Professional Concierge?

Actor. Writer. Producer. Concierge?

When you first got into this business, you probably didn't think two of the most important things about your career would be stapling headshots and driving all over town to auditions...but it couldn't be more true.

Coming in a close third to these necessary yet quotidian actions is becoming a professional concierge.

Recently, I was listening to iconic producer Jerry Weintraub's interview on NPR In it, he says that his job is "being a concierge" - for the first 30 or 40 minutes of his day, he responds to emails requesting favors. This ability to connect others is one of the key reasons Jerry Weintraub is so successful.

Stephen Meade, an amazing networker and founder of Big Bamboo, recommends finding out what others need and making an effort to help. This not only allows you to get to know someone better, it also connects you to them in a more meaningful way than just talking about yourself and your latest projects. Try "adding value" and let me know how it goes!

Here's to your success!

Facebook Etiquette for Actors

Facebook can be a wonderful tool for connecting with friends, fan and future contacts.

It can also be a place where you annoy the sh*t out of people and get a reputation for cyber-stalking. Here are some simple tips to make sure that doesn't happen.

1. Don't add someone as a friend if you haven't met them in person or corresponded in some other way. If you're trying to contact someone for the first time, send them a message explaining your interest. "I love your work" or "We have so-and-so as a mutual friend" are both great. Then, if they want to add you as a friend they probably will.

2. Don't post updates about what you ate, or other boring, self-indulgent topics.

3. Do post interesting links that others will find useful - articles of mutual interest, funny videos and weird factoids are all good.

4. Minimize the amount of complaining and negativity you project. The occasional incisive critique is fine, but if you're constantly whining, people are going to "hide" you from their feed or delete you as a friend.

5. Do create a fan page for yourself as an actor, and put the majority of your actor-related successes on there. That way strangers can become a fan of your work without you needing to share your personal information, and your friends don't need to hear weekly or daily updates of industry-related info. Yes, they love you, but they do have other things on their mind than what you star meter rating is.

6. The first five are pretty true for Twitter as well.

7. Don't post anyone's personal information on a wall. Use a direct message.

8. Under no circumstances should you "poke" a professional contact or invite them to help with your Lil' Green Patch.

Feel free to post more tips in the comments section!