Thoughts Regarding Running Your Own Business as an #Actor!

Happy Tuesday, guys and girls! 

I recently re-posted an incredible interview with Los Angeles Commercial Casting Director, Francene Selkirk.  (Here's the link!).  Francene was such a wonderful guest on my YouTube Channel, and the information that she shares for actors is truly invaluable.  

One of the most important lessons that I learned from Francene (and a lesson that I've learned throughout my experience here in Hollywood) is that as an actor, you're running your own small business.  And when you're running a business, there are sooo many things that must be done in order for the business to run smoothly and efficiently.  

As artists, we are inclined to use the artistic side of our brain - which is fabulous - but it's equally crucial to learn to become business savvy, too, and tap into the business side of the brain!  

To be completely honest, it took me until my 30th year to start paying closer attention  to my finances and start planning for my future responsibly.  I never wanted to think about money, I just wanted to have fun!  However, if you're running a business without thinking about money, it's definitely going to be tough for your business to grow. And I was learning that the hard way.  So, what can you do?

First, awesome actor friends, I'd suggest that you check out some of the interviews that I've conducted with some of LA's top casting directors and industry professionals.  (Click on the "Interviews" tab above on the top of the page.)  The men and women who I've interviewed have shared an immense amount of helpful information!  This information includes many tips and suggestions for actors, including information about when to switch agents, how to impress casting directors and how to be the best actor that you can be.  (And that's just a tiny bit of what you'll learn!)

Secondly, I'd suggest that all of my artistic friends take some time to become familiar with finances.  There are lots of websites that can help you do this, and now is the time to start saving and planning for your financial future!

Thirdly, I suggest focusing on ONE THING at a time.  If you dedicate your mental focus to one thing, one area of the industry (let's use TV shows for example,) you'll be able to see more results, more quickly.  When we focus on too many things at the same time, less is accomplished productively.  

I'll be back with some more tips soon.  

Give yourself a lot of credit for being brave enough to pursue your art!  You're doing a great job.

Jesse x