When Standing Out Leads to Standing Down

Thinking outside the box doesn’t mean making a spectacle of yourself.

When an aspiring actress tried to get Tyler Perry’s attention, she purchased a billboard near the mogul’s Atlanta-based studios. After seeing the billboard, Mr. Perry responded on social media and suggested she audition like everyone else:

“This is not the way to get my attention if you’re looking for a role in one of my shows. Please DON’T DO THIS, SAVE YOUR MONEY!! This is the third time that someone has done this. PLEASE STOP! To audition is FREE!! I’m sure you can use that money for a better purpose,” he said. “I love that you want to work with me, and I love that you invest in yourself. But when you do things like this it puts my team on high alert and makes me look at you sideways. I know the message that you want to send is a positive one, but this comes across as the opposite.”

After following Perry’s advice, Ms. Bailey was eventually hired, but why did her effort fail? What are the specifics? I don’t work for Mr. Perry, but I have a few thoughts.

First, from the studio’s perspective, there’s always some yahoo willing to make a fool of themselves to get in the door. This could mean showing up at a stage door, hiding outside a location frequented by a key individual, or in this case – renting space on a billboard. The fundamental problems with all of these tactics are simple:

1. None offer any insight into the individual’s ability to succeed in the position they’re seeking. The target would still have to do their due diligence from scratch and (other than preventing another obnoxious episode or entrance) are not motivated to do it.
2. Also, there are a few social norms like Stranger Danger, social distancing, etc. 
3. The studio doesn’t want to alter their proven recruiting process for some loudmouth looking to jump to the front of the line.

My perspective on this topic is unique because I’ve successfully landed jobs in the music business from a distance by going the extra mile in one area:

Use networking to make contact with a key individual. Once I had their attention, I used video to present a clear, organized, concise, and convenient presentation on what they’d be getting if they hired me. In other words, if and when I made contact, I placed my audition and their due diligence in their hands!

Presenting myself like this over the last 27 years has been so successful in the corporate world and the music industry that I launched Connexion Pointe® to help others use the same strategy. I have a free ebook available to show you how to get started! Just fill out the form below, and we’ll send it to you.

There’s also an inexpensive masterclass with step-by-step guides to get you going on the path to success fast!

Don’t be obnoxious. Be prepared to create opportunities and make it easy for your targets to say yes based on your merits.

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In 2023 Control Your Career. Don't Let Your Career Control You!

If you'd like a bird's-eye-view of an excellent, modern job search plan that includes leveraging video, we have a free ebook available to get you up to speed! Just fill out the form below, and we'll send it to you.