Thursday, October 25, 2012

The one trick pony. Don't let that be you!

Let's say you are trying to get a project started from scratch on your own.

Who would you rather work with?

-A qualified person that will bring enthusiasm and always have their part prepared?

OR
-Someone that not only does everything listed above, but also comes ready to offer any other skills they have to further the project?

Personally, I'll take the latter.

Too many of us get totally wrapped up in our own playing and tend to forget (or not even realize) that we all have something else to offer.  The world is filled with people that can play the excerpts better than you can. Period.  I don't want to a be a negative nancy, but these days I don't think anyone can rely solely on one skill to get their dream job.  Just to be clear, I'm not suggesting that you don't "have what it takes", but I'm just saying that it's important to be realistic with ourselves about this stuff.  I have a ton of incredibly talents friends and colleagues that don't have full time gigs but do well for themselves by bringing different skills to the table.  

These other skills could be literally anything as long as you're creative and active in your use of them.  Maybe you're flexible with different styles, compose/arrange, or are good with people.  Whatever it is, if you present it the right way, anything you've got a knack for can be used at some point to further your career.  We are all individuals and have something unique to bring to the table.  Everyone can play the excerpts so don't be afraid to set yourself apart with something unique to you!

If you're having trouble thinking of some ideas, here are some different ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
-Being organized
-Being proactive 
-Fund-raising/grant writing
-Being hip to social media
-Design
-Networking/using your personal connections
-Marketing
-Finances/Accounting
-Even having a car could be something you've got that others don't!

Again, pretty much anything you're good at can be applied to your career if you're creative about it.  So if you haven't already start thinking of ways that YOU as an individual can contribute something totally unique to your future, get started now!  In short, make your self indispensable!

Thanks for reading!  I'd love to hear some feedback for you!

-Seth

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