Survival of the fittest
‘The Dinner Party’ host Elysabeth Alfano on how to succeed in business (and definitely trying)
After owning an art gallery for 10 years, I started a production company called Fear No ART Chicago, which produced a WTTW-TV show of the same name. I now produce “The Dinner Party,” a monthly live talk show with celebrities and chefs. I know firsthand that arts and entertainment can be a tricky and emotional business, and I’m often asked how I have survived in the mercurial entertainment world. Here are some of the tricks I’ve learned, which have helped to keep me grounded, moving forward and, on good days, at the top of my game.
Show me the money. (Maybe.) If it’s fame or big bucks you’re after, you just might be worshipping a false idol. Love what you do first and foremost, and focus on being the best you can be. This is incredibly rewarding and propels you forward. If the rest comes, it’s a bonus. But in this world, it’s unlikely the payoff matches your effort. If that’s not OK, you’re in the wrong field.
Bingo! If you’re working in a capacity where your passion meets your skill set, shazam! You have bingo. For me, this feels like I’m working at 120 percent of my capacity because I’m not only passionate about what I’m doing, but I’m reminded that it’s what I’m meant to do.
What have you got that they ain’t got? Know who you are and be great at it. You can’t be and do everything in the marketplace, but having one area where you shine helps you to keep a clear vision of your goals and purpose. Remaining true to your goals and your strengths is key.
Got vision? It’s hard enough to work in the arts, so you don’t want to have to force your way through or work against any negative current. Only work with people who get and support your vision!
Let’s give ’em something to talk
about. Nothing helps to grow a business like a third party write-up. Help your friendly press and local bloggers by getting them the information they need to write about you in an easy, succinct, clear and engaging way.
Everything is marketing and market
ing is everything. From your answering machine to your product samples, from your company T-shirts to your tag line, no marketing is too little. Every little piece of marketing you do today grows the business exponentially in the future.
A body in motion stays in motion. Not every day will be a cakewalk. On days when nothing is gelling, try not to overthink things and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Like Anaïs Nin said, “You live out the confusions until they become clear.”
Be a tortoise, not a hare. It’s rarely the prettiest, the wealthiest or even the smartest who win. It’s usually those who are willing to work the hardest and those who can make their financial resources last the longest. Ultimately, it’s a snail versus leapfrog kind of race, so it’s a good idea to move methodically and not to spend everything at once. Let your competition go broke while you actually make it to the finish line.
24/7, but who’s counting? Get used to working Saturdays and Sundays. Burnout factor is high in this world, so make sure to stop and enjoy your successes. Don’t be afraid to be your own cheerleader, feel the joy of a job well done and take some random Wednesdays off.
What’s luck got to do, got to do
with it? Maybe nothing. Certainly, surviving is mostly hard work. However, when you’re prepared (and driven), you can take advantage of every possibility, leave no stone unturned and follow every lead. This invites luck (aka opportunity) into your world.
Ultimately, if you are doing what you love, you are already ahead of the game. Take deep breaths, stay true to your goals and work like heck. Remember, you got this!