Makin Rent

2004-02-29T16:01:00.000-08:00

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

2003-03-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

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.

2003-01-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-11-30T06:13:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-11-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

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.

2002-09-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

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.

2002-09-08T06:31:00.000-07:00

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

2002-08-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

In-Between Gigs

Dear Makin’ Rent:

Any suggestions for an actor/waiter who is in-between gigs?

Lag times give performer the opportunity to sharpen up their skills. The following suggestions can help sharpen your skills during the employment lulls:

1. Learn new monologues
2. Read plays
3. Watch plays and/or movies
4. Read books about acting technique
5. Read biographies of actors
6. Network with other performers
7. Update your résumé
8. Research new acting Internet websites
9. Enroll into an acting class

Actors: Got any more suggestions for constructive lull time activities? Email us at makinrent@hotmail.com.

2002-08-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Makin’ Rent:

I am a beginning photographer and I don’t have a lot of experience. I am barely scraping by with my photography, how can I make money without returning to the food industry?

Perhaps you should return to the food industry on a part-time basis. It is important to have a paycheck that you can count on even if it’s only a couple hundred bucks a week.

The following are great side gigs that will keep you within in the realm of photography:

1. Teaching photography at community ed center or taking on private students
2. Work at a portrait studio, even if you have to answer the phones
3. Freelance for a neighborhood or indie publication
4. Set up your own photography show and sell the pictures
5. Work at a camera store

Photraphers: If you have any suggestions for side gigs contact us:
makinrent@hotmail.com

2002-07-31T04:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Makin' Rent:
I just got a job working in the office of a video production company in the Midwest. I don’t have any professional clothes and I am working on a clothing budget of under $100. Any suggestions?

Many thrift stores and discount outlets carry quality clothing without any stains or irregularities. Generally skirts, shirts, sweaters, cardigans and blazers are the easiest items to buy at thrift stores. Pants and slacks are little trickier to buy at thrift stores unless you know your exact size or you’re familiar with the particular brand or cut. Err on the side of caution and purchase pants at a discount outlet where you can try them on in a fitting room.
Always check carefully for stains or other irregularities in clothing items before you get to the checkout counter!

These pieces will work in most office settings:

Women- 1 long black skirt in a rayon blend sans slits or glitter.
1 pair of black pants.
1 pair of gray pants.
1 pair of Khaki pants.
1 Navy blue blazer.
3 long sleeved buttoned down shirts- blue, gray, white or black
2 short-sleeved shirts
3 tailored cardigans in black, blue, or brown.
1 business suit
2 pair of low-heeled shoes in either black or brown

Men
1 pair of black pants
2 pairs of khakis
4 buttoned down shirts- blue,
1 navy blue blazer
2 short-sleeved shirts
3 ties
1 suit
1 pair of black dress shoes
1 pair of loafers

Check this website:
www.dressmenow.com

2002-07-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Makin' Rent:
I am a guitarist in a band and we are looking for inexpensive ways to promote our gigs. Any suggestions?

Call a band meeting and assign different PR tasks to the members. Breaking up the PR tasks amongst yourselves will increase the chances of the word getting out about your band. Also, don’t try to do it all at once. The most crucial low cost PR tool that you have at your disposal is a simple business card with the following information:
1. A separate telephone or voicemail number used only for band-related business. 2. A web-based email address. 3. The band’s website address.

More inexpensive ways to get your band noticed:

1. Creating a press kit with an updated calendar, press release and bios of the band members
2. Set up a promotional table at your shows
3. Host a CD listening or fan appreciation party
4. Send your CDs out to be reviewed by the local music press
5. Sign up for online Music Chat Groups
6. Arrange an interview with a print, television, radio or online publication
7. Get your gigs listed in the calendar section of the local indeed paper
8. Set up an online fan club
9. Play at local festivals and fairs