What every director should ask their new titleholder
People talk a LOT in pageants. Responses to on-stage & interview questions are often fluffy, even if we’ll-meaning.
“Why do you want to be the new Miss XYZ?”
If your first thought is to answer with spreading awareness about your platform or being a good role model, you’re likely a pageant girl 😉 And don’t get me wrong—these are genuine answers and are often full of meaning and backstory.
But let’s be real: the pageant world has WAY more to offer than a list of events where you can wear a crown & talk about your cause. If that were the ONLY thing pageants gave us, I’d encourage everyone to buy a crown online & hit the volunteer circuit!
One critical question that many pageant directors often don’t—but should—ask of their new titleholders is:
“What do you want after your year is done and how can this title help you get there?”
Shocking, right? That pageant titleholders have reasons for winning that are centered on promoting themselves & opening doors to opportunity, too! We need to appreciate and support these personal aspirations that are smart, strategic & honest.
So, how can this title best set you up for success after your year is done? First, we need to step back at the bigger picture: your whole life, outside of pageants. What do you really want?
I want to become a member of staff for the pageant
I want to become a travel blogger
I want to become popular on Tik Tok or Instagram
I want to get signed with an agency
I want to open a boutique or small business
I want to become become a well-known pageant coach
I want to become a news anchor
I want to move to [inset dream city here]
I want to enjoy being connected to my sister queens
I want to model for [insert dream modeling client here]
I want to develop my public speaking skills
I want to see and experience more of my state or country
I want to become known as a key volunteer or fundraiser in my community
Once you have an answer, start brainstorming how to best put your title to practice the skills needed & develop meaningful connections that’ll last long after you hang up your crown. Remember to connect with your state or national directors to ensure you’re following any guidelines of your title as you work to make connections. Here are just a few thought starters!
I want to become a member of staff for the pageant —> Befriend existing staff, do more than your fair share of work during pageant events to show your work ethic, ask the staff what they’re working on and volunteer to help, and show how chill and fun you are to hang with behind the scenes.
I want to become a travel blogger —> Identify travel opportunities throughout your reign and work to make connections with decision makers at the places you go (hotels, social media directors of popular instagram places, local brands etc.). You’re in a position to be able to give great, unique social media content or a free appearance—use it! Stay connected with those people through thank you notes and/or emails, and you’ll have great connections after your reign is done.
I want to get signed with an agency —> Use your sponsored photoshoots to develop a modeling portfolio. Be thoughtful that your outfit selection can transition between modeling & pageant world. Ask around with fellow sister queens, judges coordinators, and photographers to see what agencies they recommend.
I want to open a boutique or small business—> Network with boutique brands using your title & develop relationships through co-developed social media posts. Ask for coffees to learn about their business and if all goes well, see if they’ll mentor you!
Plan now to be set up for success later, and hopefully you have a director ready and willing to assist you in developing yourself during your reign. Directors often have many connections through sponsors, past titleholders, and friends in the industry, so see if they can help! Even better, see which of your new connections you’re able to share back with your director for a win-win!