Networking and Booking
Even after winning one of our International titles, your schedule for the year is not predetermined. One of the beautiful things about our system is that each queen has the freedom to spend her year how she chooses to. However, this can be a little scary without proper preparation! Here are my biggest pieces of advice in regards to networking to book appearances before and after the International Pageants.
1- Put yourself out there! It can be nerve wracking, and sometimes the answer may be no. However, there are some really great benefits to this. By making a phone call to someone with an organization you want to engage in, you could begin a really awesome network.
2- Work in advance! Don’t try to schedule something a week before because chances are it is not going to happen. Be timely and give the person you are coordinating with plenty of time to organize.
3- Brainstorm events that you would like to be involved in before going to the International Pageants and continue to do so periodically throughout your reign. The judges LOVE to see a lady with a plan!
4- Follow up! Sometimes it takes an additional email or call to get in touch with someone to make an event happen. Please don’t make it excessive, but a second attempt after a generous amount of time is appropriate and encouraged.
5- Stay organized! It can be very helpful keeping a planner either electronically or in hard copy. This avoids over booking and helps you feel less hectic about your events.
6- Always be professional! Make sure you are using an email address that isn't along the lines of, “cutiegirl1234@gmail.com”. Either your name or your title is very appropriate for an email address.
7- Proof read, proof read, proof read! Nothing looks more unprofessional than simple grammatical errors. If you are unsure of spelling, tense, word use, or punctuation, then Google it!
8- Never be too prideful to seek assistance. Who knows, a colleague of yours might have a connection to something you are interested in. Using your current network to further expand your web of connections is appropriate in most cases.
9- Thank you notes! Nothing shows appreciation more than a hand written, timely note expressing gratitude. This is a great way to keep the door open for future involvement.
Hopefully these tips were helpful! You will begin to notice that your crown and sash definitely help in this process, but hard work is still a must. Get booking, sister queens!
If you believe in something, believe in it all the way!
Blair Wortsmith
Miss Teen International 2014
1- Put yourself out there! It can be nerve wracking, and sometimes the answer may be no. However, there are some really great benefits to this. By making a phone call to someone with an organization you want to engage in, you could begin a really awesome network.
2- Work in advance! Don’t try to schedule something a week before because chances are it is not going to happen. Be timely and give the person you are coordinating with plenty of time to organize.
3- Brainstorm events that you would like to be involved in before going to the International Pageants and continue to do so periodically throughout your reign. The judges LOVE to see a lady with a plan!
4- Follow up! Sometimes it takes an additional email or call to get in touch with someone to make an event happen. Please don’t make it excessive, but a second attempt after a generous amount of time is appropriate and encouraged.
5- Stay organized! It can be very helpful keeping a planner either electronically or in hard copy. This avoids over booking and helps you feel less hectic about your events.
6- Always be professional! Make sure you are using an email address that isn't along the lines of, “cutiegirl1234@gmail.com”. Either your name or your title is very appropriate for an email address.
7- Proof read, proof read, proof read! Nothing looks more unprofessional than simple grammatical errors. If you are unsure of spelling, tense, word use, or punctuation, then Google it!
8- Never be too prideful to seek assistance. Who knows, a colleague of yours might have a connection to something you are interested in. Using your current network to further expand your web of connections is appropriate in most cases.
9- Thank you notes! Nothing shows appreciation more than a hand written, timely note expressing gratitude. This is a great way to keep the door open for future involvement.
Hopefully these tips were helpful! You will begin to notice that your crown and sash definitely help in this process, but hard work is still a must. Get booking, sister queens!
Blair Wortsmith
Miss Teen International 2014
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