What a great time we had a February’s First Thursdays! We had so many newbies show up and each one of them networked with the class and style our industry guests have come to expect. The room was a buzz with news of the AFTRA/SAG merger and the upcoming Super Bowl (GO GIANTS!!!). I’d like to thank Elana Mugdan for bringing along the FABULOUS Bill Connington and of course [Continue Reading...]
In case you thought I was going to include winning lottery numbers in this postl, I’m not! (aaawwwww!) The answers I have for you all take work, discipline and good old fashioned ACTion!
I love sharing ways to end the “starving artist” conversation. So if you want more money, take a good look at these 10 simple (not easy) actions that you can take today that will, in the end, make AND keep money in your pocket.
1. Reduce the number of opportunities you pursue. Focus, focus, focus. What are your goals? The more opportunities you’ve got, the more likely you are to make mistakes with investing your time (time is money, right?) If you can’t give ONE opportunity the attention it deserves, you’ll lose money in the end. This is usually the case pursuing unpaid “opportunities”.
2. Increase the percentage of time you spend marketing yourself. Let go of the “little” stuff that occupies your mind and efforts. Reduce the time you spend on paperwork, trade some “craft” time for “marketing” time, and give up other busywork you’re seemingly always involved with. Use the extra time to get yourself in front of as many people possible that can hire you via direct mail, email, social media and in-person networking. [Continue Reading...]
I can’t believe it! You partied without me and it inspires me to know that the turnover of this event to Tracy Costa was FLAWLESS! Fabulous industry guests attended and grace us with the present of their presence this new year. Nadette Stasa, CD with Background/Foreground generously gave every actor in the room the opportunity to qualify to take her 3 week on-camera commercial class for F*R*E*E. And as a special bonus treat for all, actor Richard Kline, probably most famous for playing gold chain wearing, chest hair baring, neighbor Larry to Jack, Chrissy and Janet on the 70′s hit Three’s Company stole the show, ahem, party! Way to go Tracy, way to go! I can’t wait to come back for a visit in February for the Oscars! Can’t wait and miss you all, Lisa. CLICK HERE to see all the pics from our Holiday party!
Gosh, I have soooo much to share about my travels, and it’s been so exciting and full of fun that I’ve neglected taking enough time to keep up with my blogging efforts.
I reached Albuquerque, NM last weekend after two long travel days across the plains (I guess) along route 40. Again, another obstacle with my planned hotel that accepts my 3 dogs led me to one of my most unexpected pleasures.
After not being able to reach the hotel ahead of time to confirm for hours on end, I checked my pet friendly travel list and contacted a little bed and breakfast run by the most amazing older man, Arnold. His niece showed me to my little guest house and it was perfect, amazing and very special. 2 bedrooms, a little kitchen and garden of it’s own. Sweet!
The following morning I reveled in tales of the house being built on top of an ancient Indian burial ground. So for almost 
a decade they painstakingly excavated and cataloged every artifact under the supervision and appreciation of the Indians and township. After that, they opened this very special place that I’m certain I will visit again.
I was served blue cornmeal pancakes with fresh berries and warm pears and had a lovely conversation with the other couple that was staying there for the weekend, Barbara and Neil.
There are no accidents really and I felt I was led there to meed this most amazing man, share a meal with interesting and incidentally “showbusiness” related folks, and walk afterward amongst llamas, peacocks, horses and chickens.
Sure beat the hell out of the La Quinta Inn! And you know what? It cost less too!
I’m having the time of my life and thrilled to share it with you all.
If you have some travel stories of your own, especially about unexpected places or people you’ve met, I’d love to hear about them. Lisa Gold
It’s nice to have dreams, but at the end of the day they are never going to come true unless you act on them. These 3 tips will help you clarify your dreams and work toward them in the most efficient way. I HIGHLY recommend the following:
1. Write Them Down: A dream written down and attached to a date becomes a goal. It sounds over-simplistic, yet that simple act is the difference between a dreamer and a doer. The statistics are staggering. People who set written goals are much more successful than those that don’t. Putting your goals where you can see them is really important. My CEO grads can attest to this one.
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OK, so I finally, finally, finally gave in. I bought a GPS for this trip. I’ve traveled across country by car many, many times. Early in life with my parents, then again in my 20′s when I moved from FL to LA, a few more times for a few more reasons and again a few years back on a journey to speak at colleges across the country about The Business of Show. This time it’s to build the Act Outside the Box brand on the west coast.
And always with a map. And before the last time, without a cell phone.
My friends and other well wishers for my journey said “What? You don’t have a GPS?” To me it felt like I was going in to outer space or something. Come on, I-40 is fairly plain and simple. Hard to get lost.
But I’m one of those folks that prefer to do things the old fashioned way I guess. I like to use my wits and brain and intention and attention. Heck, I don’t even use a calculator to balance my checkbook!
Buuuutttt, I gave in. In Staples the week before I left and with a giant coupon in hand, I bought a Garmin (I’ve named her Sally the Sat Nav) and you know what? I LOVE her! She speaks in soothing tones and gives me little updates along the way.
Sometimes it IS better to stop resisting. Sometimes it’s better to go with the flow. But I still like knowing in the back of my mind that I can get there with a map! Lisa Gold
Good morning all. I left Charlotte, NC on Thursday around noon saying goodbye to my long time friend Cindy. We had a lovely few days together catching up on old times and creating new memories. Though we have definitely grown in different ways over the last 35 years, there’s still something special about being with someone who “knew you when” and continues to keep you in their lives.
The somewhat comparatively short trek to Cooksville, TN was so beautiful and I traveled mainly with no sound in the car. No music and no “University on wheels”, my favorite way to learn and ponder as I generally listen to mentors on business and inspirational leaders. This segment was just to take in the beauty of the Great Smokey Mountains.
I had the pleasure of staying at the mountain home of my friends, The Huber Marionettes, otherwise known as David and Phillip. Phillip is currently in Michigan filming OZ the Great and Powerful starring James Franco, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, Mila Kunis and a cast of hundreds really. Phillip is a great artist having created and performed characters in Busker Alley on Broadway and the film Being John Malkovich. His partner and business manager David, is a very tall, very funny and equally talented guy who, spending this segment of time was most pleasurable, as we watched Burlesque and ate pizza. And oh yes, had wine…plenty of wine (my favorite dish!)
730 miles on the road has brought me here, to Shawnee, OK. I picked it because of the name of the town! My very first job in the greater NY area was in Fiddler on the Roof at the Shawnee Playhouse in the Poconos.
So as I consider the segments of my life, like the segments of my travel across the country, I’m struck by how much several of the actors I work with are in such a hurry to “get there”. Cause once you’re “there”, along comes another segment. Why is it that we can’t enjoy the journey?
Even as I spoke of the two hour traffic jam, there was construction and lane closures along this last segment. There will always be and obstacle to slow us down and perhaps that’s the beauty of it. The universe is slowing us down to take the opportunity to enjoy, observe and BE with our segments of time.
So that’s my random musing for the day. Off now to travel along I-40 to Albuquerque, NM, a supposed 9 hour segment. I’m excited to see what’s in store, no matter how long it takes really! Lisa Gold
As I leave Charlotte, NC this morning I wanted to share this glorius picture I took outside of Wal-Mart last night. Getting here on Monday night took about 3 hours longer than expected because of what? An obstacle of course. As I often teach in my CEO course, the best laid plans also need to include the certainty, not possibility, of obstacles.
A traffic jam outside of Richmond, VA had me sitting at a standstill for over 2 hours. When I did get to move at a rate of 2 to 3 miles per hour I got excited. So why relay all of this to you here? Because it wasn’t a problem. I had prepared myself for things to get in the way. I had snacks, great CD’s and took some mental inventory during the time I was delayed.
It seems to me that perspective is the key to life and as I spent yesterday in the rainy, and as my friend Cindy would say dreary day, I was rewarded for keeping my thoughts and my general outlook on life positive. After buying a special dog food at the end of my visit here with my friend, who I’ve known for 35 years, I walked out of the store and in to this beauty. I stood there transfixed at the wonder of it all.
The next time you see something as beautiful as this, take a moment to reflect on all that is good in your life. You’ll certainly have obstacles, but no problems. Lisa Gold
Wow, what an awesome holiday fest we had at our monthly networking party. The first Thursday this month was on the 1st, so we started our holidaze early!
We’re a real family these days and sooooo many great industry guests, actors and artists alike were in their finest attire and ready to ring in the season.
I want to wish all that attended and those that wanted to come but couldn’t an amazing New Year, Lisa. CLICK HERE to see all the pics from our Holiday party!
So this is it! Last night I pulled out of my parking space in front of my apartment 4 hours later than planned, to start my big adventure driving across the country to Los Angeles. My car is packed to the gills with only what I think will be needed for the next 6 months and of course, my most precious (hate to say possessions, cause they’re not possessions) furry children. As I write this, Armani is celebrating his 16th birthday today. We’re off to Charlotte, NC, again a few hours later than planned, but heck…as I’ve taught many in my CEO workshop, a planned 37 minutes usually takes an hour.
Give your career that extra time too. Why be in such a hurry? Enjoy the ride and follow along with me as I journey “outside my own box” to bring the Business of Show to the west coast.
Thanks for all of the good vibes and I’ll see you soon. Lisa
P.S. I’d love to hear some stories about your road trips, either to the Big Apple or the Big Orange. How did you get here?
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