Which Events Do I Need To Go To

Navigating all the events in Audiobookland can be overwhelming

All dressed up and wondering which Audiobook event to attend

This week, I’m focusing on career. I’ll be answering some questions people have shared with me about audiobooks.

These two questions were similar:

1.)   Curious about your thoughts/tips for navigating the ubiquitous networking events we’re expected to attend.

2.)   For someone who has gone through lots of coaching, constantly putting oneself out there, for an introvert I don’t feel comfortable attending social networking events…could you write an article on benefits or pros/cons of these events?

There’s a lot to unpack in those two questions, but before I start, here’s a link to an old article I wrote called STOP DOING SH*T YOU DON’T WANT TO DO.

Just to, you know, set the tone.

QUESTION ONE

1.)   Curious about your thoughts/tips for navigating the ubiquitous networking events we’re expected to attend.

The part of this question I like (and that makes me uncomfortable) is the phrase “the ubiquitous networking events we’re expected to attend.”

My question is, who is expecting you to attend these events? Your peers? Casting? Or is it some inner pressure you’re putting on yourself?

It’s true, there are a shit ton of narrator events—conferences, coaching sessions, conferences, trips, bowling, axe throwing, whatever—happening now. How can you possibly attend everything? One, you don’t have enough time. Two, you’ll go broke if you go to everything.

Are you truly expected to attend all of these things? NO.

That’s a hardcore NO.

When I first started narrating (25 years ago) we had no events. Nothing. And then there was APAC where about 50 people attended. And then a couple of social networking events, maybe. It made sense to attend all these things because there were only two main things: a conference, and a networking event. Maybe three things if you were nominated for an Audie.

Now, there are literally hundreds of events. But no one expects you to go to everything. They are just events you can go to IF YOU WANT TO.

How do I navigate? I do the ones where it sounds like I’ll have the most fun, and avoid the ones where it sounds like shit I don’t want to do.

I am most comfortable attending events where I have a role. If I’m invited to attend as a coach or a panelist, I’m all in. For events that I attend solely as a narrator looking for work, I’m much more choosy. I’m really uncomfortable at large events. I get overwhelmed easily by stimuli and people and smells and sounds. I also get unbearably nervous. I manage it, but it’s hard. Small talk is really difficult for me and my brain short circuits. So I avoid social networking events unless I have a group to go with where I can return to and feel safe.

This means, I choose small classes or events where I can get personal space if I need it.

There is no expectation that you will attend all these events. DON’T attend all these events. Choose the ones that sound fun, align with your goals, and are in your budget. You might have to say no to some things. That’s okay. Say No. Choose two or three events for the year where you can be fully invested. And be okay with that.

QUESTION TWO

2.)   For someone who has gone through lots of coaching, constantly putting oneself out there , for an introvert I don’t feel comfortable attending social networking events…could you write an article on benefits or pros/cons of these events?

See again, STOP DOING SH*T YOU DON’T WANT TO DO.

I truly struggle with a lot of social events. For me, like I said, having a role, makes it easier. You can volunteer with the APA and be a greeter, hand out bags at APAC, etc. These little roles get you involved in the community, and it can make it easier to attend social functions when you have something to DO.

How do you choose which event(s) are right for you?

First, remember that when everyone posts about the events, it’s with the sparkle of social media, and they may have an ulterior motive in posting. They may be thanking casting and tagging people, to remind them Hey! I’m here! They may want to show their commitment in the industry. They may just want to share the fun they had.

Ignore the posts.

For real. Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) is an ugly feeling and can lead to doing things you don’t really want to do, because you feel pressure you should do them.

Take control.

Focus on what you want from an event:

1)     Write out your goals for an event. Meeting narrators and making friends? Networking with casting? Auditioning with casting? Learning more about the industry? Getting feedback on your craft? Defining your goal will help you narrow down which events pertain to you.

2)     Be realistic with expectations. Narration is a long game. You are unlikely to get cast in a huge series simple from going to a networking event. You may get some auditions.

3)     Figure out your budget. Remember, some events are really costly and can include travel, hotel stays, food, etc. What is important to you?

If you’re taking classes, do you need a social event? I’d argue No. Events create and foster connection with our community, but so do classes and workshops. Choose the things you feel most comfortable with.

EVENTS I’M ATTENDING

For me, I’m taking a couple of classes through PJ Ochlan’s Masterclass. I like hearing people read, and I like the challenge of choosing a two-minute piece to test myself, make sure I’m still competitive, and to meet new casting directors.

I usually go to APAC, but it becomes less useful the further you are in your career. I probably won’t go this year unless I’m invited onto a panel, or a company I do casting for would like me to attend.

I will do a couple of local socials to connect with narrators in my area.

I’m scheduled to do Audiobooks At Sea. I attended the first cruise as a panelist, and I loved the information that Joel offered and curated, but especially liked the downtime in getting to know a handful of people (A handful like 75). I’m going as a narrator this year because I like learning. I like working on my craft as well as helping others. I’ll have time to go off on my own when I need to, and I won’t do the events that are too overwhelming.

WHICH EVENTS DO YOU CHOOSE?

What you want and need to do for your career is based on what you want and need to do. Confusing?

I guess what I’m saying with all of this is…

1)     Don’t do all the events. That’s silly. Pick 1 to 3.

2)     If you choose multiple events, choose a variety of types. Pick an event that allows you to meet casting, and one that gives you a chance to practice your craft. Pick one event that allows you to connect with narrators. If you find an event that does all three, fantastic.

3)     Consider your budget and your expectations. Is the cost manageable? Worth it?

4)     Relax in the idea that you don’t have to do everything, and especially you don’t have to do the shit you don’t want to do. Find the shit you want to do, and do that, with confidence.

5)     There is no 5. But I didn’t like just having 4 points.

Does that help?

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Tanya is a narrator, writer, cook, forager, and is truly uncomfortable and overwhelmed with social functions. She manages them by taking naps, telling people when she’s overwhelmed, and nurturing herself with nice meals with her friends during down time at social events. Like her work here? Comment, share, subscribe, all that fun stuff.

BONUS CONTENT

The following content is for Tanya’s paid subscribers. She offers a breakdown of different social events and the pros and cons.