Welcome to a brand new month. February marks month two for Swollen Thumb Entertainment, and I couldn’t be more excited. In this month, we will continue to explore the concepts behind starting a career in the entertainment or artistic field. However, we will start to branch off, and start discussing various aspects of the Entertainment Industry.
The idea here is that we can have some thoughtful discussion on the pros and cons of the industry, so that we can address how to create an alternative source that is better than what is currently available. I hope that you will join me in this discussion, and I look forward to more of the intelligent responses that I have come to expect from our readers.
But for now, let’s continue where we left off…
Who? What? Where? When? How? Why? The Expression Is Memorable For A Reason.
It’s an old cliché in journalism. Every story must answer the question of Who? What? Where? When? Why? And How? I’m sure we’ve all heard it before. There’s a reason that it is so easy to remember. This catchy saying helps the journalist to tell a complete story without forgetting to include any major details. It also helps if they have to write down information really quickly and report on it later.
I’m sure we’ve all heard it before. It’s an easy to remember saying, and it’s true. The only thing is, it’s good in many aspects of your life besides journalism. It’s an approach we should take to many things in our life, to give us focus and clarity in all that we do. Since we’ve been on the subject of starting a career in entertainment, let’s give that subject the scrutiny it deserves.
Be Able To Answer the Questions.
What: are you trying to market? If you’re a musician, you’re marketing yourself. You’re marketing your looks, personality, voice, opinions, everything! If you’re making a movie, you’re marketing the plot, the actors, the title, the soundtrack, etc. And if you’re writing a book, you’re marketing a mental experience for your readers that will give them an escape from their day to day lives. The important thing is to know what you’re trying to market, so you can concentrate your energy on all of the aspects of your creation.
Who: Identify your target audience. You should know this as soon as possible. It doesn’t have to be a niche market. If you don’t want to limit yourself, instead ask yourself who do you NOT want to target? Purposely exclude a group of people. If you’re a band, you could market yourself as “A band that fans of The Jonas Brothers will hate”.
Where: Figure out a location where you will associate in your mind as your workplace. This will help to trigger the impulse to work when you are there. Allow it to be your escape from your everyday life.
When should you do this? NOW! Those are the basic questions that you should be answering.
So when you can answer all of the previous questions, there is simply no more reason to procrastinate. Just do it!
There Are Minor Differences In This Example.
I changed “how” to “now” because you don’t want to waste your precious time making an impeccable business plan, or procrastinating for any other reason. Don’t get stifled with analysis paralysis. Just do it! Get started on your dreams today. Stop thinking about the future, because you will never see the future. All you have is the present day.
Also, I left out why, because it isn’t important why you want to do it. And anyway, if you are trying to rationalize doing something, three’s always a reason why you shouldn’t. Don’t get caught up in this cycle. If you must ask why, then answer with a simple question: “Because it makes me happy”. End of story.
Confidence Is The Key!
Like I said before, you should be able to answer these questions loud and proud. Be so confident about these questions that you can answer them with your muscle memory. When you have a clear cut idea about exactly what you are doing, then you will feel very sure about yourself when you do it.
What are your marketing? Who are you marketing it to? Where are you going to work on this product? When are you going to get started?
Hi Trey!
Very nice blog you have here!
I really enjoyed reading through your points of advice, especially as a writer I think it is always beneficial to be reminded of the basis of what we are in this for, in order to benefit our audience the most.
I write on various non-fiction/educational topics, so my audience varies quite a bit. I think I am still fine tuning my writing style to be able to address each person’s needs in the most helpful and enjoyable way.
Evita’s most recent blog post..Movie Review: Wheel of Life
Marketing is becoming more and more important in every field along with personality. You need to craft an image in order to sell a product (book, music, blog). The best way to do this is, as you mentioned, to find your target audience and build around your image or business around their needs and wants.
Gennaro’s most recent blog post..Groundhog Day In Punxsutawney: A Travel Guide
@ Evita
Thanks for your kind words! I think that anytime you create something, you should be aware of your target audience. There’s nothing wrong with changing your target audience for your next creation, but it allows clarity to be achieved when you can picture who you’re creating for.
@ Gennaro
Very well said. Thank you for your comment!