Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/87061
does. You are a product — your product is 'I offer acting services,'" she said. Before you meet the agent, you need things you can do are network, network and network. Build a database of contacts and reach out to them on a regular basis. The entertainment industry is all about relationships, and you never know where the next opportunity will come from. Lawson suggests mapping out all to have already started building your "brand." The three most important 4 market yourself. Take advantage of the SAG-AFTRA workshops and seminars. Gold said, "As much as the unions can possibly do to educate you, people … don't come to the classes, they don't come to all the opportunities that are available. They don't come, because there's still this thought that 'I'm talented, somebody will discover me.'" Harnessing technology is vital, and of your relationships — from family and friends to professional peers and business contacts. "You should communicate to these groups four times per year, sending positive vibes and taking an interest in their lives, not talking about yourself. Because outflow equals inflow," Lawson said. "Energy begets energy. Because people don't forget you when you say hello." And always learn new ways to even an iPhone's video capability can be used to create a respectable sample of your work. Carry your demo on a flash drive or upload it to a website, so that wherever you go and whomever you meet, your best work will be just a click away. Having your demo online ensures you can link to it in an email, and allow access to anyone you want to see it, anywhere in the world. Some actors use QR codes, Gold said. You may have seen 5 6 Continues on page 43 Roles of Managers and Agents for Actors Although agents and managers may fulfill some similar functions, there are clear and distinct differences between them: A talent agent acts as an actor's representative that is authorized to negotiate and procure employment for the member, as well as counsel or advise him/her on professional career choices. Generally, managers cannot legally submit performers for work opportunities. Moreover, under franchised agency regulations, personal managers are limited to counseling and advising members about their professional career choices. Members should be careful not to place themselves in violation of union rules by working with managers as they would with traditional franchised agents. Unlike talent agents, SAG-AFTRA does not regulate personal managers, nor are they licensed in any way by any state. Anyone can offer services as a personal manager. Therefore, members who hire a manager should carefully review all contract provisions in any agreement before they sign. Members are also urged to carefully research a manager's background before entering into contractual relationships with them. Since personal managers are unregulated, SAG-AFTRA cannot discipline them for inappropriate conduct, nor can it assist members in resolving disputes that arise. If you decide to engage a manager, SAG-AFTRA strongly encourages you to secure the services of an attorney beforehand, so that you can fully understand the terms and conditions contained in the document that is presented to you. If you have questions, contact SAG-AFTRA's Agency Relations Department at (323) 549-6745 or (212) 863-4305. Broadcasters, look for a discussion of managers and agents in an upcoming issue of SAG-AFTRA magazine. In this issue, see "Demystifying Personal Service Contracts," page 39. SAGAFTRA.org | Fall 2012 | SAG-AFTRA 33