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How to Take Control of Your Career as a Self- Managed Artist
If you're a self-managed artist, then you already
understand the struggles of trying to keep your career on track . Being self-managed means you're both the artist and the businessman/ woman, and quite often those two titles clash. But it can be done – and fluidly! Countless
artists have found the balance between the two roles. Here's how to take control of your career and keep your business on track while not compromising your artistic integrity.
1. Do An Audit On Yourself
First and foremost, how do you keep yourself on track? Whether we're talking about constantly practicing and improving on your skill, or keeping tally of financials , it's important to be able to recognize where you need the most help. Try to be as unbiased as possible, and don't make excuses. At this point, you want to be as transparent as possible. Part of running a business is accepting your weaknesses head on. Remember, this is ultimately going to help you in the long run. Get your bandmates to perform this audit as well. Look at all the areas of your business objectively and make a list of items that need improvement. Communication, following up, tracking finances, booking outreach , and social media management could be some of things that land on your list.
2. Measure Your Own Goals
Once you've audited your band for everything from financials to fans, performances to practices, begin to measure your own goals. Get everyone in the band to write down what his or her personal and professional goals are. This will help set a benchmark for you to work backwards from. Some may see your band as a hobby,
while others see it as a full-time job. During this time, it's important to start a dialog with your bandmates to make sure the work you're putting into your career as a musician isn't going to beaffected by those less committed. Some goals might be easy to fulfill, while others might take
years. Whether your goal is to reach 5,000 Facebook fans or sell a million albums, it's important that each person's goals are voiced. Revisit that audit and list names of who can help you address the areas in which the band may be
weak. Is there some outside help you can hire? A good friend with a knack for bookkeeping who can help get you set up? A conference you can attend that will help you learn more about that area? Do whatever it takes to ensure your weaknesses don't get in your way.
3. Create A To-Do List
Now that you've figured out what your goals and your blind spots are, it's time to get your hands dirty. Start with creating a to-do list. And not just one list – make many. The more you write down, the more likely these tasks will get done. Your to-do list should include everything from cleaning your practice space, to writing your next single,
to meeting with industry professionals. Turn these things into schedules so they're not weighing in on your brain and taking up creative space. Use task management tools; one of my favorites is called Asana. Artist Growth is a great
platform geared towards artists. Even a simple Google Doc will do. If you're in a band, share the to-do list with your bandmates to ensure everyone is on the same page. Divide and conquer the tasks you need help with. Breaking things into smaller pieces will make them more attainable.
4. Understand Your Financials
Though this is the least fun, it may be one of the most important. As you'll learn early on, a penny saved is a penny earned. If you're starting to get serious as a band, start a bank account and put all funds into it. A sock drawer just doesn't cut it after a while. Know how much getting from Point A to Point B will be and how you'll manage cash flow around these upcoming trips or sessions in the studio. Getting ahead of debt will allow you to make decisions based on what the band needs and what the band can afford. Somewhere between these two roads, you'll find the right path.
5. Be Creative Every Day
Now that your business space is organized and you have goals, to-do lists, and a plan, your mind should be freed up to be creative. Separate time for yourself to work on your music and don't be distracted by incoming emails, etc. It's
important you protect this time and you stay on top of your other tasks to ensure you can focus on your creative work.
6. Stay Inspired
The music is only half the job; it's important to love even the tedious aspects of being a musician. Try to highlight the aspects you like, and educate yourself on things you might be struggling with. When it comes to marketing,
publicity , or financials, there are countless resources that can be found online to help you with your career. Subscribe to newsletters and magazines, and do your research. Read up on success stories from artists like yourself, and use them as inspiration when it comes to your career.
7. Reward Yourself
You're not in it alone, so share good news when you receive it. It's important that all of your hard work is rewarded and celebrated. Give yourself a pat on the back. You've stayed focused and strong, organized in your business and creative space, and you deserve a high five!
understand the struggles of trying to keep your career on track . Being self-managed means you're both the artist and the businessman/ woman, and quite often those two titles clash. But it can be done – and fluidly! Countless
artists have found the balance between the two roles. Here's how to take control of your career and keep your business on track while not compromising your artistic integrity.
1. Do An Audit On Yourself
First and foremost, how do you keep yourself on track? Whether we're talking about constantly practicing and improving on your skill, or keeping tally of financials , it's important to be able to recognize where you need the most help. Try to be as unbiased as possible, and don't make excuses. At this point, you want to be as transparent as possible. Part of running a business is accepting your weaknesses head on. Remember, this is ultimately going to help you in the long run. Get your bandmates to perform this audit as well. Look at all the areas of your business objectively and make a list of items that need improvement. Communication, following up, tracking finances, booking outreach , and social media management could be some of things that land on your list.
2. Measure Your Own Goals
Once you've audited your band for everything from financials to fans, performances to practices, begin to measure your own goals. Get everyone in the band to write down what his or her personal and professional goals are. This will help set a benchmark for you to work backwards from. Some may see your band as a hobby,
while others see it as a full-time job. During this time, it's important to start a dialog with your bandmates to make sure the work you're putting into your career as a musician isn't going to beaffected by those less committed. Some goals might be easy to fulfill, while others might take
years. Whether your goal is to reach 5,000 Facebook fans or sell a million albums, it's important that each person's goals are voiced. Revisit that audit and list names of who can help you address the areas in which the band may be
weak. Is there some outside help you can hire? A good friend with a knack for bookkeeping who can help get you set up? A conference you can attend that will help you learn more about that area? Do whatever it takes to ensure your weaknesses don't get in your way.
3. Create A To-Do List
Now that you've figured out what your goals and your blind spots are, it's time to get your hands dirty. Start with creating a to-do list. And not just one list – make many. The more you write down, the more likely these tasks will get done. Your to-do list should include everything from cleaning your practice space, to writing your next single,
to meeting with industry professionals. Turn these things into schedules so they're not weighing in on your brain and taking up creative space. Use task management tools; one of my favorites is called Asana. Artist Growth is a great
platform geared towards artists. Even a simple Google Doc will do. If you're in a band, share the to-do list with your bandmates to ensure everyone is on the same page. Divide and conquer the tasks you need help with. Breaking things into smaller pieces will make them more attainable.
4. Understand Your Financials
Though this is the least fun, it may be one of the most important. As you'll learn early on, a penny saved is a penny earned. If you're starting to get serious as a band, start a bank account and put all funds into it. A sock drawer just doesn't cut it after a while. Know how much getting from Point A to Point B will be and how you'll manage cash flow around these upcoming trips or sessions in the studio. Getting ahead of debt will allow you to make decisions based on what the band needs and what the band can afford. Somewhere between these two roads, you'll find the right path.
5. Be Creative Every Day
Now that your business space is organized and you have goals, to-do lists, and a plan, your mind should be freed up to be creative. Separate time for yourself to work on your music and don't be distracted by incoming emails, etc. It's
important you protect this time and you stay on top of your other tasks to ensure you can focus on your creative work.
6. Stay Inspired
The music is only half the job; it's important to love even the tedious aspects of being a musician. Try to highlight the aspects you like, and educate yourself on things you might be struggling with. When it comes to marketing,
publicity , or financials, there are countless resources that can be found online to help you with your career. Subscribe to newsletters and magazines, and do your research. Read up on success stories from artists like yourself, and use them as inspiration when it comes to your career.
7. Reward Yourself
You're not in it alone, so share good news when you receive it. It's important that all of your hard work is rewarded and celebrated. Give yourself a pat on the back. You've stayed focused and strong, organized in your business and creative space, and you deserve a high five!
10 Ways to Be a Better EventManager
As we enter the New Year and set our goals for the next 12 months, many of us want to make a difference in our chosen career and ensure our skills stand out for all the right reasons. In the fast paced and competitive events industry it is important to stay on top of your game and strive for constant improvement. Regardless of whether you are studying, juststarting out or have been in the industry for years and managed hundreds of events, here are some of my top tips for how to become a better Event Manager in 2015 .
1. Practice Makes Perfect
The simple fact is that the best way to become a better Event Professional is to gain more experience. In ‘Outliers’ Malcolm Gladwell explains the concept that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to make you skilled or an expert in any field. Volunteer, take paid work, run your own events. Seize every opportunity to hone your skills, work on a wide variety of events, large and small, and experience every role within the events team. Every event is unique and unfortunately there is no magic formula. You need experience to intuitively know and plan every detail.
2. Read Widely
From theoretical event planning text books and industry magazines to eBooks and blogs there is a plethora of current information available about every element of the industry. Dedicatetime each month to keeping up to date, identifying trends and learning about new technologies.
3. Reflect
After every event project ensure you reflect, analyse feedback and discuss with your team and the client how to improve. Enjoy the praise but look most closely at any negativity or areas rated average. Share anything that didn’t go to plan with the wider team, along with how the situation was dealt with and lessons learnt. Don’t sit back and be complacent, no matter how big a success the event was. Every small detail can make a difference and there is always room for improvement!
4. Use Technology Wisely
Keep yourself sane by making the most of tools and technology which can make your job easier. Steer well clear of technology that takes up too much of your valuable time for little reward or clear purpose. Understand the process behind the technology too so you can understand better why it is important and the value it is adding.
5. Engage With Thought Leaders
Social media breaks down barriers and is a great way to keep up to date and connect with influencers that can challenge your way of thinking and working. Take part in Twitter chats, join and contribute to LinkedIn groups, watch thought leaders on YouTube to see new perspectives and trigger new ideas. Go to industry events and hear from some of the top speakers in the world of events. Feel inspired by the fast-paced and exciting industry you are a part of.
6. Find Solutions Not Problems
We make it our mission to find a solution to any problem a client throws at us. If we are asked to do something that we know from experience will be a bad idea we will of course explain our reasons for why we have reservations. Importantly though we then try to find a workable solution for the client which will deliver their vision but in an achievable and practical way.
7. Attend Events
As an Event Organizer I find it hard not to be silently critical of other people’s events, constantly thinking ‘why have they done that?’ and ‘I wouldn’t have done it that way!’ It can however also be enlightening to see how another Event Planner has brought their vision to life and to think about the thought process behind every decision made. Marvel at the things that have been done well and enjoy having time to immerse yourself in the event experience rather than being the person working tirelessly behind the scenes!
8. Think and Question
Involve every member of the event team and brainstorm ideas on a regular basis. What would the ideal event look like? If time/money/ resources were no barrier what changes would we like to implement? How do we improve the attendee experience? How can we overcome this challenge/problem? Why do we always do it that way – is there a better way? When planning an event try to think through the journey of every person attending the event and their different needs – e.g. delegate, speaker, exhibitor, VIP, media, wheelchair user.
9. Take Care of Yourself
To be your best and give 100% you have to take time out, switch off and recharge. All work and no play is not a recipe for success. Sleep is also essential! Take time away from your computer screen, zone out from your to do list and get some fresh air at regular intervals so you can come back to your desk refreshed and positive. This post gives some helpful advice and tips from expert Dani Stevens: The Event Planner Lifestyle Boost: Take Care of Yourself While Planning Successful Events .
10. Love your Job
I believe that the best way to be the best Event Manager you can possibly be is to ensure that you remain passionate about your job. Planning events is often cited as one of the top 10 most stressful careers and it is not something that can be done by halves. If you don’t love what you do then I would urge you to find a more peaceful alternative to earn a living that doesn’t demand such long hours and high blood pressure! When you truly enjoy your job a simple natural smile and your enjoyment for your work really shines through.
Believe me - it makes a difference!
1. Practice Makes Perfect
The simple fact is that the best way to become a better Event Professional is to gain more experience. In ‘Outliers’ Malcolm Gladwell explains the concept that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to make you skilled or an expert in any field. Volunteer, take paid work, run your own events. Seize every opportunity to hone your skills, work on a wide variety of events, large and small, and experience every role within the events team. Every event is unique and unfortunately there is no magic formula. You need experience to intuitively know and plan every detail.
2. Read Widely
From theoretical event planning text books and industry magazines to eBooks and blogs there is a plethora of current information available about every element of the industry. Dedicatetime each month to keeping up to date, identifying trends and learning about new technologies.
3. Reflect
After every event project ensure you reflect, analyse feedback and discuss with your team and the client how to improve. Enjoy the praise but look most closely at any negativity or areas rated average. Share anything that didn’t go to plan with the wider team, along with how the situation was dealt with and lessons learnt. Don’t sit back and be complacent, no matter how big a success the event was. Every small detail can make a difference and there is always room for improvement!
4. Use Technology Wisely
Keep yourself sane by making the most of tools and technology which can make your job easier. Steer well clear of technology that takes up too much of your valuable time for little reward or clear purpose. Understand the process behind the technology too so you can understand better why it is important and the value it is adding.
5. Engage With Thought Leaders
Social media breaks down barriers and is a great way to keep up to date and connect with influencers that can challenge your way of thinking and working. Take part in Twitter chats, join and contribute to LinkedIn groups, watch thought leaders on YouTube to see new perspectives and trigger new ideas. Go to industry events and hear from some of the top speakers in the world of events. Feel inspired by the fast-paced and exciting industry you are a part of.
6. Find Solutions Not Problems
We make it our mission to find a solution to any problem a client throws at us. If we are asked to do something that we know from experience will be a bad idea we will of course explain our reasons for why we have reservations. Importantly though we then try to find a workable solution for the client which will deliver their vision but in an achievable and practical way.
7. Attend Events
As an Event Organizer I find it hard not to be silently critical of other people’s events, constantly thinking ‘why have they done that?’ and ‘I wouldn’t have done it that way!’ It can however also be enlightening to see how another Event Planner has brought their vision to life and to think about the thought process behind every decision made. Marvel at the things that have been done well and enjoy having time to immerse yourself in the event experience rather than being the person working tirelessly behind the scenes!
8. Think and Question
Involve every member of the event team and brainstorm ideas on a regular basis. What would the ideal event look like? If time/money/ resources were no barrier what changes would we like to implement? How do we improve the attendee experience? How can we overcome this challenge/problem? Why do we always do it that way – is there a better way? When planning an event try to think through the journey of every person attending the event and their different needs – e.g. delegate, speaker, exhibitor, VIP, media, wheelchair user.
9. Take Care of Yourself
To be your best and give 100% you have to take time out, switch off and recharge. All work and no play is not a recipe for success. Sleep is also essential! Take time away from your computer screen, zone out from your to do list and get some fresh air at regular intervals so you can come back to your desk refreshed and positive. This post gives some helpful advice and tips from expert Dani Stevens: The Event Planner Lifestyle Boost: Take Care of Yourself While Planning Successful Events .
10. Love your Job
I believe that the best way to be the best Event Manager you can possibly be is to ensure that you remain passionate about your job. Planning events is often cited as one of the top 10 most stressful careers and it is not something that can be done by halves. If you don’t love what you do then I would urge you to find a more peaceful alternative to earn a living that doesn’t demand such long hours and high blood pressure! When you truly enjoy your job a simple natural smile and your enjoyment for your work really shines through.
Believe me - it makes a difference!