The Internet is full of tools to help any Entrepreneur - but especially those in Entertainment get a leg-up in their careers. Here are my three favorites:
1. YouTube
Now, I know what you're thinking, singing cats, pop-culture meme's and other such nonsense is just about all this cite is good for. However, I would absolutely disagree. YouTube, and sites like allow artists without the funds, without the representation to post engaging content that they themselves create for FREE. Not only that, but less we forget, that the internet universal, so you are able to share work you create with people all over the GLOBE! I know that from personal experience YouTube has been a fantastic tool, my webseries "Funemployed Chicago" has really gotten some huge recognition because of YouTube. We were asked to be YouTube Partners about a year ago, and we now make a "royalty" fee every time one of our videos are viewed.
Watch Funemployed Chicago!
2. Indie GoGo
Once again, a GREAT site for Filmmakers - IndieGoGo allows users to upload information, pictures, and video about a project or film and then outline what kind of funding they are looking for. The site allows people to browse through the different projects and offer funding if they are interested. Now, not only is this a great site for Entrepreneurial fundraising, but it is also just a good site to go to occasionally to see what others are working on, and to be informed of other types of content that you may be competing with. I think perhaps my favorite part is that it once again, allows independent filmmakers the opportunity to find investors, and create the projects for which they have a passion. http://www.indiegogo.com/
3. Weebly
Now I found this site when looking up HMTL and CSS coding tips while I was creating my original website. This site offers users, who may be less than "web-savvy" the ability to design, implement, and even host their own site. The tools are very simple, it has a drag-and-drop system that while easy for beginners, also allows more advanced users to take advantage of the html options. It's a great site for those who are just launching their own website for the first time, and really is a great place to start if you are unsure of what you are doing. To top it all off, it is FREE! (premium sites and memberships do cost money) http://www.weebly.com
--Katey Selix
Sunday, March 6, 2011
"Net"working in the Entertainment Business
Being comfortable being an outgoing and social person has always been something that has been a cornerstone for an Entrepreneur, and in the age of social-media it only becomes more important. The ability to network and "sell yourself"- for lack of a better term, is something that is not only highly coveted in the this business, but it is a skill that only few posses the ability to do well. Thus far, my experience in this industry has definitely taught be what not to do, but it has also taught me that I cannot and should not be afraid to express my value. Going back to the Internet rise, we live in a day-and-age when almost anything can be found online; so it becomes key that you are familiar with how you and your image are being portrayed through multiple social-media and other sites. Are you as a professional being represented well? Are all of the facts stated on your behalf true? I think that one of the most important things that any entrepreneur can do is emerge themselves in the world of social-media, if for no other reason than to be aware of all of the outlets and tools the net has to offer for networking professionals. More and more, it’s how people are communicating - emails, twitter, checking out a person's credentials on sites like LinkedIn, and Massify your reputation often precedes you via the Internet. Not only will being more digitally savvy increase your potential as an Entrepreneur but it will also allow you to have more control over your public and professional image. What else is on the horizon? I can only hope, as someone who considers herself a “Netrepreneur” that my ability to be creative, and un-censored, will allow me the opportunity to book more jobs, as well as reaching audiences that I may never have been able to before. – Katey Selix
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