If you haven’t already noticed, our business is insanely, ridiculously competitive, and everyone is scurrying around vying for their place at the front of the line and a way to stand out among the crowd. And what I’ve noticed more and more lately is that those who are making their mark are the ones who treat themselves as a business and think of themselves as not only an artist, a producer, a writer, an assistant director (or whatever their craft or job happens to be)… but also as an entrepreneur.
A little entrepreneurial spirit goes a long way, and it can clearly distinguish you from thousands of others competing for the same jobs, roles and opportunities. But you need to be brave enough to jump outside of the proverbial box and take a chance. Find a need and fill it. Figure out what you’re good at or passionate about and then share it with others.
Whatever it is you want to accomplish, start by creating realistic goals for yourself. Gather as much advice as you can. Then generate a timeline and a game plan. Create an Internet and social media presence. Let everyone you know and meet know what you want to do, and meet as many new people as you can. Learn everything you can about marketing yourself. Build a following. Surround yourself with a great support team, and ask for help when you need it.
Be the one who stands out by being the guy who’s the amazing photographer. The one who films in third-world countries. The one who sends out helpful (and humorous) screenwriting tips. The one who created the podcast, taught the class, wrote the book, put together a network of 40,000-strong, made the amazing documentary, started the organization, created the popular website, lectures all over the world, makes and sells beautiful art. Be the one who (fill in the blank).
The individuals who stand out to me are not only the ones who boldly venture outside of their comfort zones and create alternate streams of income (which BTW is nirvana for freelancers), but are the ones whose passions involve helping others. Some of my entrepreneurial heroes include: Jeff Gund, Sandra Lord, Stephen Marinaccio, Suzanne Lyons, Anne Marie Gillen, Jenna Edwards, Cindy Freeman, Heather Hale, Kathy McCurdy, Xander Bennett, Marc Hernandez, Cindy Baer, Stuart Altman, Guy Magar, Andy Stoll, Robert Bahar, Mark Indig, Robbie Szelei, Todd Taylor and Susan Spohr.
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Create your own!
No comments:
Post a Comment