"Bring a tape, make some calls."

[BoomDrive]

I'm going to be visiting a market where I'm hoping to "end up" sooner or later: home. A friend suggested I put together a tape, make a few calls, and see if I can set up a few appointments with various chief photogs in the stations there.

I've heard of a few other people doing this before. Is this normally a good way of at least making yourself known to people-- a good way to start networking in a market you want to be in?

I'm thinking that it probably can't hurt. However, just to be certain I'm not damaging my chances of working there in the future, I thought I'd ask for some input.

Thanks in advance!

[PhrozenPhoto]

If nothing else you can write off a portion of the trip as job search related for your taxes. Can't hurt, but don't be too offended if they are too busy to meet with you.

[photog1199]

Can't hurt, drop by give them a tape. If they like it you never know, could be your next job.

[Land Rover]

Did that once when my wife had job interviews in the same town. One chief said to call him when I was in town, no responses from two stations and the guy at the front desk was so rude he wouldn't even transfer me to the back. It never hurts and it may help you one day, just be polite. I used the excuse that sense my wife traveled 1500 miles, it made sense that I at least try and talk to some people.

[<Mi3ke>]

Definently dro a tape off. Back when, the wife and I were visiting her brother. One station had an opening. I took tapes to all three in town. The one with an opening said no, one other jst shrugged, the last one, the CP came out said nothing here but I'll take your tape. 3 months later I got the job at the last station. Definently take tapes and drop in.


Cheers, mi3ke

[Lense_Cap]

My wife and I were hearding out of state to check out a college campus that she had been accepted to. I had already applied to one of the stations there, but I used out trip to kind of wedge my way in there. I just told them I was "...going to be in town." and "...would that be an ok time for me to stop in and take a look around?" It worked very well, it basically turned into a full interview. I wound up staying put though cause the pay for that position was not what I was expecting. It was worth it though because they want me to stay in touch for the next oppportunity and made it sound pretty sweet.

The moral... take a tape, call in advance. If you can't get them to meet with you, find out the cheifs name and drop it in person at the receptionist.

[Lense_Cap]

just for the record... my wife and I do not run a ranch... that was supposed to be "heading". heheheh.

Originally posted by Lense_Cap:
My wife and I were hearding out of state...

[A Step Above Productions]

Once I was interviewing at one station and since I was going to be in that town I brought some extra tapes with me. When I got into town and finished my interview with the station I was scheduled to interview at, (I turned down the job not enough money) I called an old friend who was working at one of the other stations to see if he wanted to have lunch. I really didn’t care to see him but it was a foot in the door. He met me at the station and before we headed out to eat he introduced me to his Chief Photog… we chatted, and I told her what schedule and how much money I was looking for, it was very casual. I left, had lunch and headed back to station. The Chief called me into the office and offered me a job… and as they say, the rest is history