A-Z Career - Setting Career Goals

Magic Tricks - From a Hobby to Career

2007-12-03T21:12:00.001-08:00

When you get to the stage that you think you are good enough to perform for real people for real money, it is time to start thinking. Up until now, magic will have been fairly straightforward; you buy a book and cards, practice for months, and can do magic. It begins to get harder here - you need to market yourself accurately yet in the most positive manner possible.

This is by no means a definitive guide to how to market yourself for magic, but it is how I started my magic career at the age of 15, as well as some other ideas from other people. My story isn't a fascinating story - I'm not a stage magician, I don't really do street magic, and I haven't been on TV. However, this hasn't been from failure, this is simply because I made a decision early on that magic would not be a full time career for me. The advice I will give you could help you on your way, as I was certainly on my way, to a magic career; alternatively you can learn from my mistakes and know what not to do!

If you are young and have little money to spend on advertising, a simple thing you can do is create a professional looking sign out of some paint and wood, and place it in your house window, in the garden or anywhere else you can think of. My first sign was very simple, and most likely very tacky, but it did the trick, and cost nothing! I initially had about five words on it, "CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINER, YOUNG, CHEAP, FUN" or something like that, and my phone number. That is something, when looking back, that I would have changed. "Cheap" is not a word used much in marketting - when was the last time you watched an advert for a supermarket and they described themselves as cheap? However, it got me my first show, so who's complaining!

What I would recommend would be to make your sign, ideally on your computer (just to make stencils to paint the wood, or laminate it, or whatever, but don't make it look tacky), like this: "AFFORDABLE CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINER", and then in smaller text, something like "Joe Bloggs is a young children's entertainer who prides himself on his fun yet affordable shows, leaving all the children with a smile on their face" or something like that. Mention balloon models if you can, juggling or whatever.
Tip! Different planets may fare in a very unique manner in this house, irrespective of their lordship. Let us see how they fare and how it affects our career or 10 th house significations in general.

Once that's done, you may strike gold, or you may get nothing. Either way, this is by no means the end. The next thing to do is make up some flyers - half the size of A4 (or Letter, for you Americans!) is perfect - there's enough space for your name (remember, you are selling yourself, so your name needs to be reasonably dominant), what you do (i.e. Children's Entertainer - initially this should be bigger than your name as your name won't mean anything), some catch phrases (i.e. balloon modelling, every child involved, fun for all, parties included etc.), your contact details (I wouldn't recommend your address for privacy issues) and then a little bit about yourself so that they know who to expect. There's absolutely no point in trying to come across as a 40yr old magician if you are actually 15, because as soon as you open the door, your client may have huge second thoughts. Honest is the best policy, and being young never affected me.
Tip! Mercury is a natural benefic and if Mercury is in the 10th house, the person has a successful career and a good reputation. The person has the capacity to earn plenty of wealth.

These flyers can then be put up in your local post office, youth groups, nurseries/kindergartens, primary schools and so forth. However, something that I found reasonably successful was door-to-door mailing, simply stuffing the flyer through the door of every door in my neighbourhood (having said that, it did rule out a career of a post man for me - lots of scraped hands going through the letter-box, scary dogs, and even an imitation dog barked at me!)

In this modern age, a website is a very good addition to your marketting repertoire. I can recommend RapidSites (www.rapidsites.co.uk) for a quick site, costing about £4/month (you'll need to buy your domain name though, which costs about $5 a year). This should contain more details about you and what you've done, ideally some quotes from happy families, what's in your repertoire, what types of show you can accomodate (i.e. children's, adults, cabaret, stage, close-up, full parties etc...)
Tip! Field of Science: Career information about photography is common in the field of science. The recording of scientific data and procedures is often done by a photographer.

At this stage you should be getting some shows, probably not many, but certainly enough to give you a confidence boost. Now comes the important stage of marketting. In my case, I did a show to 20 kids, who I actually thought of as 20 potential clients. This means they all have to love it, have a great time and equally important, return to their parents with my phone number! This doesn't mean you give a kid your business card, or your number on the back of a napkin! This means you make your own merchandise!! With a little imagination and the power of your computer and printer, you can come up with some reasonable give-aways. The classic is fake money with your signature and phone number/website/email address. What I liked to do was teach the kids linking paper clips, and provide paper clips for them all so they could take the note (with my number) and the paper clips to show Mummy & Daddy! Badges are also effective - just use your imagination.
Tip! If you're interested in working in the business side of music, then interning at a music company is the best way to both learn how the biz works and connect with those who can help move your career along.

One idea that I haven't actually seen elsewhere that I used was to write a very short, very easy magic book (well, more accurately, leaflet!) It simply consisted of about 5 very easy classic tricks that a 6yr old could perform to his/her family. Naturally the front page was a photo of me, my name and my phone number! I gave this to every child, who hopefully took it home in their party bag and tried a few of the tricks, before chucking it on their bookcase for their parents to notice every so often...

Word of mouth is by far the best way to get more shows - networking is a tool you will use throughout pretty much any career. Talk to the parents after the show, offer your services and ask if they have anything coming up - noting ventured, nothing gained.

With a bit of that kind of experience, you can see if you can get the interest of local venues, for example restaurants. Some places like to provide entertainment. Find a place that has live music (preferably not band music, quiet piano/singing or whatever) as that implies there is money in the entertainment business, and tell them what you can do. Take a pack of cards or whatever along and make sure you have a top notch 3-5 minute performance to show the managers. You could even offer to show some of the diners your magic so the managers can see their reaction to you. I was lucky enough to get a job throughout school on Sunday lunches for a couple of years in a local restaurant. In just the same way as at kids parties, I treated everyone, sometimes including the staff, as possible clients! Tricks with signing business cards are great as it leaves the diners with a gift that just happens to have your number on it! Through this I got more shows and more offers for "residency".
Tip! When Jupiter is in the 10th house, the person will enjoy a successful career and will know his purpose right from a very young age. His or her professional activities will succeed almost immediately, and there will be honor and fame.

At this stage A-level exams took over and magic became reserved for friends and family. However, this was a conscious decision that I made myself. From that point though, if I had decided to make it a career, I would have joined magic societies just to get advice from other magicians who have been where I was many years before. Make a promotional video of yourself, which you could even try to sell to TV channels if you are good enough, develop your website so it really sells you well, and perhaps most importantly, have fun! Enjoy what you are doing and people will enjoy watching you. If you get stuck doing 5 tricks for an afternoon every week, you'll easily get bored, so learn more tricks, vary your patter, try harder sleights and so on.

The world really is your oyster, and magic can be your magic carpet that takes you to places you could never go to! Alternatively, in my case, it could be a great thing to make you stand out and help in job interviews for a "real" job. What you do is up to you - magic is something you will never regret doing, just make sure you keep enjoying it, because as soon as it becomes a job, the magic is over!
Tip! Prepare to be versatile and to wear several hats initially, until your “brand” is established. Most musicians I know have had to cobble together several revenue streams in the early stages of their careers in order to make enough money to support themselves.

Good luck!

Remember to sign up for an account at Magic Hat for more articles and plenty of free magic tricks to compliment your repertoire. If you are after an easy website that will be finished in minutes to promote yourself, check out RapidSites. You can literally have your site up and running in five minutes with no technical knowledge needed!

Charting Your Acting Career

2007-12-03T21:11:00.002-08:00

Location! Location! Location! It is generally agreed in the business world that in order to succeed you must be in a good location (unless you're a mail order house, of course!) Simply put, the more visibility you have, the more your chances for success. How does this apply to an acting career, you might ask? Let me put it in prospective for you.

Vocation! Vocation! Vocation! Webster's Dictionary defines "vocation" as: a strong impulse or inclination to follow a particular activity or career versus their description of an "avocation": a minor or occasional occupation; a hobby. Now, assuming you are among those compelled to communicate through stage, television, motion pictures or radio you will want to think of your "vocation" as identifying your vision, creating a plan to implement that vision and, then, taking the necessary steps to activate your plan. If this approach doesn't appeal to you you're probably in the "avocation" category and this letter will be of little interest to you.

First and foremost, charting a course is essential not only to undertake your life's' work but as you travel down the path of life, in general. Since there in is no "one-size-fits-all" route either in life or vocation, different paths can get us to any one of several destinations and it is not impossible to stumble accidentally into a particular way of life or career. However, if you want the scales of opportunity tipped in your favor you may want to consider the old expression: "Luck is where preparation meets opportunity!"

With this issue we present a veritable smorgasbord of thoughts, marketing ideas, resources and miscellaneous inspirations to assist you in pulling together your plan to chart your career so that when the call comes, you'll be ready for the task. Sturdy foundations not only help build strong houses but also build careers that stand the test of time. In "ShowBiz" that translates into obtaining a realistic understanding of the business aspects as well as how best to employ the resources needed to generate a product that will be in demand…your talent!
Tip! Connect with as many people as you can because relationships drive music careers more that anything else, even talent. Music is a “who-you-know/who-knows-you” kind of business.

We believe that the preparation process includes: obtaining skills needed for connecting with actors, directors and producers; becoming an active listener (an old proverb states to "listen! or thy tongue will keep thee deaf!; the art of being able to clearly articulate your thoughts to others; self-management; personal discipline and, very importantly, the ability to sharpen your intuition which, like a compass, can point you toward the right direction and choices.

Have you ever heard someone say, regarding their business position in life….."I wish I'd have known that when I started out. Why didn't someone take the time to tell me?" Well, the secret is that there really are no secrets when it comes to finding success and fulfillment in your career and, inadvertently, in your personal life and relationships. Even armed with this basic knowledge you must understand that in this ever-changing world of ours….things are changing constantly! You must be flexible, open to new ideas and be willing to share your knowledge with others. That's just the law of life, folks!
Tip! This is just an example of some of the requirements that a good photographer should possess. Career information about photography will vary according to what type of photography interests you.

The bottom line here is that the possibilities in charting your goals is endless and infinite. The rest is really up to you. One of the famous motivational guru's of the 60's once said to a study group: "There are 10 simple words that can guide you through your lifespan. Each word is two letters long and easy to remember. I suggest you remember…

"IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME!

Preparation, Perseverance and Passion are the three "P's" that you, as an actor and a responsible human being, strive for as you attack your life plan. People only really become good at what they are passionate about so if you're passionate about becoming an actor and fit into the "Vocation" category I suggest you PLAN - to study your craft and become good at it; PLAN - to persevere when you're not getting parts and PLAN - to share your knowledge and learn from others who share the same passion.
Tip! Commercial and Industrial: Career information about photography includes professionals who specialize in commercial and industrial photography. These photographers take pictures of various subjects, such as buildings, models, merchandise, artifacts, and landscapes.

Fernando Rio, writer, producer & Key Howard professional actor with more than fifty years of experience. http://www.anactorslifeforme.com

Freelance Photography: How to Begin Your Career

2007-12-03T21:11:00.001-08:00

Photography is a vast world. There are many different types of photography and many different kinds of people that enjoy it. It's a hobby that be relatively inexpensive or one that you can invest a lot of money on. Photos are so special because they give us memories of times and places and events in our lives. We can hold onto these memories forever with a photograph.

As much as people love photos, many people love taking them even more. Whether it's a mother who takes photos at every of her children's moments in life (first smile, first step, first spaghetti meal) or maybe it's the father who never forgets his camera for a football or basketball game, or maybe it's the young girl who loves nature hikes with her camera; these people are not exceptions. They all have an eye for those special moments and they all appreciate the camera's ability to capture that moment and freeze it in time forever.

- What is Freelance Photography?

What if you love photography so much you wish you could do it for a living? I mean, you actually get paid for your photographs! But you work solely for yourself, selling each photo or series of photos individually. You don't have a boss. You work sometimes on assignment and you may sell to magazines. That is freelance photography.

Freelance photography may be your entire career or it may start out as something you do in your spare time but begin making money from it. It's just like freelance writing in this sense that many people turn it into a career and enjoy the freedom of working essentially for themselves on their own time and making money doing something they love doing anyway.
Tip! Ketu is also a malefic and is a profound energy of the unknown. Because malefics in upachaya houses produce good results, Ketu in the 10th gives excellent career success.

- How to Build a Portfolio

To start getting jobs as a freelance photographer, you need a portfolio. A portfolio will show samples of your work. Even if you have never had photographs published or publicly displayed, you can start a portfolio of your best work and then add onto it if you win photography contests or start receiving paid work.

- How to Get Jobs

As we mentioned, building a portfolio is the first step in submitting your work for pay but when it comes right down to it, it's the quality of the photo that will determine if you get paid for it. Some people have more of a natural talent for taking great pictures than others but it is a skill that anyone can learn. There are schools dedicated to the art of photography and you can even get a degree in it. If you are just getting started, you can look into classes provided by your local community center or community college. Some cities have photography groups that meet to share photos and tips. There are also many groups online dedicated to photography and freelance photography.
Tip! Rahu is a malefic but the 10th house is one of the finest placements for Rahu. The person is likely to have a powerful and renowned career.

You need to view as many famous photographs as possible. Take a look at what is getting published and compare it to your own photos. This allows you to compare and learn from other's work. It takes more than just point and shoot to get a great photo. You need to learn about focus, lighting, colors and backgrounds and much more.

Once you start learning about photography and creating a portfolio, you can start submitting your photos to contests and magazines. Get a list of photography markets and start submitting to ones that accept your type of photos. Don't expect to make it to the big times right away. Few people actually achieve this but you can start small and eventually make your way into a nice living from freelance photography.
Tip! A strong 10th house will give the person a position of power in career and fame.

Looking for information about Photography? Go to: http://www.asaphotography.com 'ASA Photography' is published by Colin Hartness - An excellent resource for Photography! Check out more Photography articles at: http://www.asaphotography.com/archive

Kickstart Your Music Career

2007-12-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

Unfair music monopoly

Because of the monopoly that exists in the Music Industry at the moment, new artists are, quite frankly, given a raw deal. Just think of the millions of talented singers, instrumentalists and bands out there who may never "make it" because they're not given a fair go. Every day, recording companies are receiving hundreds of demo CDs from would-be stars. It's a fact that many of them are thrown into the trash can without ever being heard! This is simply unfair to the talent who not only put their heart and soul into their music, but also their hard-earned cash.

Success is Possible!

One of the secrets is to create your own niche or style. You will need a good agent or manager who has contact with a reputable hard-working publicist. Most agents take a commission of between 10 and 20 percent. Managers tend to be more involved with your overall package, including organizing concerts and television performances. They will work on your overall image. Managers can take between 15 and 30 percent, depending on their contribution.

Always be Professional!

Your image, on stage and behind the scenes, must be impeccable at all times. A good attitude and demeanor can only be positive. Longevity in the entertainment industry, from my own personal experience, has a lot to do with a consistent positive approach, through good and bad times.

CDOrders Can Help You!

Owner of CDOrders.com, David Willis has made quite an impact on Australian EDUCATION and the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. An accomplished pianist, singer and actor, David owns the Gold Coast branch of the Australian Talent School, teaching professionals and amateurs of all ages the art of Singing and Presentation, whilst nurturing their passion for Music and Performance.

As a specialist Singing, Speech & Presentation Teacher for over 20 years, David is proud of his SUCCESS STORIES including Radio Announcers, Sporting Celebrities (e.g. top Australian jockey, Simon Marshall), numerous "YOUNG TALENT TIME" team members plus stars from the Musicals,including Dale Burridge ("Phantom of the Opera", "Les Miserables" and "The Rat Pack Is Back"). A lover of quality choral music, David was co-founder of the Australian Children's Choir. He has produced more than 30 Australian Cd albums.
Tip! Commercial and Industrial: Career information about photography includes professionals who specialize in commercial and industrial photography. These photographers take pictures of various subjects, such as buildings, models, merchandise, artifacts, and landscapes.

David and his team can help you kickstart your career by listing you on their TALENT BOARD. Get world-wide recognition today by logging onto...

http://www.cdorders.com

The Legendary Career of Barbra Streisand

2007-11-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

The legendary career of Barbra Streisand is well known around the globe. Paved with impressive achievements and memorable moments, Streisand became the first female actress to ever direct and star in a motion picture that was recognized with a Best Director nomination from the DGA (Director's Guild of America). The film, The Prince of Tides, was also honored with seven Academy Award nominations.

In 1963, Barbara Streisand released her first album, which was fittingly titled ‘The Barbra Streisand Album,' for which she received two Grammy Awards. At that time, she was the youngest artist to have ever received the Album of the Year award. As Barbra made her motion picture debut in 1968, her attempt paid off with an Academy Award for Best Actress, which would be the first of two Oscars for this outstanding performer.

The self-proclaimed "actress who sings," Barbra Streisand has repeatedly found herself at the top of the record charts and the box office. Her music success is marked with albums that have been certified as both gold and platinum. Her film roles have earned her undeniable success at the Academy Awards but, through it all, Barbra Streisand has remained dedicated to the causes that mean so much to her.

The Streisand Foundation, which is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, contributes to an array of causes every year. Among them, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, the Institute for America's Future, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the Center for Public Integrity and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Since it's inception in 1986, The Streisand Foundation has provided grants totaling nearly 15 million dollars to national organizations dedicated to bettering a number of important issues. In 1993, The Streisand Foundation noted that it would prioritize projects that were geared toward the economically disadvantaged youth in Los Angeles, California.
Tip! The significance of the 10th house takes us to the realm of career and status in life. It displays fundamental possibilities.

Because of her national fame and world-renowned recognition, Barbra Streisand is an icon. Both movie and music fans are always in search of memorabilia that depicts the likeness of their favorite celebrity. Everything from autographs to movie collectibles and concert memorabilia, Barbra Streisand is always a fan favorite. For additional information on her legendary career or any of the latest events, fans may visit her official website at http://www.BarbraStreisand.com. Autograph seekers may send their request, along with a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to:

Barbra Streisand c/o Martin Erlichman Associates, Inc. 5670 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2400 Los Angeles, CA 90036

Bob writes for FanFrenzyZone.com and EZTicketSearch.com. Where you can purchase Barbra Streisand Tickets or Barbra Streisand Tickets

Music Career Success: 5 Ways to Thrive as a Musician Today

2007-11-03T21:08:00.001-07:00

Music is too big a world for a one-size-fits-all model of music career success. Musicians' career paths are as unique as their individual finger prints. Nevertheless, there are a few guidelines that I believe apply to anyone trying to make a living career out of their love of music. Here are five:

1. Hone your talent and realize there is a place for you. Not everyone is a Quincy Jones, a Beatles, or a Bruce Springsteen, but if an artist like Tom Waits is a vocalist, then there is definitely room for you too. Do the work necessary to excel in your niche, whether it's writing a chart, engineering a session, providing backup vocals, or teaching kids the basics of music.

Your goal, to use marketing lingo, is to "position" yourself in your "market" as the go-to person for that particular skill or talent. Don't worry too much about industry rejection. Every record label in Britain initially passed on the Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The key is believing in yourself and persevering beyond others' opinions (even those of "the industry").

2. Connect with as many people as you can because relationships drive music careers more that anything else, even talent. Music is a "who-you-know/who-knows-you" kind of business. The quality and quantity of your relationships will be the primary engines of your progress. Try developing creative projects with fellow-musicians. Perhaps you can combine your live show with two other acts and present the package to a local promoter. There is strength in numbers. Finding the right combinations takes experimentation.
Tip! Rahu is a malefic but the 10th house is one of the finest placements for Rahu. The person is likely to have a powerful and renowned career.

If you're interested in working in the business side of music, then interning at a music company is the best way to both learn how the biz works and connect with those who can help move your career along.

3. Accept the new powers in your corner and take responsibility for creating your own success.The last twenty years has given you the means to both produce and distribute your own music on a global scale. New models of business are emerging in the world of music. A "record deal" is not necessarily the goal any longer. The Internet has clearly become your "open mic" to the world, and desktop technologies provide you with ways to have the look, reach and efficiency of larger companies. Dare to be different.
Tip! A strong 10th house will give the person a position of power in career and fame.

Remember, new power also means new responsibilities. Global reach means a potentially far-flung audience. You need to be ready for the incoming messages and questions from this new market. Have you created the best business structures to hold and express your work? Are you setting up effective systems to communicate with your audience? It's up to you to create your own success and not merely rely on a record company or agent to do the work of making you visible in the marketplace.

4. Understand that every business is becoming a "music business" and so musical opportunities are multiplying. It took a coffee company and a computer manufacturer to teach the music industry how to sell music in the digital age! Non-music businesses everywhere are seeking creative ways to add music-related services to their mix. This means that you needn't be dependent on the traditional "music industrial complex" for music career success.
Tip! Mercury is a natural benefic and if Mercury is in the 10th house, the person has a successful career and a good reputation. The person has the capacity to earn plenty of wealth.

Think of companies you already resonate with and try brainstorming ways you can link up. Start on a local scale. It might be a gift shop, bookstore or arts organization. It may even evolve into a full-fledged sponsorship for a tour or recording project. Finds ways to add value to what these businesses are doing with what you have to offer. Forging creative alliances is key to building a multi-dimensional music career.

5. Prepare to be versatile and to wear several hats initially, until your "brand" is established. Most musicians I know have had to cobble together several revenue streams in the early stages of their careers in order to make enough money to support themselves. Many have also had to take on a non-music "lifeline careers" just to make ends meet, pay down debt, or supplement what they earn from music.
Tip! Field of Science: Career information about photography is common in the field of science. The recording of scientific data and procedures is often done by a photographer.

I tell musicians to not so much look for "a job," but to seek out the work that needs to be done. It might be arranging a song, playing a wedding gig, helping organize a concert series, doing a jingle session, offering private music instruction, or writing a review of your favorite band's new CD. Eventually, all the different experiences merge together into the roaring river that will be your music career. At that point you'll be visible, in demand and able to name your price. And that's career success.

Peter Spellman is Director of Career Development at Berklee College of Music, Boston, and author of the new book, Indie Marketing Power: The Guide for Maximizing Your Music Marketing

Your Singing Career

2007-11-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

As artist demos pile up on the floors of A&R directors offices and on the tables and window ledges of music industry pros offices alike, one thing you can be sure of, the vast majority will never be heard, will be overlooked because of unprofessional marketing and packaging and likely not have the "It" factor that so many managers, booking agents and music execs everywhere wish to discover. You've heard the phrase, "Man that band has It." The "It" is what sells and finding "It" for many groups or singers is not always easy.

Where are you looking to go in your singing career? Are you serious, just starting to think about it, or are you weary from the never endless promises with little to show in return. In the next few minutes, let's take a look at some key factors that you might try to incorporate into your singing career and maybe, just maybe you can take it one step closer to your singing goals, artist record deal or wherever your dreams are wanting to take you.

As we get started here, just know that many will try to convince you or try to sell you on some idea or book that they want you to buy that will herald all of the "inside secrets" to the music business - I will not. I learned a number of years ago as a talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency that you can plan, plan and plan again and then still not get the deal even with considerable backing and influence. What I can do is offer some workable game plans and advice that you can incorporate into your career.

In your desired singing career path always start with attitude. I know a very prominent artist manager whose motto is "Attitude is everything." If you've got a great attitude everything else will fall into place. You know how many singers and session singers I've met through the years who have a lack luster attitude and then wonder why they're not called in for studio work even though they have an incredible wealth of singing experience and talent? - Too many to mention. Take an attitude inventory and ask yourself, "Do I come across as a know-it-all, or am I edgy or do I exude confidence with a flexible singing style? You get the picture.
Tip! Commercial and Industrial: Career information about photography includes professionals who specialize in commercial and industrial photography. These photographers take pictures of various subjects, such as buildings, models, merchandise, artifacts, and landscapes.

Next, take an honest look at your talent and abilities. Is your desire to sing springing forth from only a dream, or do you have credible talent to back it up. Be honest now - Mom and dad telling you how wonderful you are isn't going to get it if you aren't in fact talented. This is often the most difficult step for most singers and musicians. Do I have the ability, determination and talent to drive this dream of mine, or am I living in a fantasy world? Do some soul searching, but don't confuse the "no's" of the industry to whether you have talent or not. Oftentimes, singers with incredible gifts and abilities get the cold shoulder from industry insiders, so be careful in your evaluation.
Tip! David and his team can help you kickstart your career by listing you on their TALENT BOARD. Get world-wide recognition today by logging onto.

Another thing to consider is your singing style. Are you singing the style of the real you, or a forced style because you like the style, but you either can't pull it off, or it's just plain not you. You can almost immediately tell when an individual or band is playing a style that is not in the musical scope of who they are - And the truth is, most everyone else can tell it to. Don't be afraid to broaden your musical horizons, just be true to who you are.
Tip! The significance of the 10th house takes us to the realm of career and status in life. It displays fundamental possibilities.

What are you currently doing to further your career? Are you thinking inside the box or out when you are looking at promoting your singing skills or band? Although for a band or solo act the artist showcase, with hopefully a room filled with eager industry pros, is your ultimate goal when looking to get signed, but getting there doesn't have to be? Don't get bogged down with the "This is how everyone does it approach". Instead, look at ideas and concepts that are creative that can get you to your goal. Have you thought of writing spots or commercials for DJ's or radio personalities in your local area that might take a liking to your music that you created for their show just for them for free? There are a number of ideas like this that can go a long ways to further your career. Besides that, it's great exposure and bio info.
Tip! Connect with as many people as you can because relationships drive music careers more that anything else, even talent. Music is a “who-you-know/who-knows-you” kind of business.

As a session singer or background vocal singer, what are you doing to break in? Are you submitting CDs or mp3's that are pretty good, or are you sending out incredible, I've already arrived on the scene sounding demos? Send out only what would be considered a great sounding demo - one that makes your socks roll up and down. What ever you do, that demo ought to produce the word wow!

What does your marketing look like? Are your pictures, bios and press kits looking top notch or do they look like someone from the band half hazardly put something together? Image is everything in this business. Do you have a website? You ought to and it ought to include a number of pages including bio, pictures, sample mp3's for broadband and 56K connections, as well as contact and booking info along with your calendar of events. You will want to consider a logo to be used on absolutely everything. A logo sets the tone for who you are and should be rememberable. More of this type of information can be found at ReelMusician.com. For that matter there are a multitude of articles on booking, management, etc that can be found as well at ReelMusician.com along with free downloadable e-books. Many of these articles go a lot further in depth in those specific areas and so many of you who are reading, being significantly further in your career and knowledge can really benefit from the information.
Tip! When Jupiter is in the 10th house, the person will enjoy a successful career and will know his purpose right from a very young age. His or her professional activities will succeed almost immediately, and there will be honor and fame.

Don't bother going to find a manager, booking agent or any other music industry pro until you have your act together. Make sure that you know yourself, your music, your press kits and logos and are comfortable with the whole package, because that's what you are ultimately selling. Be certain of your stage image. Again, don't let everyone else who has gone before you and is currently on the top 40 charts dictate your image. The image ought to fit who you are and both you and the audience better be comfortable with it and consider it authentically you.

In short, take the time, investigate who you are, where you want to go, make a career blueprint and follow your dreams.

Mr. Gauger is a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency and has been heard on numerous TV and radio spots including Fox TV, UPN Station ID, O'Charley's and many others. In addition, he co-wrote "Who To Love" slotted for upcoming telecast on the soap The Guiding Light. Mr. Gauger is the founder of http://www.reelmusician.com and can be contacted through this organization at tgauger@reelmusician.com or 615-300-5030.

Crafting An Acting Career

2007-11-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

You've been bitten by the acting bug, and there is apparently no cure. Nothing else seems to matter to you other than seeing your name on the marquee/conquering Broadway/making it onto a TV series.

Okay, since we've established the goal, here's several things I've learned in my years in the business that may help you to avoid the traps many beginning actors fall prey to.

The acting business is notorious for one trap - dependence on the luck of being in the right place at the right time, and serendipity does play a role. But invariably I know that planning and preparation of your individual ingredients or qualities and knowing how you come across as a performer avoids the trap of hoping that providence will take over your fears and doubts and assure your success.

In my book "The Actor's Menu" I encourage actors to examine the character ingredients they bring to the table, instead of trying to fit someone else's idea of how the role should be presented.

You bring the unique blend of experience and life that is you, and that will be ultimately more real, more affecting and more alive that any impersonal performance.

Get involved as much as you can in live performing to discover how your character ingredients come across to others. From even the smallest performance in class to a paid gig, you'll learn things about your acting that you'll get in no other place. Nothing beats feedback. You'll need to develop a thick skin, and learn who's opinions truly reflect your effectiveness, but once you've identified your reliable advisors, humble yourself and listen, and thus avoid careening down a path to obscurity that you might have otherwise taken.
Tip! This is just an example of some of the requirements that a good photographer should possess. Career information about photography will vary according to what type of photography interests you.

Once you've found an acting class or teacher who challenges you, stick with them awhile. It takes a little time to bring out the genius lurking inside you. Ask them to help you identify acting problems, and keep you accountable resolving these.

I've seen many hundreds of people much more innately talented than many who succeed, but who lacked the skill to understand who they were, how they affected others and the persistence to get to where they wanted to go.

Acting is taking a risk. Aside from risking in front of casting people, a huge risk is discovering and presenting your unique character ingredients in front of others wanting to hear how you affected them.

Bill Howey is a veteran Acting teacher and director, having tutored a range of stars including his own son Steve Howey, currently starring on "Reba" on the WB. Bill teaches a workshop in Denver and is the author of the must-read new book The Actor's Menu Bill can be reached at billhowey@actorsmenu.com

Learn a Musical Instrument, Prepare for a Career

2007-10-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

Invisible Career-Path Available Only to Musicians

For a skilled musician, there is an additional career path that is invisible to the non-musician. This is an additional benefit beyond the pleasure of playing music, the attention it brings, and the better academic performance than students who do not learn to play a musical instrument. It is a broad range of extra career opportunities that non-musicians never even consider.

But if you're a musician, you can apply. Let's take a look at these careers that are available only to musicians

Education: Are you a musician who has also studied education? If so, there are numerous music education opportunities that may interest you:

§ Music educator at a college, conservatory, university

§ Music teacher at secondary or elementary school

§ Private music instructor

§ Music supervisor

§ Choir director

Therapy: Are you a musician who has also studied psychiatry? You can practice the trade of music therapy in a wide array of settings. Some of the sources of employment for music therapists are the following:

§ Schools

§ Universities

§ Nursing Homes

§ Mental health clinics

§ Correctional Facilities

§ Private practice

Business: Ever wonder what it takes to work in business management? Besides business smarts, an ability to talk the language of music will take you places the non-musican cannot go:

§ Artist Manager or Agent

§ Talent Agent

§ Concert Promoter

§ Independent Radio Promoter

§ Music Business Entrepreneur

§ Music Business Consultant

§ Record Company Executive

§ Music Publisher

§ Tour Coordinator

Performance: Actors are more highly valued if they have a musical education. Today, with so few actors multi-skilled as they were in the era of the large studios, this can be a real advantage. Below are some of the jobs for which an actor who is also a musician may "incidentally" be qualified.

§ Performing artist

§ Soloist, instrumental or vocal

§ Studio musician

§ Background vocalist

§ Theatre musician

§ Accompanist

§ Church musician

§ Product demonstrator for instrument manufacturer

Movies / Video Games: If you study movies or video game production, a background as a musician will help you prepare for music-related jobs such as the following:

§ Conductor

§ Music Composer

§ Music Editor

§ Music Supervisor (to scout for music)

§ Arranger (to determine the mix of song elements per the conductor or producer's specifications)

§ Sound designer (of effects to accompany music score)

§ Jingle writer / composer

From education to video games, there are careers available for those who happen to have a background in music which the rest of us never see. Each of these fields requires time and study for proficiency, but they represent a career path that is nonexistent for non-musicians.
Tip! One last thing - Career information about photography should include the fact that a lot of photographers spend a small amount of time actually taking pictures because they spend a lot of time editing photographs on a computer and trying to find new business especially when they are self-employed.

Sure, you already knew that playing music could improve your quality of life. Now you know it can improve the quality of your career.

Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music books and music educational materials such as DVD's, CD's, musical games for kids, chord charts, musical software, and piano lesson instructional courses for adults. His book-CD-DVD course titled http://www.pianoplaying.com/ "How To Dress Up Naked Music On The Piano!" is used all around the world to teach improvisation and music arranging skills. He holds advanced degrees from Southern Oregon University and was the founder of Keyboard Workshop in Southern Oregon. He is the author of the popular free 101-week online e-mail newsletter titled http://www.playpiano.com/ "Amazing Secrets Of Exciting Piano Chords & Sizzling Chord Progressions" with over 70,000 current subscribers. Assisted by Phil Honstein.

Mallika Sherawat- Marriage Failure, Career Successful

2007-10-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Mallika Sherawat is considered to be a youth icon in the Indian film industry. She has tremendous popularity as far as her looks are concerned. But acting is something which is not the first criterion to be a good female actor in India. They are mainly in the movies for ornamental purposes- to attract young people who form the major chunk of cinema-goers.

Mallika Sherawat hails from Rohtak, India. She was an air-hostess initially. Many people do not know that she was married to a pilot but the marriage did not work out and they separated. Mallika Sherawat then tried her hand in show business and she achieved overnight success with her film Murder. Her success is mainly attributed to her bold scenes which are not usually seen in Indian movies. After some of her initial movies most of the films have proven to be below average. Even her much talked about film ‘Myth' with Jacky Chan has fallen flat. If Mallika has to stay in the film industry she will have to give quality to cinema.

For Mallika Sherawat success and money comes easy which will be a dream for many people. This is probably the reason why her parents who were against her defiant attitude regarding her show of skin, later reconciled with her and are reportedly living with her.

Mallika Sherawat's success has initiated a new era in Indian film industry. Actors who used to shy from showing their skin have now shed their hesitation and now competing with Mallika Sherawat. Celina Jaitly, Neha Dhupia, Esha Deol and many more like them are examples of such actors who have adopted the formula of Mallika Sherawat to make it to the top in Bollywood.

Many people feel that Mallika Sherawat is arrogant and egotist. She loves to talk about herself and her success. According to her, half the Indian population is mad about her. During an interview, she even challenged a senior news anchor of a reputed news channel that he likes her. Mallika probably has a very physical perspective of the people in general and that is how she has learned to exploit the desires of sexually deprived Indian men.
Tip! Prepare to be versatile and to wear several hats initially, until your “brand” is established. Most musicians I know have had to cobble together several revenue streams in the early stages of their careers in order to make enough money to support themselves.

Mallika Sherawat has made name and money very easily... (relatively) just with her hot looks. Not everybody is gifted with such an attractive body. Quick success is something which is difficult to achieve and even more difficult to maintain. Let's see in future how she manages to continue to be a successful star of Bollywood.

The author loves to write articles and blogs on the internet about Money Making Ideas and successful people like Mallika Sherawat. Find more info about her here =>http://mallika-sherawat.blogdrive.com

Astrology and Career

2007-10-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

The Katha-Upanishad refers to material manifestation as:

"A tree standing on the ground of material nature, bearing two types of fruit: sweet and sour, symbolic of happiness and distress. Its roots go in three direction represented by goodness, passion and ignorance. The first bird is the localized aspect of the Supreme One, referred to as Päramätmä the divine spirit, the Entity who needs neither food nor drink. The other bird representing the mortal, has to select his food from the offerings of the tree: a choice between distress and happiness. Sometimes he eats the fruits of happiness and sometimes the fruit of distress. Having eaten the fruit, he expands along the three directions of the roots, the modes of material existence, namely, goodness, passion and ignorance."

This individual growth is what makes two mortals dissimilar. Growth is strongly connected with past karma and guidance upbringing. The realities of life have different meanings for each individual. Why does a stable and rewarding professional relationship become distant? Why does the accommodating boss turn into a difficult task master? Why does the team lose spirit for no apparent reason?

There is no end to such questions, but all the answers can be found if the map of growth can be analyzed. Unfortunately, this is an impossible task for mortals. However, this growth can be monitored by our own efforts and choices and Astrology can be the guide that shows us our very basic instinctive tendencies. Planets and their positions give our respective Ascendants and Moon signs, along with other planetary positions. This doctrine can be a very useful friend philosopher and guide, provided we are open to accept what it shows, provided we are ready to go beyond the predictive elements.
Tip! Ketu is also a malefic and is a profound energy of the unknown. Because malefics in upachaya houses produce good results, Ketu in the 10th gives excellent career success.

The most important aspect of Astrology is that it shows you the mirror image of your Karmic journey. What one has to understand is that there is no black and white, no good or bad in a horoscope. Each horoscope has good AND bad, each horoscope is misaligned somewhere, which is why the person is born.

The significance of the 10th house takes us to the realm of career and status in life. It displays fundamental possibilities. The 10th is a Kendra and as such, any planet located here will be prominent, powerful, and influential all through life. As this is an upachaya house (attributes that grow with time and effort), any possibility indicated by an occupying planet will grow in strength as life progresses. This in effect also gives great strength in overcoming all kinds of obstacles.

The house indicates our ambition, status, profession, father, fame, recognition, foreign travels or affairs, political power, authority and many others. But very importantly, it signifies our determination, self-reliance and patience. The 10th house reveals holy pilgrimages, as well as good and charitable deeds, compassion, etc. Father's reputation is also signified by this house.
Tip! When we consider the career aspect, it is not only just one or two houses that can be analyzed for a perfect picture. Career is connected with finance, vocation and ultimately, gains and self- satisfaction.

A strong 10th house will give the person a position of power in career and fame.

Different planets may fare in a very unique manner in this house, irrespective of their lordship. Let us see how they fare and how it affects our career or 10 th house significations in general.

I will start with the Sun, as it is the most important of all planets.

The Sun is a great planet, but it is a natural malefic. All malefics thrive in an ‘upachaya' house so by the virtue of this tendency, Sun does well when located in the 10th house. Sun in the 10th house is an excellent placement for career and the person may get success in all undertakings. The Sun is the significator of the 10th and hence gets dik bala, or directional strength, when located here.

Astrologers often conclude that it is its best position in the horoscope. The person is career-minded and easily rises to a position of authority in his chosen profession. Fame and popularity are associated with this signature and these yield great power. As Sun aspects the 4th house, there may be difficulties in relationship with the mother due to this, but wealth is favored and a beneficial relationship with the father, who may be wealthy and prosperous, is also indicated.
Tip! Prepare to be versatile and to wear several hats initially, until your “brand” is established. Most musicians I know have had to cobble together several revenue streams in the early stages of their careers in order to make enough money to support themselves.

Moon is a neutral planet but it is a benefic planet as well. Its location and aspect produce calming and soothing effect always. When Moon is located in the 10th house, career matters are highly enhanced. If the waxing Moon is in the 10th house, the person is very fortunate as the significations of both the Moon and the 10th house flourish. The person is sure to enjoy fame and success from a very young age. Associations with the mother and females are greatly favored. When Moon is thus posited in a man's horoscope, married life is smooth and enjoyable. Wherever the Moon is placed in a horoscope, it becomes an area of great interest and vitality. So the Moon's location in the 10th house induces the person to love his/ her profession and to be sincere and diligent in efforts. The aspect of a bright Moon on the 4th house brightens the entire horoscope. Education, mother, happiness, fixed assets, and conveyances are all favored. The person is kind and warmhearted.
Tip! A strong 10th house will give the person a position of power in career and fame.

Mars is natural malefic like the Sun and Saturn. The 10th house is one of the few houses that utilize this fiery energy of Mars to good effect. Mars gets dik bala or directional strength in the 10 th , often making this its best placement in the horoscope. The person is efficient and enjoys success and achievement all through life. The person is highly ambitious and may wish to be a ruler of some sort. Mars' aspect on the 4th house may indicate ups and downs in relationship with mother and some amount of unrest in the domestic scenario. But overall, this is a fine location for Mars and makes the person ‘a go getter' in his/ her profession.

Mercury is a natural benefic and if Mercury is in the 10th house, the person has a successful career and a good reputation. The person has the capacity to earn plenty of wealth. It is necessary to consider the aspects to Mercury - alone and un-aspected in the 10 th . If this is true, it can indicate great intellect and involvement in a career connected with communications. Mercury rules commerce and trade, so this placement can mean a very successful person in business. Mercury's aspect on the 4th house indicates a fine education and happiness at home. The person also enjoys fine conveyances and all kinds of comforts and luxuries; a good relationship with mother and benefits from her are well indicated as well.
Tip! Most music fans know that when The Beatles performed on the Ed Sullivan show it became one of the biggest events in rock and roll history. But when The Beatles started out they didn't seem to know much about planning a music career.

When Jupiter is in the 10th house, the person will enjoy a successful career and will know his purpose right from a very young age. His or her professional activities will succeed almost immediately, and there will be honor and fame. The person may also choose a career, which greatly benefits the public. He or she will especially be attracted to work involving higher knowledge.

Jupiter's aspect on the 4th house makes the person happy and content, gain of wealth is easy while fine conveyances and all kinds of comforts and luxuries are sure factors. Relationships with his mother benefits from her are well indicated. Gain from government or authority figures are also a strong possibility.
Tip! Connect with as many people as you can because relationships drive music careers more that anything else, even talent. Music is a “who-you-know/who-knows-you” kind of business.

Jupiter is known as the great benefic and even when it is the lord of inauspicious houses, its location and aspect produce some good somewhere; just as there is some unfavorable hidden in Saturn's blessings. Venus is a natural benefic and like the Moon, it has its wonderful attributes. Its energy is beautiful and its placement in the 10th house makes the person bring joy and happiness to the public and all his or her associates.

This is one of the most common placements of successful actors, artists, musicians, and performers. It is also found in the horoscopes of people who make their living selling jewelry, photography, cosmetics, sweets, arts and crafts, fine cars, and other such luxuries. The person enjoys great popularity and has a natural flair for making wealth. The person is lucky in life and makes many lucky contacts with people through his/ her profession. The person is happy and content, as Venus is powerful and prominent in this Kendra, throwing its benefic aspect onto the 4th house. The person gains great wealth and enjoys fine cars and conveyances. Happy relationship with mother as well as benefits from women is highly indicated by this placement.
Tip! Mercury is a natural benefic and if Mercury is in the 10th house, the person has a successful career and a good reputation. The person has the capacity to earn plenty of wealth.

Saturn is a natural malefic and is greatly feared by most. When Saturn is in the 10th house, the person normally possesses great ambition, leadership ability and power. However, Saturn in any kendra gives major ups and downs in life and therefore, career successes may fluctuate. The benefits of this malefic's location in the 10th house has its benefits too, though. Saturn in the 10th gives the tendency of leadership and a highly disciplined approach to one's profession. However, the rest of the horoscope should be analyzed to confirm whether a leadership position is likely or not. Otherwise, the person's work may be connected with construction, mining, or any career involving manual labor, like steel, iron, coal, etc. Saturn's aspect on the 4th house is not good and may affect relationships with mother and also cause domestic unrest.
Tip! The significance of the 10th house takes us to the realm of career and status in life. It displays fundamental possibilities.

Rahu is a malefic but the 10th house is one of the finest placements for Rahu. The person is likely to have a powerful and renowned career. Career will flourish most if the person is connected with the masses. Influencing the masses or selling to the public is the key note of this location. As Rahu essentially generates ambition, the person may live with insatiable career ambitions, changing career many times. If other signatures of the horoscope are harmonious, the person's work and effort greatly benefit society. The person will easily reach a position of authority. Money power comes early in life and may help support parents. Ancient Hindu scriptures declare that the person will prefer the company of persons of a different religious background. Association with unconventional and low class people - especially women, are one of the pit falls of this signature.

Ketu is also a malefic and is a profound energy of the unknown. Because malefics in upachaya houses produce good results, Ketu in the 10th gives excellent career success. But generally career is out of the ordinary. The sign placement is also very important as Ketu may cause problems if it is in an inimical sign (i.e., a sign ruled by one of the luminaries or a sign which is unfriendly. In such a case, the person could experience strange difficulties in career. The most common of the troubles caused by Ketu is enmity from unknown and behind-the-scene activities against the person in terms of his/ her career. This can become very troublesome in the career path as well as the person's general success and happiness.
Tip! One last thing - Career information about photography should include the fact that a lot of photographers spend a small amount of time actually taking pictures because they spend a lot of time editing photographs on a computer and trying to find new business especially when they are self-employed.

When considering matters related to the 10th house, one must never forget that success relates to the status the person is born with. A very good 10th house in a pauper's horoscope may not mean that he/ she will attain royal status - it indicates a status that is better than that of a pauper. But with malefic or Martian attributes, the person may even turn dictator and overthrow the government.

There are some subtle significances that must also be understood before any conclusive significance to this house can be attached . The religious philosophy of a man is dharma and dharma without any significance or connection to karma is empty. It brings the focus to the core, which is good or evil. The 9th house essentially signifies the religious philosophy of the mortal that sustains through the terrestrial journey. The 10th house astrologically suggests the fruition of the 9th house. Dharma must set a certain Karma without which it would be an empty profession, devoid of any significance. It is for this reason that we find planet connections between the 9th, 10th or Ascendant. The 9th and 10th create Raj jog. They are connections that can turn a pauper into a king or a skeptic into a great guru.
Tip! Commercial and Industrial: Career information about photography includes professionals who specialize in commercial and industrial photography. These photographers take pictures of various subjects, such as buildings, models, merchandise, artifacts, and landscapes.

When we consider the career aspect, it is not only just one or two houses that can be analyzed for a perfect picture. Career is connected with finance, vocation and ultimately, gains and self- satisfaction. If we just consider the 10th house for career, or the 6th house for service, or the 11th house for gains, or the 2nd house for conserved wealth, the analysis will remain half-hearted and incomplete. All the four have to be considered together and analyzed for just how well they are adjusted with each other's planetary energies. Then alone will the true essence emerge!

Madhushri completed her early schooling at the Shri Aurobindo Ashram at Pondicherry. Having grown up in an environment of literature, music and spirituality she proceeded to complete her Masters in Comparative Literature from the Jadavpur University after completing graduation studies in the same course of the University. In addition, Madhushri also hold a Masters degree in Music from the Rabindra Bharati University.
Tip! If you're interested in working in the business side of music, then interning at a music company is the best way to both learn how the biz works and connect with those who can help move your career along.

Given her deep interests in mythology, literature and spirituality, the move to Vedic Astrology was a natural extension. Being an intuitive reader of Natal Chart, she brings a successful blend of astrology and spiritual skill-sets into all her readings and counseling's. A natural flair for expressing complex and difficult matters makes her a prolific creator of most of the content on CyberAstro website since 2001. Madhushri has a large following for the accuracy of her daily, weekly and monthly zodiac predictions.