Making a Comeback

Everyone falls flat on their faces at least few times in their lives. It?s inevitable that you?ll hit a few rough patches in your career and personal life. During the hard times, look around at your friends, colleagues and family members and take inventory of those who are steadfastly standing in your corner. Also, make a note of the people that jumped ship or suddenly don?t have time to take your calls anymore.
After you?ve sorted out the sincere people from the rubbish then you can get on with the business of constructing your comeback.

Tips for making a comeback:

1. Assess the situation objectively
2. Write down 3 short term and long-term goals
3. Compose a workable plan of action
4. Start small and gradually build yourself back up
5. Keep believing in yourself

Dear Makin’ Rent:
All of my friends are further along than I am in their writing careers. They are either doing corporate work or they have a solid client list. I am still writing for small indie and neighborhood papers to make ends meet. I feel like such a loser compared to them!
Okay, stop feeling like a loser. Are you sending query letters to any of the major publications or are you sticking with the familiar only?

Suggestions for upgrading your writing career:

Check out books from the library about marketing for writers.
Research writing websites
Join a writer’s association
Take a creative writing class
Start your own website or blog with samples of your work.
Start submitting to online publications on a regular basis
Participate in local writer’s panels and forums.
Host a reading of your work at the library, bookstore or coffee shop.

Instead of feeling like a loser you may want enlist your friends assistance in making the leap into a bigger writing market.

Dear Makin’ Rent:

Q. I am a photographer, who is also a guitar player. My photography career is starting to take off, but it is leaving me little time to devote to my guitar gigs. Eventually, I want to be able to “make rent” pursuing both of these career paths. Any suggestions?

There is no law saying that you can’t pursue both careers. However, in the beginning it maybe wiser to narrow your vocational focus on one and pursue the other one in your free time.

Below are suggestions for blending multiple talents into a successful career:

1. Start out with the most viable career
Since your talent in photography is getting you noticed, concentrate on getting established in that field. Establishing a solid footing in one career will go a long ways in getting you started in another.

2. Keep your appointment calendar organized and updated
Write photography assignments in green ink and guitar gigs in red ink.

3. Maintain your ties in the music community
Stay informed with what’s going on in your local music market

4. Pace yourself
Juggling multiple gigs in different fields can be trying on both your physical and mental well being.

Dear Makin’ Rent:

Q. Any ideas for doing the holidays on an artist’s budget?

A. Tip Sheet for keeping the holidays inexpensive:

1. Know the folks on your gift list.
2. Determine your budget and stick with it.
3. Go in with a few other people and purchase someone a gift card
4. Decorate or purchase a jar and fill it with yummy candy
5. Make a goody bag with samples and other freebies
6. Check out the bargain bins at the major booksellers
7. Check out the home sections of discount outlet retailers
8. Don’t forget the basics like scarves, hats, socks, college sweatshirts etc.

Dear Makin' Rent:

Q. I am a freelance graphic artist working a lot of different projects. I am looking for a simple way to keep my business papers in order. Any suggestions?

A. We would like to congratulate you on your business success. Staying on top of bills can be challenging, especially when you have a busy schedule! We suggest implementing a simple filing system for both your business and personal papers.

Suggestions for implementing a filing system:

1.Take a few hours to sort through everything and shred all of those documents that you don’t need.
2. Separate the remaining documents into two piles: Business and Personal.
3. File boxes and cabinets can range in price anywhere from: $20 and up. Always keep your business and personal papers locked up.

Dear Makin’ Rent:

How can I maintain an active social life on a budget?

The following three social activities can put a huge strain on your finances:
Barhopping, Restaurant Dining and Miscellaneous Entertainment.

Barhopping
Limit your barhopping to once a week.
Restaurant Dining
Cook at home and then go out for dessert and coffee afterwards.
Miscellaneous Entertainment
Only rent movies when you have a coupon or on 99 cent Tuesdays.
Check out videos and DVDs at the public library.

Dear Makin' Rent:

How do you set up a good promo table?
A good promo table leaves people with contact information and the desire to know more about you and your product. It’s also the place where you can sell merchandise and advertise upcoming events.

Must-haves for a promo table

1. You and a few of your trusted associates working the table
2. Your product merchandise
3. A few freebies such as: pens, magnets, postcards, business cards etc.
4. A mailing list form
5. Brochures or newsletters
6. A calendar of upcoming events
7. A FAQ sheet about your product which includes your contact information