As a public figure, I’m always amazed and humbled by the amount of attention I receive from upcoming talent in the entertainment industry. From the boisterous blocks of Brooklyn, to the steamy corridors of Atlanta, to the laid back beaches of Southern California, I’m constantly approached by talented people who boastfully express their desire to blossom in this very competitive arena. Just this year alone, I’ve been approached by hundreds of artists, including rappers, singers, poets, writers, producers, filmmakers, comedians and inventors about their upcoming projects. Not so humble phrases like “All I need is a shot” and “I swear, once the world knows about me…” and “I am better than everybody else out there” travel through my ears and swirl around my brain, skipping like a broken record. Sometimes, I mentally entertain myself with a word game, and try to predict what the egregious person will say before the exclamation exits their mouth. Most times, I’m correct with finishing their sentences before they do, and that causes me to smile. However, I never laugh at them or their quest because, unfortunately, the issue with “making it” is nothing to joke about.

The one common thread that seems to be firmly woven into the DNA of these self-anointed-superstars is the concept of Swagger. Their boisterous self-confidence is puffed with an arrogant adrenaline comparable to an athlete on a steroidal boost; they literally heighten themselves off of nothingness, which ultimately leads to downfall. However, I’ve grown accustomed to meeting these types of people, and the result of encountering such unfounded boisterous individuals is always the same; I immediately feel like I’m trapped in the middle of a bad infomercial where the host continues to bombard me with the positive points of the product, purposely omitting the unpleasant side effects. The pitch usually lasts three to five minutes, ending with me flashing them an amiable smile and offering my business card, knowing most of the individuals will never make it past the first encounter for the following top three reasons.

#3 Wrong Place, Wrong Time. As artists and producers in the entertainment business, we all have a level of hunger and passion that elevates us to each level as we navigate our way to the top of our respective food chains. We have to be diligent in our quest and stay open-minded for new opportunities that present themselves. But, as many people learn the hard way, within every opportunity is a hidden chance of self-sabotage if pursued incorrectly. What a lot of up-coming artists fail to realize is that the quickest way to damage their chance is choosing the wrong venue in which to pitch their project.
If you see a celebrity or P.O.P. (person of power) sitting in a restaurant eating, it’s best to leave your card with the individual and keep it moving. Like 98% of the population, these individuals never want to be interrupted while they are eating with friends and family. Also, if you notice a person of power in a club setting, please avoid pitching there. You never want to be remembered as the person who screamed over ninety decibels of noise in a desperate attempt to sell yourself.

There is a simple rule of thumb to use in these particular instances. If the situation appears wrong, looks wrong and feels wrong, then 97% of the time it is wrong. Most artists never advance to a second meeting because of using their over-aggressive nature and hunger in the wrong place. Simply use better judgment when meeting powerful people and your success rate will increase.

#2 Wrong Tool for the Job. This is a very simple, yet common mistake many artists make. If you are a rising actor trying to star in the next blockbuster movie, the chances of a record executive helping you are slim. Or, let’s say, you’re a Poet interested in publishing your first book, there is no need to approach a NFL player who has little to no expertise on the subject. To put it simpler, would you call a Master Chef if you needed your house painted? I think not.

However, a lot of inexperienced artists become overly excited when they encounter celebrities and entertainment executives in the public arena. But don’t let your thirst for success overtake your common sense. The entertainment business is filled with various personalities. We are all in our separate lanes, on different levels, with different aspirations. The key is to figure out what lane you are currently navigating, and then focus on what your specific goals are. Once you have a clearer understanding of your needs, you will then begin to get a clearer picture of the types of individuals to approach about your project. Refining your search and approaching better candidates will increase your chances of success.

#1 Swagger over Substance. This is by far the number one barrier that stands between today’s starving artists and that elusive destination we all refer to as success. In a business filled with doubters and non-believers, having confidence in your talent is essential. While it is important to believe in yourself and that you will succeed in this business, you must also know that like everything else in life, excess can also prove detrimental to your cause. The same rings true for your confidence level; you will harm your chance of success when your substance does not and cannot back puffed self-assurance.

We are living in an extremely aberrant period of entertainment history. This is the time when praises are bestowed upon those who have the ability to look and act the part regardless of their true abilities. This is a time when kings are crowned before their talents are witnessed and idols are chosen before their vocals are tested. We are bombarded everyday with images of over-hyped athletes and performers. The aura of greatness cloaked in an armor of cockiness enters the building before the audience has a chance to be introduced to the individual who appears in a literal and figurative cloud of smoke. Those who aspire to follow in the dinosaur-sized footsteps of these individuals feel the need to carry themselves as if they, too, are destined to win Grammies, Oscars, Pulitzers, and every other golden statue presented. But, as these bright-eyed newbies spend days and, oftentimes, years working on their exteriors, trying to become red-carpet-ready, one major key to winning this very competitive game gets neglected?their talent.

Too often artists sell themselves short by living by the silly mantra “fake it… ’til you make it.” The idea that you should over-hype yourself is not only annoying, if left unchecked it could be quite damaging to your career. To be successful in this industry will take more than confidence and talent. A lot of people are blessed with various talents that can capture the attention of the masses. However, it must be noted, those who study the industry and master the art of navigation, eventually breakthrough and shine for a substantial period.

Swagger is an important asset in the entertainment world. But swagger will only get you so far. When the hype is gone and the audience has moved on to another target, it will be your talent (or lack thereof) that will determine how long you will last in this competitive arena. Therefore, master your talent to compete with the true legends of yesterday and today. The entertainment-cemetery is filled with the careers of men and women who neglected the necessary task of mastering and honing their talents. Do not make the same mistake as some of those before you. Study your craft, perfect your art and navigate your path, and then, and only then, add the swagger when totally necessary and earned. Believe me, your career will thank you for it later.
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