What's Your Strategy?
Yes, our industries are complicated at best.
So, what’s your strategy?
Throwing spaghetti at the wall and laughing nervously?
What this time in history has shown us, is that as much as things need to change, should change, wish they would change, they often don’t want to, refuse to, pretend to - you know the drill.
However, we, as artists in the business of show, can BE the change. How, you might ask?
We simply begin with HOW we show up in our own business lives.
Throwing spaghetti never works, never did.
It’s messy and hard to clean up and you can lose your focus too easily.
So - what’s a strategy that you can begin to utilize and adjust to make it yours?
Simplify.
When you are auditioning, deciding what to audition for, or deciding what contract to take, it should be a pros vs. cons approach so it stays purposeful and can find its artistic merit.
I use this approach, and/or a combo of these ideas. If this makes sense to you, please utilize it:
Is this a role/a show I want to do and/or want on my resume?
Is this a company/director/conductor I want to work with?
Is the money too good to pass up?
Is it a stepping stone project that could allow me skills/network/connections I can develop?
That’s it.
Seriously.
Sometimes we aren’t always artistically fulfilled, but it pays the bills.
Sometimes we are artistically fulfilled but there’s no real paycheck.
Sometimes we are working on momentum.
Sometimes we are networking and creating roots.
They all don’t have to line up. The often never do. However, there should be AT LEAST ONE of these that is in place for us to accept the job. If it’s just “something to do” - is it worthwhile for you to do it? I mean, maybe that’s enough for you, and if it is, god bless you.
I believe that from a business standpoint, it’s important to have clarity in your decisions. Clarity allows boundaries to take shape. Boundaries allow a firmer stance.
No matter the project, you need a WRITTEN contract or letter of agreement. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
No professional works without one. Anytime we accept something without it being in writing, we get burned, or have the potential to get burned.
Even though social media is a part of our day to day and how we network/promote/stay in the consciousness of - NO REAL BUSINESS IS DONE VIA SOCIAL MEDIA.
You might find INFORMATION about a call, an audition, etc - but business is not done via DM or post. Period.
Again, boundaries.
As you strategize HOW you want to do business, you will also recognize who respects those boundaries.
It’s never a mistake to ask. If you have questions, concerns, always ask. Don’t just accept it as a done deal without conversation/negotiation.
Know what you need: what is non-negotiable and what is negotiable? This is not being a “diva”, this is being an artist in the industry who knows what will give you the support system in order to do your best work.
It’s okay to say no.
If the project doesn’t align with your strategy, it’s okay to say no.
You don’t owe anybody an explanation. This is business. A simple thank you and moving on is all that is required. YOUR professionalism is your integrity. You staying true to your integrity through your strategy will always read loud and clear without explanation, apology or excuse.
You are an artist, and you know you can wear many hats! One of those hats is the business one. Learning how to wear it with flair and security is going to make your life so much easier when you know you don’t need to accept everything, take on projects for the wrong reasons or for reasons that are not yours.
Strategize, adjust, and stay true to yourself. When you know better, you have an opportunity to do better.
with fondness & fierceness,
