New (School) Year Resolutions

Believe it or not, it’s back to school time again!  Before things get too hectic, here’s a question for music students (and professors, and the rest of us): What specific actions will you take this academic year to advance your career?  Sure, you’ll improve playing and other artistic specialties.  But from a professional point of view, how will you be closer to life goals next May than now?   

Take a moment to ponder resolutions, and WRITE THEM DOWN.  Notated aspirations are significantly more likely to be realized than those that aren’t.  Here are 10 possibilities: 

1. Project. Bring a sellable passion project to fruition: recording, book, concert program, teaching studio, etc.
2. Branding. Build your brand so others immediately identify you with a unique and compelling artistic disposition.
3. Internet presence.  Build a website, start a blog, increase social media activity and web footprint. 
4. Portfolio. Compile a professional portfolio, consisting of bio, photo, musical samples, testimonials, programs, brochures, and other materials. 
5. Internship. Obtain an internship within an entrepreneurial environment.
6. Mentor.  Engage a career mentor (in addition to your musical mentor) who can help you focus priorities and move towards success. 
7. Network.  Meet and build strategic relationships with 5-20 new people who have the potential to be pivotal in your career. 
8. Contact list.  Build your contact list of people who care about what you do to at least 300-500 people (either through a site like Facebook or your own newsletter mailing list). 
9. Books.  Read at least 5 books focusing on business, marketing, and career issues.
10. Blogs. Regularly follow at least 3 blogs that focus on career and industry related issues.   

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