How to Prepare for a Sherwood Oaks Course (link from Getting the Most Out of Your Course – Also please include a link on the Registration Page)

In preparing for a Sherwood Oaks course, whether it is for one day, a weekend, or an entire week, it is important to remember that you are creating a reputation with this event.  Therefore, just as you would for a networking event or job interview, make sure you are prepared in the following ways:

The Basics:

  • Get plenty of sleep the night before!  It’s easy to forget this one, but having proper rest is vital to functioning at your highest level in order to make the best possible first impression.
  • Eat a good breakfast.  There will be no food or drink allowed in the room, and lunch can seem like a long way off on an empty stomach.  Besides, you don’t want to be embarrassed by those grumbling noises!
  • If attending a day of pitching, we also recommend practicing your pitch(es) with friends/family members prior to the event.  You will get practice and feedback during the class and at the Pre-planning event as well, but practicing on your own at home will give you the leg up you need to impress the industry professionals you will meet.  It will also allow you to get the most possible benefit from the feedback you will be given.

What to wear:
Again, you are making a first impression with a potentially important contact for your career!  Dress appropriately for a business meeting, aka “business casual.”
What to bring:

  • Notebook
  • Pens/pencils
  • Cash for parking and lunch each day ($30/day recommended)
  • Your one-sheet (at least 25 copies)!  If you are unclear as to how to prepare an effective one-sheet, click here.
  • Your loglines and “one-minute pitches”, if attending a day of pitching.  Click here for extra guidance.
  • Your smiling face and positive attitude :)

SPECIAL NOTE FOR NEW STUDENTS:

To be fair to the guests and the students a like, we would like a brief opportunity to get to know you before you attend your first course.  Therefore, we conduct a MANDATORY NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION prior to each course via conference call.  In this call, Gary Shusett, Sherwood Oaks’ Director, will detail what students can expect from the course, describe our unique format and why it is so effective, and provide valuable tips and tricks for you to get the most out of this rare opportunity.

Please understand that this is a very important orientation, and failure to participate will result in the forfeiture of a new student’s place in the class.   Students who have attended a Sherwood Oaks course within the last year are exempt from this orientation.