n the 2016 film La La Land, one of the first songs is “Someone in the Crowd”. If you haven’t seen the film or heard the song, do yourself a favour, and have a quick listen. (Note: link opens Spotify)

While listening to the song on my way to a meeting, I found some very clear comparisons between the song and public relations and it’s not hard to see some of the connections.
You got the invitation You got the right address
If you’re on the guest list, you’re well on your way to connecting with those who will help you get to where you want. You may think at that particular point “what am I doing here?”, you never know, in the future, you may just thank your “past self”!

A little chance encounter
Could be the one you’ve waited for

We’ve all been at events where we meet that one person, who is exactly who we needed to meet. Whether it’s someone who can connect you with someone else or indeed the person you’ve tried to track down, that “Someone in the crowd” could be at that party, business event or even at your local coffee shop!

Tonight we’re on a mission
Tonight’s the casting call
If this is the real audition
Oh, God, help us all

Everyone has a goal at every event they attend. It might be as simple as having a good time, however in the business world, attending an event usually has a purpose. If you’re there to network, catch-up with some business associates or to introduce a new contact to some of your contacts, there’s a goal to meet and it’s always “the real audition” so it’s vital you present your best self!

You make the right impression
Then everybody knows your name
We’re in the fast lane

This is relatively easy to “translate”. If you present your best self, the word of mouth recommendations will “speak for themselves”. (sorry bad pun!) Once you’ve made that great first impression, you’ll be on your way to success.

Someone in the crowd could be the one you need to know
The one to finally lift you off the ground
Someone in the crowd could take you where you wanna go

Finally, that someone in the crowd could be the person you’ve been looking to meet. If you see someone standing on their own at an event, go and talk to them, you never know how they might be able to help you in taking you to where you want to go!

Key takeaway points:

*GO to that event, you may not feel like, but you never know who you’ll meet and how they might be able to help.

*Always present your BEST self. Just because you may be seeing some of the same faces, it’s no excuse to slack off in your appearance.

*Don’t forget the incredible value of word-of-mouth referrals. You make the right impression one, that one person has the potential to increase your business ten-fold. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals or indeed a recommendation on LinkedIn.

If you’re thinking about GROWING your profile look at my “Grow with PR” session  it could be the next best step you make for your business.