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 Carson-Adler Agent, Shirley Faison, was as charming as always.  So…  Did you all meet Jim Manley?  Did he take your picture?  You can check them all out here.

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.

3. Stop buying technology and other on-line “hot” programs because they’re cool. Smartphones, tablets, PCs, apps, etc. can make it seem like you’re “investing” in your career and hey, some ARE important tools–but the learning curve and time it takes to set them up properly to serve YOU can drain your productivity. Only purchase devices and programs that actually help you do research, get the word out about what you do, and connect with industry.

4. Think about your acting as a solution to their “problem”. Suppose you were a casting director or producer/director and had the job of choosing an actor for a role.  You’ve got a problem…until it’s cast, you can’t move foward.  Sure there are tons of actors out there to choose from, but you need only ONE perfect person for the part.  As an actor, you create the solution by knowing exactly what you offer and give value by making it easy for the “other side of the table” folks to know, find and choose you.  In the end this WILL put dollars in your pocket.  Stop trying to be all things to all people…how’s that workin’ for ya?

5. Terminate weak engagements–politely but immediately. The moment you find out that someone really doesn’t need what you’re offering, point them in the right direction, then politely withdraw from the project. This advice is particularly for those of you still building your resume by offering your services as an actor for free in exchange for copy/meals/credit.  If it stinks and you know it…get out of it and quickly!

6. Don’t confuse telling and selling. Rather than talking to the agent, casting director, other actor or interested party about you, you, you – ask THEM intelligent questions so that the two of you can discover whether they can really use someone like you.  You’ll “close” the deal more efficiently and gain their respect -  and if you find it’s not a fit, that will also benefit you both!

7. Hone your efforts in building a database of contacts. Based upon your own experience, observe who’s just interested and who’s actually likely to hire you (maybe not NOW, but honestly – someday). You CAN tell the difference in an auditor who is just being polite and someone who is genuinely excited about you. Market heavily and consistently with your focused effort to THEM and continue to research and find more of the ones who are a fit for what you offer.

8. Don’t forget the gatekeepers. Many of today’s assistants are tomorrow’s CD’s and agents who just starting out in their careers.  Be kind, remember names, address them with respect just as you expect the same.  When tryng to get through to the current industry you want to create a relationship with, often the way is through the gatekeepers.  Make them your friends and they’ll be more likely to help you out, especially in the future.

9. Outflank your competition. Find out what other successful actors are doing.  The one’s who have a career that you emulate and desire know something that you don’t.  What is it? It wasn’t magic, luck or chance.  You’re just as talented, if not more so, so observe them and then take the actions that OUT market, OUT act and OUT do them!  Position yourself to be the next, fresh, great SOLUTION to the next casting problem.

10. Increase your average dollar value. Huh?  Here’s a thought – It takes just about as much effort to cut a $100 deal as it does to cut a $1000 or $10,000 deal. Meaning, the efforts are the SAME, but the payoff can be so much more…research, market yourself, then audition for and book ONLY the kind of work that’s WORTHY of your energy and, of course, talent.

So that’s it!  If you want a leg up on learning a GREAT money management system, guidelines on exactly who and how often to do mailings, and the most effective ways to market, then I’ve got just the seminar for you!  THIS is where you DO want to make an investment in time, energy, effort and money.  Lisa Gold

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

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.

2. Dream BIG Dreams: It’s funny, but the amazing thing to me is the fact that it is easier to accomplish a BIG dream than a small one. Big dreams are exciting and keep us motivated. They get us up in the morning and keep us motivated through the day. They attract other people to get involved. Little dreams are easily forgotten and often abandoned.  Like one of my great mentors, Les Brown is quoted as saying “Shoot for the moon, cause even if you miss you’ll fall amongst the stars.”

3. Focus on One Dream at a Time. An old Chinese proverb states that “A man who chases two rabbits, catches none.” Focus is critical to achieving our goals. Steve Jobs commented that the single thing that made Apple successful was the thousand projects they didn’t do. Focusing on one important goal at a time will help you stay on track.

So that’s it…simple yes, easy no.  It takes practice so get to it!  Lisa Gold

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

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

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!

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?