The Miracle of Mistakes. My Gift to You.

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In my next series of posts I’ll be delving into the subjects of mistakes and fear.  Let’s face it, being an actor can be scary sometimes. 

Not knowing where your next paycheck will come from; the insecurity that is built into a business where your gig always ends and you have to constantly find the next one; the naysayers and non-believers in your career choice and path; the fear of going up on lines at an audition or worse, on the set or the stage.  Yep, there are a ton of mistakes to be made in your future (if you’re really out there doing this career) and I want to urge you to not fear making them. Mistakes are something we usually want to avoid, right?  Well I’ve got news for you (and a little story) that will offer some “re-framing” around your interpretation of mistakes.

Let’s start with the story of a mistake turning into something good – – –

Dom Perignon made a mistake during their wine preparation one Spring. The wine was entering a second stage of fermentation and was sure to break the bottles. His sous chefs asked him how they might prevent the bottles from exploding from the yeast that had come to life. Should they try putting the wine back in the cask?

Yes, Dom replied. Let us see what happens!

Days passed, and it was time for a tasting. A sample was tapped and passed to Dom. He smelled. He peered into his glass, a little perplexed at what he was seeing. He sipped. Well? he was asked. It is like drinking stars, Dom Perignon replied.

Et voila. Champagne was born.  Why a story about champagne?  On New Years Eve more champagne will be consumed world wide than any other beverage on the planet in celebration of the new year.   How about weddings, birthdays and other special occasions? Can you IMAGINE this holiday with out it? No, I certainly cannot!  And to think it came from a mistake.

Now of course there are some big mistakes that you can totally avoid.  You don’t have to make them yourself, and instead learn from others (OK, me!) so that you don’t have to pay the price!  I paid a lot of mistake tax in my time and I wanted to offer them to you so you don’t make them too. 

Stay tuned for my next post in this series to learn about 5 really big mistakes you can easily avoid that will make it easier and faster to realize your dreams and goals as an actor (and a person too!)

As usual, I welcome all of your comments below.  Do you have a mistake that you know you’re making over and over again, but can’t figure out how to break free?  Or maybe you can share a mistake you’ve made that you have learned from and let others hear what you found out.

Do You Have Stinkin’ Thinkin’?

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“It is always your next move.” – Napoleon Hill (author of Think and Grow Rich)

If you’ve never read the book Think and Grow Rich, please do so as soon as possible because even though it’s not a book on acting per se, it is the single most highly recommended book by not only me, but every other successful person that I know.

Since Napoleon passed away several decades ago, the way I found out about it was through a referral.  When networking with like minds, the subject of this book (the original author to mention the secret) always comes up. Get it? No mass advertising, Instagram ads or Snapchat flash sale, just plain old fashioned word of mouth.  And now I pass it on to you…

Your outer “manifested” world (some would call this reality) is a direct reflection of your inner world and I read his book at least once a year as a reminder that everything I want in my life begins with my thinking. You too! You can get it on Amazon and also see and listen to Napoleon Hill on YouTube.

“You are what you think”.  I have no idea who said that but I just did and believe it’s true!

Napoleon Hill, a true inspiration leader, wrote what follows in his highly acclaimed book Think and Grow Rich originally published in the 1930’s.  Millions and millions and millions of readers (and book sales) keep it on the shelves today.  Go NOW to your local bookstore or download it on Kindle and heed these wise words.  Hey, the language may be a bit dated, but you’ll get the drift…Napoleon writes:

“Here are the real enemies that stand between you and noteworthy achievement.  You will find not only the symptoms indicating weakness of persistence, but also the deeply seated subconscious causes.  Study the list carefully and face yourself squarely if you really wish to know who you are and what you are capable of doing.

These are the weaknesses which MUST be MASTERED by all who accumulate success and in turn, wealth and happiness.

  1.  Failure to recognize and to define clearly exactly what you want.
  2.  Procrastination, with or without cause. (Usually backed up with a formidable array of alibis and excuses.)
  3.  Lack of interest in acquiring specialized knowledge.
  4.  Indecision, the habit of “passing the buck” on all occasions, instead of facing issues squarely. (Also backed by alibis.)
  5.  The habit of relying upon alibis instead of creating definite plans for the solution of problems.
  6.  Self-satisfaction. There is but little remedy for this affliction, and no hope for those who suffer from it.
  7.  Indifference, usually reflected in one’s readiness to compromise on all occasions, rather than meet opposition and fight it.
  8.  The habit of blaming others for one’s mistakes, an accepting of unfavorable circumstances as being unavoidable.
  9.  Weakness of desire, due to neglect in the choice of motives that impel action.
  10.  Willingness, even eagerness, to quit at the first sign of defeat. (Based upon fear.)
  11.  Lack of organized plans, placed in writing where they may be analyzed.
  12.  The habit of neglecting to move on ideas, or to grasp opportunity when it presents itself.
  13.  Wishing instead of willing.
  14.  The habit of compromising with poverty instead of aiming at riches.  General absence of ambition to be, to do, to own. (Lisa adds “insert self described starving artists here.”)
  15.  Searching for all the short-cuts to riches, trying to get without giving a fair equivalent, usually reflected in the habit of gambling.  (Lisa adds “waiting for the big break.”)
  16.  Fear of criticism, failure to create plans and to put them into action, because of what other people will think, do, or say.  This enemy belongs at the top of the list, because it generally exists in one’s subconscious mind, where its presence is not recognized.”

People refuse to take chances in our business, because they fear the criticism which may follow if they fail.  The fear of criticism in such cases is stronger than the desire for success.  And I’m not talking about taking chances in your craft, I’m talking about marketing yourself, networking, and yes, selling yourself to the movers and shakers out there who you want to work with.  You don’t take enough risks here because you’re afraid to fail.  I say fail your way to success!

Sooooooo, I hope you got the drift here.  If you identified with any of the above weaknesses in your thinking, there’s some internal work for you to do.  And there is no shortage of ways and means to do it.  Start by reading Think and Grow Rich, or download my video workshop based on Napoleon Hill’s teachings – Think and Grow Rich Acting.

As always I welcome your delicious comments in the section below.

Your Industry Contact List

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You know the old saying “it’s who you know” in this business that will really get you ahead? Well that’s half true. My take on it is “it’s who knows you!” How many industry professionals are on your list? How many industry professionals have you on their list? Are you asking yourself “what list”?

How do you create a network of influential people that know you, like you and are in your court? Glad you asked. Well you didn’t really ask, but it’s time you understood that without a huge network of people that have you on their radar, the chances of really having the BREAKTHROUGH, kick-butt, acting career of your dreams are very narrow. You odds increase dramatically with the number of people who are in your network, thus your list.

This includes casting directors, agents, managers, producers, directors, your mom (seriously!), friends of your neighbors, acting classmates and the many other people in the world who are ready and waiting for you to get connected and stay connected. You never know
which one of the many will be KEY in your forward movement. This is why I’ve always advocated having some sort of database to keep it all straight, preferably online. There are several to choose from and regardless of which one you do choose, the point is to START that list now!

If you’re reading this right now, you’re online. If you submit yourself through any of the myriad of casting submission platforms, you’re online. If you read or post on social media, you’re online.

Like it or not, we live in an online world and show business is no exception. “First contact” with agents or CDs usually occurs online these days, with the ultimate goal to move the relationship off line and into the real world.

I hope this doesn’t come as a shock, but as an actor you’re also an online marketer! My workshops and seminars, though done live for years, have now basically moved to online programs. This goes for my coaching services too. Why? Because we can reach a larger audience and connect to people we would not normally have access to as in the “old days”.

I took an online workshop a few years back that taught me if you’ve got 10,000 names on your email list, you’ve got a million dollar business. Now I know this isn’t quite the case in show biz, but I’m using the comparison to illustrate a point.

Networking at live events, coupled with consistent networking online via posts and social media, email blasts, personal email check ins and other various forms of online marketing are all required of you these days. “Out of sight, out of mind” is another cliche but true statement and in this constant barrage of information and marketing coming at people day in and day out and moment to moment, if you’re not doing it too, well, you’re out of (your) mind!

I’ll use these blog posts as an example.  In 2015 and 2016 while traveling to begin a new project in the Dominican Republic and then tour the country the following year in an RV, I was in touch here and there.  I sent a few emails and did not write blog posts at all.  My income for those two years was significantly lower than in years previous or since.  Meaning I was “out of sight and out of mind”.  Now I’m dedicated to consistency, creating useful and relevant content, and staying connected.

I’ve coached actors who have email lists, send hard copy post cards, know the names of the players in the industry in their area and are working and making money. Of course they’re talented too…that’s a given. If you’re not working at the rate you’d like or making any or enough income as an actor, this is the essential place to start. Do it right now…get out a paper and pen and go “old school” and start making your list today. Then create a calendar and an action plan to be in constant contact. Hey, now there’s an idea!

As always I welcome your comments and feedback!