepromoteart. It's this kind of selfless behavior that really ignites the conversation of social media. Be sure to check out his site and twitter feed.
Of course there are so many more people that I follow on Twitter and this is just a brief run down of some great ones. Hope that you get a chance to follow these folks and enjoy your friday!
Excelsior!
This week's retro post comes from when I first started blogging. I'm proud to say I have gotten better about clinging, but still from time to time do it. How about you?
While attending a NAMT networking event this weekend, I discovered something very interesting about networking and something that I personally need to improve on. As usual, I'll explain it with a metaphor:
When I first moved to the city, I was asked to climb a rock wall at a gym. I knew nothing about this sport, but gave it a shot. I grabbed at the wall and got to the point where both arms and legs were on the wall and I was about a foot off the ground and then...
I didn't move.
If I reached up, I felt myself slipping, so I instantly pulled back and went back to the starting position. I would try again and again, but could not seem to move.
A friend of mine who was watching the show with the rest of the gym explained that I was clinging and that until I allowed some of my weight to shift, rather than keeping it all pressed against the rock, I would be stuck there. After a few tries, I convinced myself to shift the weight and sure enough, I moved up! Before every reach there was this really scary moment where it felt like I was going to fall (and truth be told, sometimes I did) but as soon as I let that go, the weight shifted and I moved. This got me thinking about networking events.
When we first make a connection at one of these events, it's exciting. We're getting to know someone new and we're talking about important things. We may trade cards or hand each other postcards for a show, but then what happens? In my case, I often stay and chat for a pretty long time and most of the time miss out on meeting any one else.
I realized the other day that this is clinging.
It's comfortable to stay with the person you know or the new contact, because that means you don't have to go to anyone else. Just like I leaned all of my weight against the rock and didn't move, I found myself anchored to people I knew already or new connections for so long, we had practically had a full meeting by the time I left!
When I did force myself to say goodbye or move to someone else, I met some other really great people, but it nagged at me that I may have met twice that many, had I not clung so long.
So my plan from now on is to work on that element and try and make my networking meetings a bit more succinct.
Have any of you every experienced this? What are your "climbing" stories? Feel free to comment below:
And the next time you're out networking and feel yourself stuffed in a corner, try shifting your weight. You may just end up at the top of the mountain.
Excelsior!
The things you can control.
Everyone experiences failure in some form or fashion. The problem is that most times, when that moment arrives, we look at all of the things that we can't control.
If you look at the things that are not working in your life right at this very moment, what will be most prominent are the elements that are out of your control.
Worrying about these things wastes time and keeps us from doing our best work.
Think instead about what is within your control.
It's often been said that limitations are one of the best catlaysts for creativity, so I have a challenge for you today.
Look at any one thing that is not working and ask yourself what about that thing you cannot control. Take a deep breath and let those things go and then look at what you can control.
Out of the things you can control is there something you can do differently?
If so, do it.
Feel free to comment about what you tried. I look forward to hearing more about it.
Often we feel more out of control than we actually are. Take a second today to focus and see if you can find your footing.
Excelsor!
If you are starting a new venture, you will inevitably find that you will have to pitch that project to someone who can help you realize it. This could be a potential funder, a partner, or a mentor. The interesting thing about this is that pitching in the wrong way can damage that relationship for a long time or end the relationship before it's begun. Below are some of my pet peeves.
Interrupting to pitch- No matter how anxious you are, the last thing you want to do is stop someone in the middle of their thought to tell them about why they should work on your project. If you are at a dinner or at an event and you'd really like to pitch the person there, please let them finish their thought before you break into why they should work with you. Interrupting is rude to begin with and second, it makes it so that the other party is only half-listening. If anything, wait until they are at a stopping point. Ask them about an interest pertaining to what they just discussed and ask if they are open to hearing about your project. You'd be amazed at how effective asking for permission can be.
Telling the person what to think- Of course your project and your team are going to be considered the best by you, but I'm not sure what that is supposed to do in terms of getting the other person to be on board. If you want buy in, it's important to establish whether there is even a need. Ask questions about what the other person is looking for or interested in. If it seems like what you have to offer may be a good fit, don't tell them it's a good fit yourself. Ask them if they would be interested in hearing more. Let the other person make the decision since it will be their time, connections, or money on the line. You need something from them, so find out what they need first.
Abusing social situations- I once hosted a reading where someone who was attending, pitched the host of the reading on investing in another project. The person hosting barely even looked at the packet that was being given to him. You will find times when you get a to attend a dinner, cocktail party, or an excursion with someone who can be helpful to you. Use that time to get to know them as a person and set a later time to talk about your project. There are many who love to try and sneak that ask in during a social situation, but personally, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
So there you have it. When you pitch don't interrupt, be clear as to the need, and time it wisely. You'll be much more likely to find that people will want to play ball if you pitch well.
Excelsior!
P.S.- I have decided to host some group consulting sessions. You can read more HERE. Limited seats. Thanks!
This week's A.P.T is Schuyler Iona Press who currently has a show running called What I'm Failing To Learn which comments on New York City Culture, Civil Rights, Technology's effect on personal interaction, and more. Oh and did I mention...
She's a teenager.
Yep. It's rare to see someone so young tackle such big topics, but like a minature Bob Dylan, Schuyler stands up there guitar in hand with a cast of talented musicians and dancers and weaves a tale of how it feels to grow up in the city. This kind of bravery isn't often found in our youth. Having taught for 8 years I can count on one hand the number of students who ever decided to ask deep questions about our culture, and yet Schuyler fills her show with them. From addressing what it's like to be a mere child during 9/11, to a song dealing with the power of consumerism in current advertising, the show digs deep with some toe tapping tunes and some spoken word. More info about the show is below. If you can get a chance to catch the last performance on Saturday, I'd recommend it.
Schuyler will make you think about our city, our country, and most importantly, remind you of the value of what our youth has not failed to learn.
Excelsior!
A MAY SKY PICTURE is pleased to announce the workshop production of Schuyler Iona Press' WHAT I'M FAILING TO LEARN, choreography by Joel Hanna, music arranged by Jeb Patton, co-directed by Darren Press, written and directed by C. Fraser Press. WHAT I'M FAILING TO LEARN will play a limited engagement at Off-Broadway's 13th Street Rep (50 West 13th Street, NYC). Performances begin Wednesday, May 15 and continue throughSaturday, June 15. Opening Night is Wednesday, May 29 (7 p.m.).
14-year-old singer songwriter Schuyler Iona Press, whose eclectic compositions include influences from modern folk, rock, and punk peppered with Latin grooves, is an outsider longing to be on the "inside", simultaneously outraged by the implications--a kid entering adolescence and questioning her world. Accompanied by a live band, percussive modern Irish dancers and video, Schuyler brings us on a poetic imaginative quest into the depths of her emotions.
A mashup of theatrical drama/live concert/multimedia video, WHAT I'M FAILING TO LEARN takes us on a walking tour through the unpredictable streets of NYC and through the even more unpredictable mind of a young teenager.
WHAT I'M FAILING TO LEARN is a personal journey of a child colored by both positives and negatives of growing up unsheltered from certain truths of our human world. As Schuyler learns, truth holds both comedy and tragedy, but most importantly, truth holds hope.
The production stars Schuyler Iona Press (Film: Theresa is a Mother) as herself. The ensemble/band includes Carlos Mena on bass, Annette Homannon violin and as the voice of Carol, Sardinian woman and Diner Lady, Henry Koperski on the piano/flute/sax and as the voice of Harvey, Matthew Gumley (Bdwy: Elf, Addams Family, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast Film: Theresa is a Mother) on electric guitar and as the voice of the Tour Guide,Sam Wagner (The Brighton Beat) on the drums, Dominique Porter as the voice of Schuyler and Savior Lady, and Hannah Tobias as voice of Mother, Sardinian teenager and Phyllis.
The production features lighting design by Rob Belchere and sound design by MikeDeRosa. Liz Peak is the stage manager.
WHAT I'M FAILING TO LEARN plays the following schedule:
Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Saturdays at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $18-30 and are now available online at www.13thstreetrep.org or by calling 866-811-4111. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the theater ½ hour prior to performance.
Running Time: 90 minutes
Website: http://www.whatimfailingtolearn.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WhatImFailingToLearn
www.schuylerionapress.com
Photos: http://bit.ly/WIFLPhotos
Press Kit: http://bit.ly/WIFLPressKit
SCHUYLER IONA PRESS (Music, Lyrics, Performer) is a 14-year old singer/songwriter guitarist and actress from NYC. She is the youngest artist ever to play the singer/songwriter sessions at the Bitter End in NYC and has played numerous music festivals in the northeast throughout the summer of 2012 including Boston GreenFest, Block Island Music Festival, Black Potatoe Music Festival and more.
A prolific songwriter from an early age, at 12 years old Schuyler opened for award winning recording artist Ellis Paul. Schuyler composed the score to the independent feature film "Theresa is a Mother," including recording "Summer Child" the main theme song. Theresa is a Mother is currently playing in film festivals around the country and has won numerous Best Film awards. Schuyler recently recorded a guitar/vocal for the music video to her 9/11 tribute song "Playground Museum." This video premiered at the 2012 International Film Festival Manhattan and won in the music video category at the 2012 My HERO Film Festival in LA. Schuyler was also nominated for a prestigious Ron Kovic Peace Prize.
As an actress, Schuyler was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Award from the 2012 Reel Independent Film Festival in Washington DC for her role in the film Theresa is a Mother.
A budding philanthropist, Schuyler is combining her talents and passions to create the I Am Today Project, an arts driven organization that works with children fighting serious illness helping them create personal and expressive projects in various artistic disciplines.
In this week's Retro post, I revisit how the main super villian from heroes can teach about networking.
Excelsior!
A few months back I was introduced via netflix to the television show Heroes. I know, I know, I'm one of the last people to see the series I'm sure, but when it was on I was never home. For those of you familiar with the show, you know that the main villain is the guy above. What's even more fascinating is how many parallels one can draw to what he does and what a really talented networker does.
1. Heightened levels of inquiry- The thing that made Sylar such a powerful villain throughout the series was his ability to understand how things work. By seeing what makes certain individuals tick (ha ha) , he was able to then take their powers. A solid networker takes the time to look at what makes other people tick. That heightened level of inquiry helps in discovering who would make a great business partner and who should be introduced to whom.
2. Going to the source- Once Sylar discovered that the source of people's powers were connected to the brain, he wasted no time. He went right for the source and scored powers left and right, albeit he was a bit messy when he did this. Good networkers don't waste time shooting out blind emails and blasting everyone in a five block radius. They target the people they know will be helpful to them and then go directly to those people.
3. Prioritize- Once Sylar realized what powers could help him accomplish certain tasks, he made it a point to find those people first and get one power that would allow him easy access to others with powers. Good networkers do this too. They take the time to think about what other people are good at and how their connections to one person help in connecting to others.
4. Strategy- There are many times in the series where Sylar is captured, hurt, killed etc. In every one of these instances, he finds a way out because he is strategic. He knows that it's a bad idea to try and escape from one place, so he gets the guard to come closer and then figures out a way to shut the alarms off etc. A good networker thinks in the same strategic way. They think about how one interaction will help them three steps down the line rather than in the moment.
5. He ships- Love him or hate him, he always gets things done. He does whatever he says he's going to do and for that reason not many people can stop him. Good networkers ship. They make good on their promises of introductions and referrals and they back up what they say. For this reason they are the ones who do get things done.
So there you have it. If you have never watched the series, check it out. It's really some great writing and you may pick up even more tips from seeing how Syalr operates.
And the next time you meet someone in a networking scenario, think about what makes them
Tick, tick, tick.....
Excelsior!
Because most people don't.
Behind every public success there is a lot that goes on that doesn't get covered in the media.
Many times the people who have really truly been the catalyst for the growth of company are not recognized and often they actually do not care to be.
Many of the producers who won Tony's this past week have people behind the scenes who invested in their projects or made introductions for them.
Those who are helpful to others often avoid the spotlight. They usually do what they can to make something cool happen and then step out of the way.
That doesn't mean that they don't appreciate being acknowledged once in awhile, they just would prefer it didn't happen publicly.
The interesting thing is that if we take a look at the work that we are doing now and the opportunities that have come our way, we start to discover that there have been many things that have happened in the background and many people behind the curtain.
It's important to Thank Them.
Take a second today to ask who has been behind the curtain in your life?
Who has made introductions for you or invited you to events that have helped move your pursuits forward?
Who gave you some advice over coffee that maybe changed your business model or motivated you to keep going when you thought you'd give up?
These are our behind the curtain folks.
Our unsung heroes.
Maybe you should sing about them today.
Just a thought.
Excelsior!
