Fulfilling our potential is never an easy task. There are times when we just don't feel like it; don't want to get out of bed; feel like a venture may be 'below us'; or maybe just don't want to face the music. No one ever said being successful was easy. The first step is making the decision to be in control of the choices that will make you awesome. The second step is acting on your awesome-ness!
Colleen Wainwright digs deeper into what AWESOME-NESS really means . . .
You, the communicator, must be as close to 100% awesome all the time as you can be. What do I mean by "AWESOME"? I'm glad you asked.
I see awesomeness in this application as breaking down into three guiding behaviors:
1. Be useful
2. Be specific
3. Be nice
Think of being useful as doing things that add value to other people's lives. Being useful is all about tactics--all the many actions you can take to provide people with information, support or entertainment. For now, remember that pretty much every possible way you can be useful boils down to one of those three things: sharing true information, offering true support or providing true entertainment.
An example of a useful email you might send to me: one that provides me with a great link (information); one that says you forwarded my column (support); or one that is exquisitely written (entertainment). These can be combined to great effect: sending a beautifully written email with a great idea for a column and a "P.S." that you enjoyed my work so much, you forwarded it on to your struggling actor friend in [insert state name here].
When you are being specific, you are being strategic. Specificity is about saying "this, not that." Specificity is about standing strongly for something in particular rather than everything in general. In terms of your acting career, for example, specificity is about knowing your exact type in the marketplace, even if you can play so, so much more. Specificity is also about knowing how to and choosing to behave appropriately according the rules of the venue you find yourself in.
An example of a specific email: Asking one clear, answerable question. You would be amazed at how many "How do I get an agent?" emails I get. Or maybe you wouldn't. After all, you hang out around actors, too.
I know you know all about being nice, but it has to stay on the list. Being nice in this context doesn't mean being sugary-sweet and agreeable (although as you can and where appropriate, not a bad idea). It's about the other guy--about having consideration for someone else besides yourself as you move through the world (online and real) and put the word out there.
An example of a nice email: Taking time to write a shorter letter. Holy moses, can you kids run on! Like I have time to read my regular work email, much less the grand and sweeping saga of your Very Special Snowflake situation.
Colleen's three simple guidelines aren't shocking, but their application is rare and impressive. Ever heard a talent referred to as "a breath of fresh air . . ." We want that talent to be YOU! Set yourself apart by thinking about what you can do today to be AWESOME. Over time, it will become second nature and the talent masses will envy your success!
I love reading your posts! Truly insightful. Thanks for getting my wheels turning!
Posted by: Deanna | 03/11/2011 at 09:10 AM
Great article!! Applies to many fields...
Posted by: Lani Stout | 03/16/2011 at 05:32 PM