WHAT IS THE RELUCTANT GENIUS?

• Hate your boss?
• Suck at interviewing?
• Deserve a promotion?
• Can't negotiate your way out of a paper bag?
• Suffering through a professional crisis?
• Have ISSUES?

Then you've hit the right place.

Through brutal honesty and concrete advice, the Reluctant Genius effectively helps you manage all aspects of your job and career. With 18 years of experience in Hollywood, the RG has figured out how to make it to the top AND SURVIVE, somewhat unscathed.

Available for consulting services and speaking engagements. Write to: info@thereluctantgenius.com

Monday

WHEN IN DOUBT, GO BALLS OUT.

Here’s the true story of how I got my first big producing job on a network show. It combines the art of bullshit along with an unorthodox plea of desperation.

I had been in “the biz” for a little more than two years, and I had worked my way up from a low-level researcher to a segment producer on an ABC-TV’s “The Home Show.” One of my bosses at the time had defected for another new show called “Leeza,” a one-hour daytime talk show for NBC. It was a big deal. There were only about six producers who would be hired, and she thought I could be one of them. I didn’t. You’re joking, I thought. I had never written and produced a one-hour show before, and I was in no way qualified for the job. I had only done six-minute segments on cooking rump roast and buying the perfect glue gun, so there was clearly NO WAY I could handle heady topics and all of the production involved in carrying my own 1-hour show! Well, if she’s that stupid to recommend me, I decided to humor her and play along.

Because of her referral, I was quickly granted a meeting with the executive in charge of production, but it was that typical cookie-cutter ordeal. Blah, blah, blah. I left feeling like I just wasted a perfectly good hour of my life.

But something was happening; my own bullshitting was having an affect on me. I was convincing myself that this wasn’t out of reach. I was going to get this damned job.

The receptionist at the time, who has since become one of my best friends, still remembers all of my follow-up calls after my initial interview. “It’s that little, perky person, Tracy Mazuer, again,” she would say to her boss with sarcasm and exhaustion. “Tell her I’m not available,” the executive in charge would reply.

Between my cheerfully annoying phone calls and my old boss’s recommendation, I somehow ended up sitting in the executive producer’s office. I was terrified. I was going to be sooooo busted for my bullshit and I’d have to slink out of there with my head held in shame. But that didn’t happen. Instead this 6’6” lumbering executive producer spent my entire interview kicked back in his fancy chair reading Variety while I rambled on about how qualified I was. He didn’t hear a damned word of bullshit I said! He thanked me and escorted me out the door.

Undaunted, I began to cheerfully terrorize that receptionist again. I’m following up. Just wanted to check in. Has any decision been made? Somehow, I ended up back in the executive producer’s office having ANOTHER interview spouting the same bullshit all over again. He placed his hands on his desk, and I thought: Oh no! This son-of-a-bitch is gonna stand his huge ass up and say thank you and escort all 5”2” of me out the door. He did. He stood up, went to the door and said,

“Thanks, we’ll be making a decision soon.”

I didn’t leave my chair. “I’m not leaving without this job,” I said calmly with a grin.

He smiled and repeated himself, “Thanks, Tracy, we’ll be making a decision soon. We’ll let you know.”

“Look,” I said, and I had no idea what was coming out of my mouth next. This is what I managed to vomit up: “Here’s the deal: I’ve come in THREE times to get this job. I have no more nice clothes to wear and if you call me back for another interview, I’m screwed. This is it. My last outfit. I can’t leave without the gig.”

He smiled and dragged out the words, “Goooooodbyyyyyyyye, Traaaaaaacyyyyyyyyy.”

I left.

I got the job.

A few years later, I was promoted to supervising producer.

Sometime after that, I was fired.

Moral: When you have nothing to lose, go balls out – they’ll often appreciate your enthusiasm and your perseverance. Obviously, don’t be rude. Do it with a wink and you can get away with just about anything! Then, try not to get fired.

LAURA INGRAM -- "DON'T COME IN MY EAR" -- This sums up life in TV

"The Harvest" -- A MUST SEE FOR ALL OF YOU CREATIVE TYPES

THESE PEOPLE SWEAR BY ME. I SWEAR.

Tracy Mazuer’s coaching skills are entirely responsible for elevating my career and status in the television industry. Tracy has recognized and helped to define a vital yet consistently overlooked part of building and maintaining a successful career in the entertainment industry – how to successfully market yourself.

I have worked in television as a Producer/Director for many years. Prior to discovering Tracy’s abilities, I promoted myself so poorly that...(read more of this testimonial)


"In a town that really has no rules, its nice to know that there's someone out there on your side. The stories use the entertainment business as a background, but all the examples and lessons are applicable to anyone in the working world. And coming from someone that has been getting advice from the Reluctant Genius for over 8 years, let me just say...Its worth the read!" - David Tobin, Producer

"Tracy has been a great coach and mentor to me in my current job search. Having worked for the same companies for many years, my idea of networking was to call my past employers and beg for work. With Tracy’s help I have re-energized my job search, making new contacts and taking meetings more successfully. Her positive and pro-active approach has given me a new way to “work the room.” I feel more in control and positive in meetings than I have in years. Thank you, Tracy." -J.G. Writer/Producer

"Tracy Mazuer's advice and guidance not only helped me to overcome my fears of asking for what I want (and become successful at getting it); she also helped me to realize the true value of my worth to the creative world! After consulting with "The Reluctant Genius", I landed more meetings, got my ideas more streamlined, and most importantly learned the sacred art of kicking ass! She is a rockstar in the consulting world! I would recommend "The Reluctant Genius" to anyone who is looking to get what they want!" --Johnny Appleseed (aka Shawn Colin Young)

"Tracy Mazuer's genius has saved me from many heartaches and headaches. I was reluctant to be as bold as I am in business until I started working with Tracy. She helped me take what I learned in the independent world and bring it to a larger audience. Tracy is part of the genius behind the creation of Stirring Up Trouble! If you are ready to go to the next level (no matter what level you're at) then you must consult with 'The Reluctant Genius' I don't know what I would have done without her!" -filmmaker, writer and host of Stirring Up Trouble
Tracy has a way of teaching you something without pointing her finger, being condescending or coming at it from a “I know it all” attitude, because frankly she doesn’t and nobody does, but she admits it, and that is what makes her “real” and most certainly approachable! Tracy has a way with words and people, truly a gift and surely something that can’t be taught, but she treats you like her equal. She has always been my boss, never vice versa but it’s always seemed as though we were fighting the same battle and we were at war side by side. (read more...)


The Reluctant Genius - check it out
Connecting Reality - Wednesday, 29 October 2008
 
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