It is essential that an artist understands how to utilize their business skills. A valuable tool to success is lost when this is overlooked.

Below are 7 tips to implement into your acting career.

1. First and foremost identify your market- Who you are and what you are selling must be clearly defined.

2. Understand your uniqueness- although there are thousands of actors competing for roles, there is only one you. You can chart out a career you want by utilizing your creative choices. It all starts from within.

3. Knowledge is power. Know the people that are position to help your career. Do the research. Nothing is more impressive to an interviewer than preparation. Have a clear vision of what you want and target the people that fit best with who you are.

4. Ultimately Hollywood is about packaging and marketing. Until you have a team that is doing it for you it’s important to do it yourself. This is the language that Hollywood speaks.

5. Map out a 3 year, 5 year, and 10 year evaluation. This is not to judge your path to success, but rather, a guidepost. Commit to a plan and stick with it.

6. Social media skills. The world of technology has changed the way Hollywood does business. Actors now have a platform to showcase themselves. Be familiar with each of the Social Media sites (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Etc.) There is tremendous opportunity when used correctly. Agencies and Casting Agencies have departments that are seeking new talent on these sites.

7. Networking. Never underestimate the power of relationship. The more people you know the greater chance of finding out about future projects. People want to help others and that creates opportunities.

These are just a few of the business tips that an actor should consider to further his/her acting career. One of the most difficult things an artist must deal with is integrating a business a plan. But until the team working for you is lined up, it’s important to do it yourself. Rather than looking at it as drudgery it can be embraced as a creative tool streamlined into a package of how you want the business to perceive you. Because as I mentioned earlier, it starts within as your vision.