How Social Networks Create Opportunities
Social Media platforms provide access to millions of people worldwide. Basically speaking, it's the one essential spot where you can grow an endless amount of professional relationships. As for us, our business continues to expansively and effectively grow through the power of social networking. It has greatly enabled us to reach a large audience, in a shorter amount of time. The ultimate key to growing online opportunities, is to create face to face marketing. This makes a substantial difference in establishing *long term* business relationships and making opportunities happen. Two important things to remember: 1. It's all "full circle!" Meaning, what you do now, tomorrow and thereafter...will benefit you and those around you at some point. Every bit of effort you put forth, will bring you one step closer to fulfilling your opportunities. 2. On social networks, anyone with something people want...can and will be found. Do your research and reach out! Building opportunities starts with your ability to effectively network. 3 Ways to Create Opportunities by Blogging • Blogging enhances your chances of being found by a target audience. • Your target audience will then experience your expertise and can greatly benefit from your authentic advice. • It can lead to additional opportunities in networking, employment and invitations to events around what you do. In addition, Blogging helps us to meet unique individuals and to share their message publicly.
Expand Your Network Through Social Media
First and foremost, be personable! People like people who are like them. Don't come across as a hardcore salesperson, yet as someone who has a service "even you would invest in" if presented by someone else. Research better posting times and be helping in sharing knowledge, while promoting others work. Easy Going or Hardcore? Networking, both online and in person, is about individuals meeting and getting to know one another in a professional setting. Be both fun and helpful! Engage with your professional audience the same as you would with your friends. You will gain and maintain your professional contacts on a more relatable level. Find enjoyment in what you do and your audience will greatly benefit. Thank you for taking time to read. Share your insight with us below! Your thoughts and ideas are the *bread & butter* to what we do. Star Roberts Editorial & Marketing Assistant Writer, Singer, Actress & Historic Photographer
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Many often ask us, "How do you organize your goals and grow them effectively?" Prior to each new year, my fiancé and I thoroughly communicate and evaluate our direction in life and business together. We find purpose in what is showing growth, verses what needs adjusting or change to give us a baseline of: 1. First and foremost, an objective way to look last years accomplishments. 2. Secondly, to show where we are so we can determine where we need to go. From the verbal development of a baseline idea of where we're heading and how we'll get there, which leads me to the third step: 3. We then put it in writing. When your goals are put in writing, it breathes life into your spoken words. It gives a visualization of what you're reaching to attain. 4. Next, we organize {on one sheet} those who goals into four categories: Together, His, Hers & Business. 5. We then discuss each individual goal outloud and how to implement both together and individually. 6. Followed by putting them on the refrigerator, front and center, as a daily reminder. 7. From there, it's inputed into "Notes" on our iPhones as an extra motivation. 8. Every Sunday, we reflect, evaluate and prepare...both within our goals and financially. Of what we like to call, "Family Meeting!" These 8 steps are the life saver to each new and productive year! I encourage you to choose your goals wisely. Be positively sure they are: Measurable, Specific, Attainable, Time-sensitive and Realistic. So, how can I achieve my set goals?
Great question! The answer is simple... The most important thing isn't in achieving your goal. The greatest benefit, is in your ability to grow within the success and achievements along the way. So, give yourself a pat on the back. You're half way there...just mapping out a plan of action and how you'll get there. Share with us your "goal setting" ideas or leave a comment below on how this article has helped you to define your path. Thank you for taking time to read! Star Roberts Editorial & Marketing Assistant of TMPP Historic Photographer Writer, Singer & Actress I know you've often asked yourself this same question. To give you a birds eye view, I decided to research the statistics on a few talent endeavors. Rather you are looking for a full time career in talent or just a part time endeavor in your passions, this article is sure to provide you an in-depth insight into how much your talents are worth. After reading the following statistics, I want to hear your thoughts and ideas on your income based talents. Sound good?
Photography The top 10 percent of workers in terms of annual income made more than $65,510 year and the bottom 10 percent earned less than $17,450. This means 80 percent of all photographers had incomes between $20,270 and $65,510 a year, so a typical photographer could expect annual earnings within that range. $28,490 USD 2012 Entry level education: High school diploma or equivalent Median pay (hourly): 13.7 USD (2012) Projected 10-year growth: 4% (2012) Guitarist Guitarists earn salaries averaging slightly under $70,000 annually. Salary and Qualifications. Top guitarists such as Jon Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton and Bo Diddley earn millions of dollars per year. But the average salary for a guitarist was $67,000 as of 2013, according to the jobsite Indeed. Movies What is the average salary of an actor? The lowest-paid 10 percent made $8.79 hourly, and the highest-paid 10 percent earned over $90 hourly. Most worked in the motion picture and video industries to make a mean hourly $43.33. However, independent actors made the highest average pay at $45.39 per hour. Opera Many opera musicians are paid per performance or service, the range being $400 – $1,000 per performance. At the top opera company in America, the Metropolitan Opera, the singers are paid, on average, $200,000 per year.Sep 29, 2014 Broadway: For a rough estimate, the weekly salary is $1500 for an ensemble member or minor character. For an extremely well-known actor in a lead role, the weekly salary can be as much as $40,000. This sort of sum, however, is very rare. Many leading actors with little fame are paid between $5,000 and $10,000/week. Now that you've obtained further knowledge on how much your talents are worth, it's easier to see how with the right opportunities, time invested and financial insight...can help grow your talents all around! I'm looking forward to reading your comments below. It's all right around the corner! From a young age, can you remember the sheer excitement of going somewhere new or even visiting a familiar place? If you're like me, I would get adventurous thoughts, such as "Oh, oh, oh...are we there yet? What will we explore first?" It's like Dora the Explorer with her trusty Map! And of course, the occasional "Are we there yet?" because when you're young or even a *little* older like me...you just gotta get out and go. As many of you can see, my fiancé and I go on our own adventures. On occasion, we may travel quite far. Generally though, it's usually all right around the corner. It's amazing what you can find when you do your research and map out a plan of action. Once you're there, go deep! Don't leave that town without noticing the cracks and crevices that make it stand out. We both have a fascination and appreciation for historical spots and it's people. You see...as Photographers and "all around" Artists, we find the most intricate details of every nook and cranny. That being said, Photojournalism is huge for me as I'm currently writing my first book..."A Daughter's Journey: Dave Vacant & the Mab." Of course, the time spent together is most important.
Every trip you take, either local or far away, has a purpose. Embrace it, run with it and have fun! Speaking of connections, I want to thank Paul Marc, Tour Ascension, Donaldsonville Downtown Development District and Donaldsonville Building Registry...for your amazing support. Now onto your travels and many more for us! Where have you traveled or where will you go next? We want to hear from you! Star Roberts Photojournalist, Singer, Photographer, Actress & Writer Editorial & Marketing Assistant for Todd Matherne Photography & Promotions Todd Matherne Photography & Promotions is please to announce this year's annual Biloxi trip on Oct. 29th. Here's just a few images from last year's journey including images from Mobile, Al.
With years of experience in the entertainment industry, photography and now a professional career in sales, here's one thing I've learned. "Opportunities do not come, you create them!" If you are sitting around waiting for your ship to come in, chances are you'll be waiting for a long time. So how do you create these opportunities I speak of? In this short blog post I'm going to share with you effective ways to possibly get you out of a slump. "It is better to be prepared for the unknown, than to be unprepared for the known". Ok, so maybe I'm sounding a little sales pitchy? Newsflash! If you are in the entertainment industry, modeling/acting/musician then you are in sales my friend. You know the ole saying, "It's not what you know it's who you know?" So, here's the keys... Show up & Follow up! Show Up!
Follow up!
Bonus tip: Referrals! You hear about them yet many of you are scared to ask for them. Referrals make up over 30% of your business. When's the best time to ask for a referral? When you've earned the right! Recently I polled the following question to local photographers, "If you could write a 90 day start up plan for an aspiring model, what would you include within your plan? The responses were overwhelming. I've categorized everyone's opinion into these following steps:
Give them the chip, not the whole bag! DeeDee Thompson writes...
Be prepared! Jessy Cook
Remember, modeling is an art! Andre Askew Begin with a "Mood" board. One can be easily created and shared via sites such as Pinterest. Outline the theme and color selection with the creative team (Photog, MU&H, Wardrobe, Etc). So many don't realize that the color scheme of the session makes a difference. Meet with each key player (in person, Phone, E-Mail, Etc) at least twice. Once to discuss the concept and to finalize and verify the session. Nothing is worst than to plan on a Green & Red color palette and the model arrives with Blue & Yellow. That will cost you "Time and Money". Have at least 3-4 location options. The team will need to know if they can carry out their duties on location (Lights, Power, Changing Rooms, Etc). Lastly, remember that if this is your session, you are responsible for the execution. You must have a trusted team by your side. No team, no problem but you must ask for assistance from someone who understands your needs and desires. Proceed with caution! Mike Wilson
So in summary here's my take on it. Being prepared is always key. There's nothing more enjoyable than working with an aspiring model that's on time, prepped and an agile within posing. It's important for the photographer to offer direction and the model, suggestions. Upon completion of your photo session, network your images as if you were applying for a job. Think of that select image (up to 3 max) as your resume. I've had more success with one picture published at key times. (Check previous blog post on best times to post on Facebook). Finally, take caution and always research the respected photographer. Ask questions and request for references from other models. This will ensure you are working with a professional regardless of the compensation. And as mentioned, have fun! A word from the author: The information contained within this blog is expressed written consent from each respected photographer. These are their personal opinions based on experience and professionalism within their respected field of expertise. Todd Matherne Photography & Promotions neither denies or affirms the content within this blog post.
You have to start somewhere! Why not here? Do you have an interest in the movie industry? Are you looking for a right place to start? I'm going to share my experiences and advise with you. You'll also hear view points and invaluable information from a few friends in the movie industry. Ever since the age of 4, I knew that my lifelong dream was to perform. As my parents watched their favorite shows, such as "The Carol Burnett Show, I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners"...I would extensively study and act out the character scenes. I would sing commercial jingles and attempted to be their daily entertainment. Yes, it was quite a hilarious sight! That carried into adulthood, where the stage and set is now my second home! In September 2011, I began to reach out to several casting agencies. By October that year, I was cast as an Extra for background work in the movie, "Thunderstruck." From that point, I received countless movie and commercial opportunities with every casting agency across the state. That Extra work lead to Featured Roles, Body Doubles, Stand In, auditions for main roles, Inspirational Speaking and Life Coaching. From those castings, I've also been contacted by Producers and Directors across the country. It's been quite the adventure, and looking forward to further endeavors along the way. Now that I've shared my experiences with you, are you ready for some exciting news? You now have one central spot for all casting! "My Casting File" www.MyCastingFile.com That's right! One spot where you can sign up for FREE and even *Upgrade to Pro* for only $24 a year. I highly recommend doing this, as you can add more content and improve your chances of being cast. Another word of advise is to get a Talent Agent and Professional Headshots! So, you're ready to be an Extra? Now's your chance to hear from these select few... "Stay vigilant. Learn as much as possible. Don't approach talent when on set. Make sure you get professional head-shots from a head-shot photographer. I have shot over 600 actors and know exactly what casting wants. There's so much more... When you sign up for a class with me, you'll learn everything you need to know!" Steve Hammond, Owner and Operator of AMP'D Studio A Full Service Photography & Videography Company in New Orleans. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shot.by.steve/ Website: http://www.stvhmmnd.com/ "If you have ever been interested in acting, being a movie star or background actor...it's a great place to start. It's fun and you get paid. This is how I started my journey into acting and I must say that I do love it. Many people think you have to take expensive acting classes that can cost up to thousands for modeling agencies. "Package deals" that usually tell everybody they can make them a star. Don't fall for it. These are scams. Never pay up front fees to get into movie extra work. Many real casting agents and agencies post calls for movie extra work on their websites, and many use Facebook. Yes that's right, Facebook! You can also check Craigslist under gigs or Talent gigs. This is the best way to start. Remember, real agencies never require an upfront fee. Once you have made it onto the movie sets, remember to network - network - network and do not be afraid to ask questions! Before you know it, you'll be a pro and on the road to being a professional actor. Michelle Torres, Actress https://about.me/michelle.torres The Next Step... From informative advise and tips to contact resources, you're now one step closer to being cast as an Extra! So, make your next move and get some professional head shots made. You're going to need those along your way. I highly recommend Steve Hammond, as he knows the movie industry inside and out. Not to mention, the top quality you'll receive! Next, go to www.MyCastingFile.com and register. Communicate with others doing the same, and ask questions. You'll be surprised by the wealth of information you can gain from other like-minded professionals in the industry. Do you want to pursue an acting career? If so, you will need those professional head shots more than ever and a Talent Agent. In next Saturday's Blog, we'll cover agency search do's and dont's. In Closing... For those beginning your journey as an Extra or in your acting career, I hope you've found this blog to be insightful. Now, I'd like to open this blog up to any questions or other information you'd like to share. Ok? Ready, Set, Go. Like & Comment below... Star Roberts Actress, Singer & Writer Editorial & Marketing Assistant Todd Matherne Photography & Promotions Frustrated with the lack of views on your Facebook post? A slight adjustment may be all you need! One of my favorite quotes from life coach Tony Robbins, “When it seems impossible, when it seems like nothing is going to work, you're usually just a few millimeters away from making it happen.” ~Tony Robbins In this short blog post we'll discuss some of the most effective times to publish content on Facebook. I use them effectively all the time. Matter of fact, this blog post is posted during one of those "high traffic" times. Just what are the most effective times to post content on Facebook? Here's a quick summary...
Let's take a closer look...shall we? Early am? Remember back in the day when your parents or grandparents would come to the table with the newspaper? Hopefully today, that still takes place though for many of us. Checking our cell phones is the first thing we do after waking up. Right? If you manage a FB page or enjoy writing your early morning thoughts, try posting near 7:00 am or so. A quick tip to use through out the day, is 5 minutes before or after the hour. Mid morning? OK, so maybe not everyone is up at 7:00 am or the likes. Maybe after breakfast, just getting to work or taking that first break is a better time. Notice this blog is posted each Wednesday near 10:05 am? Mid afternoon? I'm not a huge advocate of lunch time or right after lunch. Often times people tend to get a little sleepy. What I've found works best, is near 3pm or so. This has been one of my highest reach times. Before prime time? No doubt everyone is tuning into the Big Bang Theory or their favorite series, right? So why try to compete with them? Either post before the big networks or shortly afterwards. Around 5:30 pm is a great time given most people are getting home from work. We tend to repeat the morning routine agree? Create an infomercial? OK, yes I work in sales and I watch them. You might actually learn a marketing thing or two. See, the infomercials actually air often between 11:00 pm and midnight because there's generally not much to watch on regular cable TV. Hence, as I say the channels aren't "busy". So why not post a 30 second video during this time to engage your audience? Did I say 30 seconds? I'll save that for a rainy day blog post.
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