On Acting Sales
It is not my intention to have this blog be solely about actors. But for the last couple weeks, the spirit has moved me to link the two worlds I come from - acting and finance. I promise this won’t be the only thing I write about, and I do hope you get something out of these blogs even if you don’t come from an acting background.
I’ve said before that most artists should try sales.
Why?
Because sales teaches you about people. About how the non-artist world operates.
And because, like it or not, you’re always selling yourself.
I never figured out how to do that as an actor. Switching careers helped me understand why.
The whole concept of “selling your acting” sounds and feels absurd. The economics of acting are brutal. Too many actors. Canada alone graduates 500 to 1,000 new theatre kids every year—and that’s just the ones with formal training.
How do you sell yourself in that market?
“I’m really nice!”
“I’m super talented!”
“I trained in Shakespeare!”
Ya. So did 1,000 other people. Many of them will do it for free.
"I'm a tall, white, 6.5/10 attractive..."
See! It’s hard!
I put actors into two categories:
The Actor who works a lot
This actor has a different set of problems from the actor who doesn't work a lot. This actor still has problems though, and those problems still matter!*** This actor needs to worry about longevity and complacency. There is a world where this actor wakes up one day, and ALL of their meaningful contacts are retired. Suddenly they're doing general auditions alongside the rest of the 1000 theatre grads. Invest in yourself.
And if you're really successful, investing in yourself might become more nebulous. Buy the dress to go to the party to meet the person. Ask the person for a coffee. As much as it may induce eye rolls, maybe build up your instagram following (because yes, that stuff matters). Acting is never not a sales job.
2. The other 90%
The actor who works enough to call themself an actor, but maybe 75% of their income comes from something else. They've maybe explored some other options, but haven't found anything that satisfies their spirit in the same way. The act of finding inspiration is also incredibly nebulous - it was only after months of therapy that I found myself open hearted enough to explore finance.
The actor in this position still needs to invest in themself. But I'd argue that the first order of business would be to invest your time/money/energy into your joe job - truly devote resources to figuring out how to make your acting career work for you. Frequently at this point an actor will say I'm worried that if I devote too many resources to my side gig, I'll lose my artistry. There will be a blog post on this topic in the near future, but I'll tease it and say If your joe job inspires you enough that you willingly give lots of time and energy to it, that's a very good outcome.
If your joe job makes you want to be an actor less, that’s a wonderful outcome.
***Most working actors have to make a show out of their survivor's guilt, or "acknowledging their privilege" or whatever. Acting is an incredibly difficult career even when you work. Every time you resent your friends for working, an angel loses its wings.
NB: A financial advisor can help with retirement planning, managing irregular income, or saving for major life events.
See also: 50 things I do as a financial advisor
The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This post was written by Tim Ziegler, Financial Advisor with Tim Ziegler Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this post comes from sources we believe reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities.