Submitted by MusicMan on
in
Forums
Firstly I just want to say I'm a huge fan of the Manager and Career Tools Podcast series. Fantastic work Mark and Mike and thank you kindly for sharing your management and career wisdom.
I am wondering if it is acceptable etiquette to send a group email to 40 or so of my contacts telling them I'm looking for work and asking for advice or recommendations?
Or - is it better for me to email each of them individually and tell them my situation?
The background to my question is as follows...
I'm a freelance graphic/web designer/music manager currently in the process of changing careers. I have recently secured three short term contracts in the industry I'm looking to move into (film and television) - each contract was obtained by word of mouth.
I'm presently seeking further work in that industry, however the people who hired me for those jobs have nothing available at present. The contacts I'm looking to email were met on each of the three jobs I worked on - most would not have the power to hire me however they may know of someone who can or have some leads for me to follow.
Many thanks,
Phil
It's always better to send
It's always better to send something personal. If you mass email like that, chances are, 17-22 would read it out of 40. If you spent some time sending one out to each of them individually (a lot more time, I know), chances are 35+ will read it. Everyone who reads it will appreciate it more as well.
If you've been contacting them in 2-3 month segments to keep in touch, that would help your efforts as well.
Good luck.
~12string~
No. Most people will see
No.
Most people will see that it's not to them (really obvious since you have to either show all the email addresses or BCC everyone, both of which are pretty obvious, and it won't start with the most attention-grabbing word possible, the recipient's name) and know that you've just spammed them. They will probably put less effort into their response than they perceived you as putting into spamming them trying to find work.
If you've got contacts who you think might be able to help you out, write then INDIVIDUALLY (as in, use their names and address topics interesting to them) and ask if you could use them for a reference. First of all, they are more likely to say yes. Secondly, it will get them thinking about the good things about you instead of the reasons why they can't offer you a job. (yes, I stole that from John Lucht)
More re: Lucht
You really should get John Lucht's book, Rites of Passage. In it he talks about networking strategies. Not all your contacts are the same - some are more relevant to your search than others. You can spend a lot of time on ineffective activities if your networking doesn't take into account who is in position to help you, and who is not. (Note: you still keep everyone in your network, and you keep them apprised of your situation. You just do so differently according to your relationship and their situation).
John Hack
Many thanks
Many thanks for your answers John , Tom and 12String - a great insight and a huge help. I'm glad I asked here before sending!
I've also just relistened to the Rule Of 50 Podcast that discusses why not to send a group email to your network, and the John Lucht book sounds well worth a read too.
Thanks again everyone, much appreciated!
Employee vs Contractor - Don't send a Resume
MusicMan,
What is your goal; full time employment or contract work. Some steps in find this work are similar, yet the end result is very different. You wrote " I'm looking for work " & " I'm a freelance graphic/web designer/music manager currently in the process of changing careers" & "I have recently secured three short term contracts".
What are you changing, from graphic designer to music manager, freelance to full time? Please be clear, otherwise those that want to help will not send you in the right direction. Others here have already answered your BLUF question accurately.
Finally, I recommend you read the book "Don't Send a Resume" it will help you understand the search process, and combinded with the MT "interview Series" that could lead to a shorter job search period.
Good luck!
JHB "00"
career change and goals
Hi there JHB, many thanks for your book recommendation and for taking an interest in my post. You are quite correct in spotting that my real issue is the career change. Here's my current situation and what I'm trying to achieve...
I presently work as a freelance web/graphic designer AND freelance music manager.
I'm looking to move into film and television - either as a freelancer or as a full timer - as well as continue managing the band I have worked with since 2004.
My freelance design work pays the bills and the music work is a much less reliable income - but it is something I'm very passionate about. The band I manage landed a good record contract in the UK back in 2005, we've since been dropped by the label and are taking the independent route. It's a slow and steady build and is going well, however the music industry is an extremely tough place to earn a dollar at present with online piracy seeing profit margins plunge over the last 10 years.
By chance I was recently offered some short term contracts on 3 different tv shows as Production Assistant and I thoroughly enjoyed each one. Those jobs were very much "bottom of the ladder" work, but my instincts tell me I can succeed in this industry in the long term if I find the right job. I'm in the process of researching potential career paths within the industry with the help of the book "What Color is Your Parachute".
In the meantime I would like to find more freelance/contract work as a Production Assistant - (and the sooner the better - I have no work lined up in design or film/tv at the moment).
My long term goal is to find a specific job in that industry suited to my skills and strengths. I would also like to continue working on the band part time/after hours.
Thanks again everyone - I really appreciate your input.
Making Money In Music
MusicMan,
Sounds like times have not changed for the music industry. Back in 86 I too managed some bands, and even at that time making money was tough to do. Working for burgers and gas money to fill the van was no fun. Then combined with artist egos and their inability to manage their time and money took all the fun out of it.
The only thing I can see is that you have to keep building your network and your track record of success to go higher up the food chain. That can only be done in time. Good Luck
JHB "00"