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In a few past blog entries, I’ve talked about the importance of networking. And networking with the opposite sex sometimes (okay, more often than not) leads to dating. Although some people avoid this -- dating fellow assistants – I think it’s a win-win situation: you get each other’s hectic schedules, get when you can’t hang out because you need to write (or do coverage, or what have you), and you support each other’s writing (or entertainment endeavors) even when others don’t.
My writers’ assistant advice this week is short, simple, and sweet: always end things amicably. I know it’s not always easy. One of you probably needs more time than the other to get over the situation. Or one of you may be bitter because the other person blew you off. Or both. You may never want to talk to – or see – them again. And, like everything in L.A., you mustn’t take it personally. I know – how do you not? But there will be someone better out there; and harboring resentment for an industry ex, or blowing off someone you think could never effect your future, may only harm you, not help you. Like they say, Hollywood is all about who you know. I used to hate when people said this – how do I become one of the ones who knows people, and whom people know? By networking. Networking does not mean using people only when you want or need something (i.e., “I know I never called you back last week, but now can you read my script?”); rather, it means establishing and maintaining relationships with people. You help them, they help you, you help them… you get it. You should be altruistic, not self-seeking. Never forget how small this town is… never. People change jobs all the time, meaning you never know if ex girl or guy will be in a position to hire (or fire) you one day. So tread with caution… When you intra-industry date, you may think it’s no big deal that you never called that girl on Grey’s Anatomy back or you cheated on that guy at Paramount… But next time a job comes up and you have the power of sifting through resumes with your boss, are you really going to want to hire that ex-date/boyfriend/girlfriend/whatever he/she was to you, let alone recommend him or her? I didn’t think so. So kiss and make up. Or don’t kiss and make up. Either way, it’s a win-win.
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