Success and Fame? It is Earned, not Granted

I always feel that success in entertainment public relations is dependent on the happiness (and success) of the client. The daily struggle of perception versus reality is literally a daily struggle. It takes energy, patience, fortitude and fearlessness to accomplish what is needed to bring to the table what is asked for from each client.

Entertainment has a wide scope, whether its film, tv, music, erotic entertainment, and so on. Entertainment, at its core, is a drug to help humans with a sense of belonging and enjoyment. So it is important to understand the product your promoting, the persons you are working with, and the goals and objectives of those involved.

I tend to focus on being aggressive with public and media relations, to better connect those I work with to the press and other opportunities, to build brands and grow. That is where the fearlessness comes in, where those I try to connect with may not always subscribe to what I am placing in front of them. Every day comes with “no thank you’s” and, frankly, other verbiage I care to not place in this article. However, each win, each “yes” brings joy to my work, and are the fruits of the labor within this field.

The fortitude of this career comes with knowing every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and in many cases, both will come out of nowhere, and have to be dealt with immediately. Consider yourself a “fireperson” of the industry, where, when the bell is rung, it’s your turn to suit up, get in the truck, and hit the road. Fires come in all sizes, in all places, so be ready! Preparation comes from the endless time spent working on your craft. Consider this practice, how a quarterback throws endless passes, a basketball player takes endless shots. Constant pitches, constant contact with media, constant time spent doing work to build your confidence.

Mentors have been a massive part of my career, since meeting my very first mentor when I interned at Def American Recordings as a senior in high school. Not even 18, I spent 3 days a week doing tasks that were necessary for the publicity department, spending time with some of the biggest music acts in the world, and sitting down with everyone at the company to learn more about the industry. This was a priceless education, and with time I have collected numerous mentors in my life who I always strive to excel for, as if they were looking over my shoulder. Whether they know it or not, they push me to improve and make the most of every day.

Though many days will be spent doing mindless work, it is the constant need to be working, whether outreach, updating databases, or writing that lends to the future opportunities that bring in more work, and hopefully, more success for clientele. No one is going to push you, so it’s important that you have self-motivation, take nothing for granted, and be humble. Like an offensive lineman, the only time the spotlight is on YOU and not the client is when the quarterback gets sacked. Make sure you are selfless, giving, and helpful to any and everyone. Just like you, people started at the bottom, and worked their way up. Treating people with respect and admiration to what they are hoping to achieve in their career is vital.

There are so many ups and downs in the entertainment industry. Many happen in one day. Enjoy what you do, bring passion, help others, and you will go a long way.