Early last year, I got on the social networking site called Linked In. That’s specifically for professionals out to network for a possible new job. Nothing has really happened on it for me. I got requests to “friend” folks I may have worked with decades ago but there has not been one bit of employment-related networking or an invite to submit my resumé thanks to my profile presence on Linked In.
Last week, just for grins, I decided to changed my status update on it. I didn’t write “seeking work in broadcast” or “willing to relocate for TV/Radio jobs.” I put this as my status update next to my photo:
“Bobby Rivers is currently starring in Debbie Allen’s new all-black production of The Sound of Music.”
You would not believe how many congratulatory messages and notes of “Where can I see it?” I have received from middle-aged entertainment industry folks. Seriously. Today I got a very enthusiastic message of congratulations from my career counselor at the New York actors organization that helps actors find work. I messaged her back this:
“Can you really see black Nazis chasing the Von Trapp kids up and down the papier-maché hills of Austria in something directed and choreographed by Debbie Allen? Really?” Then I added that, if she wanted, and only for her, I’d drop by the office later and sing her a couple of songs from the all-black score — “You Be Sixteen, Going On Seventeen” followed by “I Gots Confidence.”
I’m not making this up, you know. Have a good week.
Tags: Linked In