Create Your World

The month of February in Tokyo is notoriously slow for freelancers. It seems that everyone starts has gone into hibernation and your phone will literally stop ringing. I admit, it can be tough, and it always takes me by surprise.

But one must soldier on if one wants to survive as a freelancer. So, today's tips: Make sure your meishi (business card) is up-to-date and that you actually have them on you (how many times have I said, "Oh, sorry; I ran out of them" -- only to be greeted by disapproving stares). Make sure your resume is up-to-date and reflects any new or exciting accomplishments (and yes, I'm a bad boy, because my online resume is not current... but it will be by the end of the month... I know; no excuses!). 

And perhaps most importantly: Create events for yourself. Facebook and Meet-up social networking sites allow you to create whatever workshop or class event that you think you can teach or bring your expertise to. To that end, I have created Screenwriters in Tokyo, a casual group that meets once a month or so, where members can come together and discuss their current projects, get them read and get feedback (essential!). I also have created Tokyo Songwriting Workshops, meeting this coming Saturday, for anyone interested in learning how to write a commercial song. 

Are these big money makers? Maybe not initially. But by putting these projects in motion, my network will eventually expand and, hopefully, lead me to exciting opportunities that are fulfilling both creatively and financially.