I moved to New York to pursue my passion – acting. I knew I wanted to be in a Broadway Show, be on a soap, and in a movie too. When I got here I was overwhelmed, uncertain where to begin! I had some goals in my head, I knew certain steps, but I did not create a clear business plan. As a result, I left a lot of my aspirations to chance. Now, I know I was not alone …. As an actor it's not enough to say I want to be on Broadway, on TV, and in a movie. You need to map out and plan your career. Otherwise, you leave your career to the whims of the day to day. At some point you have to empower yourself and create a strategy. You'll realize (or come to terms with the fact if you have not already) that you're running a small business and you're the person in charge! You create your path; Not your agent, Not a casting director. You are responsible for your success as an actor!
When you made the move to New York, I bet the idea of you being an entrepreneur and starting a new business never crossed your mind. Most acting programs do not have time in their curriculum to teach business skills. In order to run our business efficiently, however, we must learn the principles of business. These skills must be practiced and nurtured much like your craft as an actor. As a matter of fact, let's consider this a new craft to add to your arsenal.
We must learn and practice this "new craft" in order to work on our passion – acting. After all, we need money coming in to fund our classes, rent, travel, etc. Money in, Money out!
One way to develop this craft, which for many is foreign territory, is to dive right in by writing down all of your goals and projects to begin formulating your plan – a business plan. A business plan is your guide to what you want your career to look like, how you're going to conduct business, what your product is, and how you're going to market it. The plan is meant to grow and change to suit your needs.
The plan can be simple, but should contain the following:
Your Vision Statement – What is your particular vision life and your career? I'll give you a hint … you have to be passionate about it.
Your Brand – What specifically is it that you sell? What is your Brand? Why do people hire you?
Marketing – What are your personal strategies to meeting Directors, Casting Directors, etc? Are you taking class with them? Do you audition for them? Do you have a mailings plan? Are you fully taking advantage of Social Networking Sites like Facebook? Are you creating your own showcase material and putting it on YouTube?
Support System – Who are the people in your life who will help you accomplish your vision?
Financials – How much income do you need to live? What percentage of your income are you setting aside to fund your operating expenses, living expenses, and savings for the future?
Organizational Systems – Do you have systems in place to support your business. The largest being a mobile office set up.
It's important to realize that it's never too late to create and practice your business plan. That's right. I said practice your business plan. Small business ownership is about practice – trial and error. You learn by doing, much like you did learn the craft of acting. Business skills are another craft that most actors must learn in order to succeed. Oh and how do we learn Craft? Through repetition
– Thank you Mr. Meisner.
