Get a Rolodex....a what now?

To start this blog post, I actually searched 'History of the Ro...' and Google pre-filled the rest. Is it possible that someone else has searched this very same topic?

Anyway, what I found out about the creation of this novel invention (by Danish inventor Hildaur Neilsen in 1956) is really irrelevant to this post because we obviously don't use these anymore and I don't expect that you'll be browsing your nearest garage sale for one.

But what the Rolodex did for businesses and households was make it a lot more convenient to gather contact information and, if you used it, stay in touch and connect with others.

Now we're getting to the heart of it! This post is about connecting with the people around you on your shoot.

And, with all of the ways to connect these days, staying in touch and C O M M U N I C A T I N G is easier than ever.

This does seem like common sense and, if you've been born and raised on social media, you may even consider this a 'no-brainer'.

But for me, it didn't always come so easily...

I was intimidated by other models and actors when I first started booking jobs.

I was also L O A D E D with insecurities and really...and I hate to say this...was judgmental about the other models. I assumed that since they were working models they were automatically snooty, stuck up, in love with themselves (and not in the positive, girl power, good way). And, not only that, I assumed that they'd take one look at me and immediately think, "What is she doing here."

All this was going on in my head and so that led to me sitting by myself, not connecting, not even smiling. I was the one who must have looked snooty, stuck up and in love with myself (not in the good way).

Eventually, I started to get more comfortable on set, began to share when the other models were talking to each other and started to make real C O N N E C T I O N S.

As I began to do this, I was able to learn about other people, ask them questions about their experiences, share my goals and fears. It made me feel more like part of the group and less like I didn't fit in.

I started thinking about the fact that 'models are people too' (#modelsarepeopletoo). I know that sounds so super ridiculous but it's a thought I had and what is a blog if not a place to share my thoughts.

To me, it meant that...we see models every single day in ads, on tv, on billboards and you never really think about the person behind the image. You may see a gorgeous face, stunning body, perfect pose and think that this person has it A L L. Getting to know my colleagues a little bit has helped me to appreciate this industry so much more.

In addition to all of the warm, fuzzy feelings you get from making new friends, your mission to keep in touch with your fellow models will help you going forward. You never know when one of your new connections will spot your work on a billboard or in a magazine and give you a heads up (as models, it's sometimes difficult to find the finished products and add them to our reels). Or, they may even send a casting your way if they think you'd be a great fit. I have had both of these things happen to me and it's made a huge difference in my career.

I guess the bottom line here is...sharing is caring. Keep in touch!