Saturday, November 29, 2008

The Making of: It's My Party!

One of our coaching clients, Jodi Beck, a very talented and focused actress, recently created her own cabaret and performed it in NYC-- her cabaret debut! It was quite a success and we wanted her to share her experience for all those who might be brewing up their own cabaret.

Click HERE to read about her cabaret success and learn tips to produce your own!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Labels Labels go away....

One thing I can't stress enough, is it is time to empower ourselves as actors. Which is why buying labels of industry contacts makes me a bit crazy. To empower ourselves, we need to take control of our marketing, create our own targeted specific list of industry folks, and have a plan to follow up and be consistent with all our industry correspondence. So why spend the money on printed labels each and every time you need to send your correspondence, when most of the labels you won't even use?

Use the Ross Reports, the NY Agent Book, Henderson labels or our Savvy Downloadable lists and create your targeted list of contacts and keep them in a database on your computer and print your own labels. Stay on top of your business, of course, but take control of it yourself and don't waste money over and over again on what you don't need.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Flash Drive your career!

One thing we talk about in our business class is creating a mobile office and what that entails in detail and how to create it. I was reminded again this week how important it is when one of the girls in our Sing It, Act It, Own It class forgot her music book at her job and couldn't sing in class that night.

We are big advocates of the flash drive. A 1 gig flash drive is a huge component of your mobile office. It should contain your monologues, every song in your music book, resumes, headshot, bio, even songs your working on, sides, cover letters, a database of casting directors and agents, etc. It's happened to me where I was out of town and the producer needed my bio ASAP so I ran to Kinkos, plugged in my flash drive and sent it out! If the girl in our class had her music on a flash drive, she could've went anywhere and printed up the songs she needed for class.

As actors we juggle a lot! By putting all your necessary marketing tools and material on a flash drive and carrying it with you, you are streamlining your business and are prepared for anything.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Filckr Photos- fun!

We gave in and got a flickr account so here is the link if you want to check out our Savvy photos from our semiinars and events! www.flickr.com/photos/thesavvyactor

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Affordable Housing NYC

I was reminded today how lucky I am that I live in an 80/20 building in NYC. My husband Michael and I bought our 80/20 apartment last year. Without meaning to brag, it is so amazing to be a homeowner in NYC and live in a 2 bedroom 2 bath doorman building!

Today, Kevin and I had a conversation with fellow actor and entrepreneur, Guy Olivieri, who lives in an 80/20 rental. They are easier to come by than you think. I can't tell you how many actors I know that spend $500-$600 a month to live by themselves in brand new luxury buildings. The piece of mind that gives to our careers and lives is astounding. We have some links on our Resources page of where to look to get yourself one of these sweet deals, but Guy wrote a whole step by step article of his experience with tips on how to make yours go smoother and faster. Click Here to read his article. Be savvy and get that living situation you always wanted!