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The easiest way to land a gig....
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS!!! Although this example isn't directly related to photography, it's something that I find many models and photographers do (and then they wonder why they didn't get the job). I landed this gig without really trying! Yesterday I was browsing through the local Craigslist gig ads and found one where a guy wanted someone to assemble a computer with the components that he was going to purchase. The person simply asked for a response that included a labor estimate and the basic contact informaiton (name, phone number, email). I contacted the gentleman, but had no intention of building the computer for him. I knew of a great computer that would met and exceeded his needs and wrote to himrecommend it, even though I've built many computers before, it would be easier and slightly cheaper to purchase this particular brand new computer. By default my name and contact information is provided at the bottom of each message. Later that day he contacted me and said "I've got a lot of responses. So far there's 60 replies and even more are coming in as I'm speaking to you. Your reply was somewhere in the middle, around #30." He continued to say "You've got the gig by default, as YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE THAT LEFT THE CONTACT INFORMATION THAT I REQUESTED!" It's as simple as that! I don't know how many times I see public replies to casting calls that simply say "Interested" (MM used to allow public replies to casting calls, and many social media sites still do). Although I no longer have a need to find models, once in awhile I'm working with a client that needs someone with a certain look and I'll either contact people that would be a good fit, or put out a small casting call. I can't tell you how many times people sent me nothing but the "interested" reply.... and that's the more positive response because most of the 'newer' models on MM are either too lazy or too into themselves to reply, even if it's to politely turn down an offer. I'm sure that in each and every one of those cases the people can't figure out why nobody's running after them to give them a gig. Nov 27 23 09:49 am Link the most important things you can do is follow directions and show up Nov 27 23 10:15 pm Link Sadly most people dont think or read what is required Nov 28 23 07:58 am Link Anybody remember the MM casting call for a horror movie? It mentioned actors should be willing to get a STD and have bones broken. I sell laptops on Facebooks and I try to include all the information about them. Ram size to SSD size to year of the laptop, processor and where buyers can meet meet me. Sadly, many if not most people ask me questions answered in the ad. People don't read, pay attention or use critical thinking. Nov 28 23 12:36 pm Link Tony Lawrence wrote: The answers were hilarious! Adrienne Aurora wrote: Nov 28 23 02:51 pm Link SayCheeZ! wrote: I've heard this story a thousand times. I landed a rather lucrative gig off craigslist last year and the client told me we were one of a bout 80 people who responded, of which only about 5 actually responded appropriately to the RFP. After we completed the job I was joking with my contact in the company about this and she actually sent me a few of the replies they got and it was astounding how poorly written they were. Dec 06 23 08:54 am Link |