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Solving the Freelance Dilemma by Teri Cundall
Teri Cundall in front of one of the many wings of her business, a tour of various N. Cal film/video companies called the 'Dog and Pony Show'. photo: Alan Zucker
Attention all lone wolves: Put your big gurrrl paws on!
Sometimes production people are referred to as “Lone wolves.” Yep. That’s me, freelance, just howlin’ at the moon. You too?
As much as I love making my own schedule or taking time off whenever I choose, I’m often missing the team.
On set, that desire is replenished completely: I enjoy the camaraderie, focusing on a common goal, each one of us an expert, a vital part of the bigger picture. [wink]
But back at my desk… well, that ‘s a different story.
The multicolored aspects of running a creative business collide on my messy desk , each braying for attention , threatening to withhold income if they don’t get attended to—now!
This seems to be my process: A) Analyzation, B) Procrastination, C) Paralysis. [sigh]
Some fixes are simple:
1. Hire a bookkeeper
2. Clear clutter on a Saturday
3. Maximize the trickology you currently use: new hard drives, upgrade software , etc.
But the one place where I can fall down is marketing. You may find that astonishing, as I’m frequently putting out materials on behalf of my Propville clients, but I almost never market my wardrobe services, which was my primary focus before Propville launched in 2000.
So I understand.
There’s nothing below that you likely don’t already know , but remember this : we all have vulnerabilities, we all get scared and most of us never talk about It . Doing one or two of these small disciplines will move mountains, mining confidence and refreshing engagement in your work .
Disher Music, one of the 'Dog and Pony Show' stops (lf-rt): Betsy Dee, Teri Cundall, Tom Disher, Elaine Clark. photo: Rhonda Roman
Here are a few practices to ponder (and perhaps even implement) to strengthen your marketing muscle . Choose the best tool for the job at hand.
Note: Don’t choose tools that you hate to use. You’ll be miserable and that will be intuitively clear to everyone you come in contact with.
Work those biceps: Pick up the phone
Because we’re now conditioned to think of social media as "friends," personal business practices are even more valuable. Handwritten birthday card or animated web card?
No slight to those digital deliveries, they have their place , but if you want to cultivate attention , you are the best delivery vehicle for your message . Just and breathe , then say “hello.”
Here’s a TedTalk™ that will help your body, so that your mind will have the support it needs to pick up that very heavy phone .
Update your Linked In profile
Unless you’re off the grid, living in Ted Kazinsky’s cabin, you may as well, although please pay special attention to your privacy settings. You do have some control over this.
One useful tool is “recommendations.” Think of it as rekindling an old flame. Reach out to a past client or teammate, ask them for a few words about working with you. It’s completely appropriate, and even appreciated to ask them to highlight a specific trait or skill as it applied to your work with them .
'Dog and Pony Show' bus with too many too mention, Teri, seated center. photo: courtesy Ellis Au
They will remember the good stuff and THAT ONE REQUEST will move you to the front of their lobe, perhaps inline for their next project . As an added bonus [no, not kitchen knives] , you will have a tasty testimonial tidbit to use on your: A) Website, B) Blog, C) Facebook.
Date night with your business
Take it out for a nice meal or an educational seminar…. Go somewhere! I don’t know why it’s so hard to leave my desk, feels like “working” I guess. But when I remember to remember that it’s a relationship business out there , then I know , again , that I can’t do it alone.
Go to the party ! Invite a producer to dinner or reach out to a respected veteran production alum for insight and opinion. Note: if YOU invite them, it’s your treat. If I invite you, it’s my treat… would you like to have coffee?
Have a sleepover with your business
The extended version of the above…. conferences. [wince]
Never in a billion years did I ever think I’d write that, but here’s the skinny: Once you get over slapping on the name tag, the combined energy that comes from willing creatives, all breathing focused attention for a weekend or few days, well, it may be the best drug out there.
In fact, it is the only known antidote for LWS (Lone Wolf Syndrome). How does it work? Well, A) Community (shared purpose) creates B) Understanding, which inspires C) Feedback, thereby generating D) Future potential (new friends, new opportunities).
Mind your manners
Remember to say Thank you. Acknowledge the successes of your team, your crew , your interns . I operate on the premise that everyone wants the same basic things; to be heard and to be loved. When we do that for each other , we create a receptive stage for real creativity and collaboration. Yummy !
It IS all about you!
In fact, the only ones we can really change is us. Hence my personal favorite, “Seek never-ending and constant self-improvement self-relationship.” Not freakishly perfectionistic, mind you, but honestly holding space for curiosity, for new appreciations of your gift and for new ways to share your talent, enthusiasm and expertise in production.
For all the tips and advice out there, the only ones that really work are the ones we use. So A) Pick you your bow, B) Pluck an arrow from your quiver and C) Pull back the bow string and D) Fire.
You know the truism: “Luck is when opportunity and preparation get married.”