Lateral Networking and Education: Two Ways Stage 32 Can Help You to Succeed

Thanks to Stage 32, networking doesn’t need to be intimidating or boring. But before we start cold-calling up the A-list, there’s a much easier group of people to contact first — our fellow screenwriters!

If you’re still of the mindset that other screenwriters are your competition, let me disabuse you of that notion right now. Your fellow writers ARE your lateral network! Lateral networking is an important step and an easy one, especially with Stage 32.

WHAT IS LATERAL NETWORKING?

Lateral networking is building relationships with people who are at your level — of success and craft. On Stage 32, once you build a profile and join the Writers’ Room, next you need to seek out individuals with whom you feel you would vibe.

Look for writers working in the same genre, or same age, or same timezone, or someone who asked a great question at the last webinar you attended. Find people who just seem like someone you could easily talk to, or someone whose project interests you.

Next, send them a network request with a quick note: “Hey, I saw you write comedy-action. Me too! Would you like to trade scripts sometime or talk about what you’re working on?” It’s that simple! Most Stage 32 members will accept this…