Five Ways To Finally Get Your Talent Noticed
You have gifts and talents. The question is, how do you get them out there?
OK – so you’ve worked hard, practiced your craft, and still aren’t getting noticed. You haven’t sold your screenplay, been offered a movie role, or landed the position you’ve always dreamed about. What do you do? I’m proclaiming this “The Year of Execution,” which means we’re going to focus this blog on making things happen.
To that end, here are 5 critical steps that will help you get your message, talent, gift, or skill noticed:
1. Invest in yourself. Start attending conferences, join relevant organizations, and participate in events that allow you to connect with other talented individuals. I’m always amazed at people who want to be writers but never find the time to take classes or network. We don’t hesitate to spend money on computers and mobile devices, and yet hesitate to spend money on expanding our knowledge. Stop being stingy with your talent. Over the years, I’ve lost count of the number of clients and projects that began with a random conversation at a conference or similar event.
2. Do it for free. I’ve published numerous books, and yet I continue to submit articles to magazines and online platforms for free. Everyone needs more experience, so position yourself to get it. Volunteer to be on a film crew, offer to do free work, become an intern, or offer to help backstage at an industry event. My first speaking opportunity arose because I was volunteering at the conference, and a keynote speaker missed his flight and failed to appear. So they asked me to step in at the last minute. Offer to speak for free at workshops and conferences. I’m writing this blog for free, in the hope that it a) helps people, and b) gets my ideas noticed.
3. Take social media seriously. We’re all equal behind a Facebook photo or Instagram avatar. You want to get shared and commented on? Then stop sharing photos of your breakfast at Denny’s or alerting us you’re at Starbucks. Give us some meat! Challenge us. Raise important questions. Share what it’s like to be you! Focus on your area of expertise. Stop asking people to repost you and share ideas worth reposting. Be compelling.
4. Start speaking and writing. When I started my career, I learned that most industry magazines don’t have a paid staff. For the most part, they rely on volunteer submissions. Having done a lot of filming overseas, I began writing free articles about what producers need to know before shooting internationally. People read the articles and thought I was an expert. Before long, I was asked to speak at workshops and conferences—and, even better, I was hired for international projects. Find your niche (Read my book One Big Thing) and become an expert. You don’t need a license or diploma – only confidence.
5. Just Do it. What’s your goal? To write a book? Don’t wait for an agent or publishing deal; start writing. Screenplays? Don’t wait for your first one to sell; start on number two, three, or four. Make a movie? How many shorts have you made? Get with it. My biggest mistake early in my career was producing films and television for others rather than for myself. I should have taken more risks. I should have stopped looking for opportunities and created my own opportunities. The more you do now – no matter how small – the more credibility and respect you’ll get in the future.
Ready to start?
Phil Cooke, PhD. has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” As a media producer, writer, speaker, and consultant, his client list includes major film studios and TV networks as well as major Christian organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, and others. He’s also coached and consulted with many of the most influential churches and nonprofit organizations in the world, helping them use media to tell their story. You can hear his podcast here.
