There’s a saying: “Only the strong survive.”  How true this statement is when it comes to marketing yourself as an actor.  Diving into the acting business is a thing of excitement, giving you a curious sensation of the “what if’s”.  What if I become famous?  What if make a lot of money?  What if I get to star in a big movie or successful TV show?  These statements are what I call the “what if’s”.  Well, what if?  What if you do become famous or get to be a big movie or television star?  Everyone will want to know (including all your friends) how you got there, wouldn’t they?

You must realize that even though you’re just beginning as an actor, the big Hollywood executives and industry people (including casting directors and agents) will want you know if you're marketable.  The term “marketable” can be defined as “fit to be offered for sale or wanted by purchasers or employers." So one major key to becoming a successful actor is to find out how to be marketable or in other words how to be wanted and desired by the studios, agents, managers, etc. 

You see, in Hollywood, all actors are considered “products” just like merchandise in any store.  The question is how will you market yourself as an actor and how do you want people to perceive you?  Don’t forget, like in all stores, you have good products and bad products.  Many actors get in the business solely for the purpose of a need to feel wanted or desired.  You should never pursue an acting career because of this reason.  If you do, you’ll quickly find yourself “selling your soul” to the industry for all the wrong reasons.  You must have a strong self-image of yourself before swimming in this vast (and many times dangerous) ocean we call Tinseltown.

Just be yourself

There has to be something about you that stands out from the among rest, giving you the edge over all the others.  Do you know what it is?  Maybe it’s the way you talk, the way you walk or an inner glow that most people recognize.  Whatever it is, it’s highly likely to come from deep down in your DNA, your own personality traits and physical qualities that only you possess. 

Actually, what you have doesn’t make you better than anyone because everyone has special qualities about them.  Unfortunately most don’t know what it is yet and that will be the difference between you and other actors...knowing your great qualities.  Ah, but do you know what your special qualities are?  As a homework assignment, take a moment to write down all the good qualities about yourself.  Take your time and really think about the qualities you have that will help to make you an exceptional actor. Write down at least 25 great qualities about yourself. 

Ask your friends and family members to tell you what they think your special qualities are. You may be surprised at what they tell you.  Spend at least a week doing this.  I do want you to realize that you never have to try to be like someone else to make it in this business.  If you just be yourself,  you’ll turn out to be a great actor.

Okay now let’s say that you’re a very funny person and you like to make people laugh and everyone thinks you’re just hilarious.  Or you can tell great stories and make people scared or cry.  Well these are gifts that you must take advantage of.  By properly using your gifts in the right way and showing the world your great qualities is one of the first keys to marketing yourself as an actor. 

You must show the world your talents and what you can do.  Now’s the time to start taking advantage of the special gifts God has bestowed upon you.  It doesn’t matter how old you are----start using your talents and gifts today.

Start letting the world know what you can do

So if you’re funny, start telling jokes on the weekends.  Get all your friends to come listen to you.  Set up some chairs and start practicing.  If you tell great stories, start reading books to kids at the local library.  Whatever great qualities you possess, start using them now.  You don’t have to wait until a Hollywood agent discovers you---do something about it now.  If fact, if you don’t do anything with your talents, you’ll never get discovered or accomplish your dream of becoming a successful actor, right? ill call you with the good news!