Tonight's blog entry is courtesy of a dear dear friend and fellow performing artist professional (hereby known as R), who saw her netwerking swag pay off in significant and commendable dividends:
A long time ago.... [a few days ago]
In a galaxy far, far away .... [actually the Carlyle hotel is only a few blocks away from this Baby's apartment]
All within the span of 24 New York hours:
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Lesson 1: Unexpected encouragement and respect
A woman came into the Carlyle yesterday while R was working and they started to chat about this and that. She told R she was from Saudi Arabia, R told her R's brother just went over there for work (in oil). The woman asked which company...R told her Schlumberger and she got very excited about this...Turns out she's on their board. R told her that R was an actress and then the woman began to go on and on about how much she admired actors and how we can do this and that... She introduced herself as Lubna.
Turns out she is Lubna Olayan... voted by Forbes and Times as one of the world's most influential women. How overwhelming and invigorating that Lubna...with all her experience, business acumen, and prestige, admires people like you and I who struggle in our daily lives to do what we love!
Lesson 2: You never know who knows who you know.
Fast forward. R goes to a watch party (for a new film) later the same day. An actor she worked with, Travone, texted R about some famous fashion photographer's birthday party and picked her up to go with him:
"So I met this photographer and all his friends... And Carson Kressley (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy). As we walked up...guess who we see outside... Johnny Nunez...FAMOUS celebrity photographer who's shot all of the hip hop greats...and who invites is to Ne-Yo's private election watch party dinner. So of course we go. I meet Ne-Yo's fiance Monyetta and her friend from like Basketball wives or some show, and of course I met Ne-Yo who refused my handshake and went in for the hug. [How nice!!]
I felt so legitimate because I told Monyetta that I had seen her at a private listening party two weeks ago and she said "I thought you looked familiar" (Probably lying but at least she was trying!) We got gift bags of yummy liquor and Ne-Yo's new album and headed back to Astoria where we watched the President's speech and cuddled."
Lesson 3: There is opportunity in every scandalousity
"After 3 hours of sleep I got up and headed to work the next morning. Fully energized mind you, considering the night before. When I get to the Carlyle, I see that the Spa is open (it shouldn't have been), all of the lights are on (not supposed to be), and the women's room is a MESS. There are towels and robes everywhere and a men's undershirt on the floor. I call Security and they tell me they will look into the matter. Shortly after I get a call. "Hi Reanna. The spa was opened around 3:30 this morning for a VIP guest. Mr. Beiber." Jokingly I say, "As in Justin." He said yes. Justin Beiber had decided to not only take over the spa for a shower and a steam...he has decided to do it in the ladies room. I thought I would never stop laughing. Then, shamelessly, I proceeded to the ladies room to take his undershirt out of the trash can. I figured someone would want it. Turns out my cousin's a fan. So I'm gonna frame it. Yay free Christmas present!!!!"
***
In summary, networking is not an easy skill, but regardless of your industry (but especially in the performing arts world), it is a talent worth cultivating, because you never know where it might take you and whom you might meet.
Even though rehearsal was cancelled for "singer problems," which I imagine is code for diiiivvaaa, I've had a long exhausting day.
Keep your heads up and on to the next one!
Love,
A Broadway Baby
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