entertainment industry coach question 388: Is it better to pursue multiple areas of entertainment or focus on just one?

That really depends on you, your talent, and your ability to manage your time. There are plenty of slashers ( / / / ) out there. People run into trouble when they become Jack of all trades, master of none. But look at how many talented people out there act, direct, write, produce, shoot, etc.

If they can do it, maybe you can too. Only you can tell if you are mastering the arts or spreading yourself too thin.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach question 387: What's the best way to find out about jobs without an agent?

Here's what most people do: They look through the trades or online and "cold" submit. The problem with that is, the people who get the cold submissions are being bombarded, because if you found it, so did many others.

You've heard me say it over and over!!!! Contacts CONTACTS CONTACTS!!! You are going to get jobs through the people you know. An agent isn't the answer to getting you work. They get +10% because YOU are 100% responsible for your career. Research what jobs are out there and then do your 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon to figure out who you know who knows somone who is connected to that production.

Network, research, preparation, follow through, professionalism. All ways to get work without an agent.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit http://www.TheGreenlightCoach.com

entertainment industry coach question 386: I submitted for a show, when I show up for the audition should I bring my material with me?

I was aksed this question last night during a radio interview. The young lady had sent in a picture & video for a show and wanted to know if on the call back she needed to bring these materials with her.

My advice is, it's better to be overprepared. Bring the picture and video with you. If they ask for it, you will show that you are prepared and professional. If they don't ask for it, then they don't need it.

You will feel more confident going in for an interview or an audition when you are as prepared as possible.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.thegreenlightcoach.com

entertainment industry coach question 385: do you suggest living in one state and flying to LA to work?

I don't make any suggestions when it comes to people's personal lives. If you can easily make that commute (get to work on time, get flights when needed, not have flight delay problems) and have enough contacts that you get called to work in LA when you live somewhere else, then it's a decision for you to make.

There are union rules about living in one place and working in another, so be sure to research those. You also have to consider the types of projects you'll be working on; how long will they keep you away from home and where will you stay, how often might you have to commute, etc.

entertainment industry coach question 384:Will Bret Michaels win the Apprentice?

Great you had to ask this on a day that I just gave two seminars in NY, and now they're going to tune into this blog and wonder what the heck is going on? So, to get them up to speed... ever since the Bear Grylls question a few months back, I agreed to answer a few kooky questions every once in a while.

If I were a betting man, I'd say, No. Bret will not win. But because I don't bet and I am not a man, I will so, yes. He rocks! And I had a door poster of him over my bed in college, which is a sure sign that he was meant to win the Celebrity Apprentice.

Y'all know I'm SO jetlagged, right? I'm going to wake up tomorrow and wonder who hyjacked my blog!

entertainment industry coach question 384: What should someone who is 12 and wants to be an actress do?

Well, if you don't live in Los Angeles (which I can tell she does not), use your "kid power." What's kid power? Most people LOVE to help a kid with drive. Make a list of actresses, actors, directors, and producers that you would like to one day work with. For example: Steven Spielberg often talks about how he was directing movies in his back yard as a kid. Find people like him and reach out to people in a letter. Tell them how old you are and what you're doing now to pursue your dream. Tell them where you live and ask them for advice on what more you can be doing right now. If you plan to go to college, ask them for advice on which colleges to consider and what you can be doing now for extra curricular activities to help you get in. Explain that you don't plan to pursue acting as a job until you're finished with your education, but in the mean time would like to build relationships with mentors so when you do move to NY or LA, you'll be ready and educated on the business side of the industry.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach question 383:What is the most important concept(s) you wished you could get across to your clients from the beginning?

The actual question read in it's entirety:

"As a coach, you must come across similar questions, situations, and attitudes. What is the most important concept(s) you wished you could get across to your clients from the beginning that would help them mostly."

GRRRRREAT question! Considering 9.8 out of 10 clients of mine who have been in the industry 10+ years say, "I wish I had you when I first started out," I would say the most important concepts are:

1. DON'T TRY TO DO IT ALONE!

2. If you have little or no business, sales, & marketing training, investing in it is equally if not more important than spending money on getting better at your craft. Because you can be the most talented and skilled person, but without an exceptional understanding of the business, you're just one in a million.

3. Belief in yourself/confidence is essential to your success.

4. Recognize that the top 10% who make it, are doing more than you know, therefore, you must learn what they know if you want to make it.

5. Every job has it's pros and cons. Focusing on the things you can't control and complaining to people who can't do anything to help you change your situation will hurt you. Therefore, find ways to maintain financial, emotional, and creative stability.

6. Be very aware of the 5 people closest to you; their level of success, how much money they make, and their attitude.

That covers the big ones for now. I could probably go on for hours. Maybe I'll do a part two.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!

entertainment industry coach question 382: What current celebrities have you coached or managed that are in the acting business ?

First off, I don't manage anyone. I'm an entertainment industry career coach. I don't know how other coaches operate, but my client list is confidential. I have testimonials and press where my clients mention me, but I don't share their information with anyone. I know some coaches do, to promote their business, but my clients promote me so I don't do that kind of marketing.

Perhaps you're just wondering about my credentials, if I'm coaching people who are working and recognizable and the answer is yes. I've worked with Oscar and Emmy winners, people "fresh off the bus," and everyone in between. I've coached over 1000 people and that number grows every month. There isn't an obstacle I haven't found a solution for thus far, and should that day come, I'll use all of my resources to find an answer.

As great as it is to have celebrity clients (mostly because they understand how important following through with our work is, and therefore see the payoff faster) it's equally as great to work with someone unknown and watch them grow to celebrity status.

So I apologize if you were hoping for same name-dropping, but you've come to the wrong coach.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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The Greenlight Coach on the radio! Call in to the show!!!

Hey every one,

Light up the call boards in support of my radio appearance on:

Robert Galinsky's Reality Wanted

Wednesday March 24th 6-8pm ET 3-5pm PT

I'LL BE ON AT 7:30pm ET

Call 877 CHAT 212

Call-in, Interact and Listen Live at RealityWanted.com/radio

Would love to hear from you guys & gals on the radio

entertainment industry coach question 381: How do I capitalize on a current project when I'm off to work on another?

A-List problems. I love them! This is what I was asked by my client tonight after we watched the fabulous movie starring John Hamm and Josh Lucus, that he had produced and DPd. You see, he did such a GREAT job producing this film, that he's been hired to produce a slate of movies in Louisiana and he leaves on Tuesday. His film, STOLEN, is playing currently at the Laemmle Sunset 5. The more people who go, the longer it will stay in the theater. It was such a good movie. The acting was superb, the story heart-wrenching. If you live in in Los Angeles you should go see this movie!

So let me count.... that was 7 lines I just wrote promoting Andy Steinman and his wonderful work (now that's 8) Here's his IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0826150/ (9) The link to his movie facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/pages/STOLEN/315537805072?ref=ts (10) and the link to buy your tickets from the theater http://www.laemmle.com/viewtheatre.php?date=03192010&thid=2 (11)

Hence, the answer to the question is: HAVE YOUR FANS PROMOTE FOR YOU.

If you're a camera operator who wants work, but the DP who hires you isn't working, start a marketing campaign for the DP. If you want to stay on peoples' radar when you're off working, have other people promoting you.

While Andy is out of town working, as he keeps me posted on his successes, I'll be happy to promote him on my social media sites, in my blog, etc. If he has 20 other people doing that... he's creating buzz and you can too.

In addition to Andy, I'd also like to congratulate camera crew members, Boris Price, Nate Havens, Matt Mosher, and wonderful Still Photographer Jessica Brooks, who also worked on the project!

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach question 380: What's the end credit title for person that posts & updates media to official, social & blog sites

I'm going to have to defer to my readers, because as of now, I'm not aware of an official "union" title for that. In the indie non-union world, anything goes. But I'm sure since it's becoming a big part of the marketing department there is a title out there somewhere. So, readers... please chime in and help a filmmaker (and a career coach) out on this one. Thanks!

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

To stay current on The Greenlight Coach's speaking engagements, recommendations, and work success articles, sign up for her free newsletter at www.TheGreenlightCoach.com and get a great bonus 1-hour MP3 on creating powerful business partnerships when you do!