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So, you’ve got a general meeting. That is BIG! I hope you’re celebrating that win. But, you’re probably not, because you’re too dang nervous for the big event. If that sounds like you, this interview with veteran TV writer and producer Ross Brown (“Step by Step,” “The Facts of Life,” “The Cosby Show,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation”) should help.
Sounds easy enough. But, it’s also easy to overthink a meeting, retreat into our fears, and say something weird or desperate to this person on the other side of the table who seemingly holds our life in their hands. So, Ross has advice for when that happens, too.
Consider the meeting from the executive/agent/manager’s perspective. They do dozens of these meetings per year, and you want to set yourself apart by being completely, uniquely you. A general meeting is just a chance for them to get to know you and decide whether you’re someone they might want to work with.
Are you still feeling stressed? Consider learning some breathing exercises or meditations specifically for creatives, don’t eat or drink anything strange before the meeting, and take the water when it’s offered to you. Always take the water. Your voice and mouth are the first things to dry up when nerves start to get the better of you. Have a list of questions prepared to ask the other person, so the conversation doesn’t dry up, either. Lastly, remember that a general meeting is meant to be casual.
So, where are you headed? How about that TSA line, huh?
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