The transition from summer to fall is a pivotal time for entertainers. We work when others have time off. We hustle and grind like there’s no tomorrow. So as the vibrant days of summer start to wane, the energy and opportunities of the season remain ripe for the taking. This is the perfect moment to double down, finalize projects, and build relationships that will propel you into a successful fall.
Below is a guide to help you make the most of these remaining summer weeks. And it’s not just for your career; use this list to also help in your every day life.
1. FINALIZE ONGOING PROJECTS
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Set Clear Deadlines:
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With the end of summer approaching, it’s time to set firm deadlines for ongoing projects.
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Break down tasks into manageable chunks and assign specific due dates to ensure everything is completed on time.
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Review and Revise:
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Take the time to review your current work critically.
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Make any necessary revisions or improvements to enhance the quality of your projects.
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Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to gain fresh perspectives.
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Focus on Quality Over Quantity:
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Resist the urge to rush through projects just to get them off your plate.
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Prioritize the quality of your work to ensure it stands out and resonates with your audience.
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Wrap Up Loose Ends:
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Identify any unfinished tasks or minor details that need attention.
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Address these loose ends now to avoid carrying them into the fall season.
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This includes updating your resume, headshot and portfolio, completing administrative tasks, and organizing your files.
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Celebrate Milestones:
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Acknowledge the completion of significant projects.
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Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, can boost motivation and morale.
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2. BUILD AND STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS
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Reconnect with Industry Contacts:
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End of summer is a great time to reach out to industry contacts and reconnect.
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Send a friendly message or schedule a casual meeting to catch up and discuss potential collaborations.
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Attend Networking Events:
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Take advantage of any remaining summer events, festivals, or gatherings to expand your network.
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Be proactive in introducing yourself to new people and maintaining relationships with existing contacts.
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Collaborate on Summer Projects:
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Consider teaming up with fellow entertainers on last-minute summer projects.
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Collaborations can lead to creative breakthroughs and open doors for future opportunities.
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Express Gratitude:
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Show appreciation to those who have supported you throughout the summer.
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A simple thank-you note or shout-out on social media can go a long way in maintaining strong professional relationships.
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Leverage Social Media:
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Use social media platforms to engage with your audience and industry peers.
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Share updates on your projects, highlight collaborations, and interact with followers to keep them engaged.
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3. PLAN FOR THE FALL SEASON
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Set Clear Goals:
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Outline your objectives for the fall season, focusing on both short-term and long-term goals.
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Ensure your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). [You like that, huh? Be “SMART”
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Create a Detailed Schedule:
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Develop a schedule that outlines your plans for the fall, including deadlines for new projects, auditions, or performances.
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Incorporate regular breaks and downtime to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
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Research Upcoming Opportunities:
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Look into upcoming events, auditions, or festivals that align with your career goals.
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Mark important dates on your calendar and start preparing any necessary materials, such as headshots, resumes, or portfolios.
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Budget for the Fall:
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Assess your financial situation and create a budget that accounts for any upcoming expenses.
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Plan for potential investments in your career, such as classes, equipment, or promotional materials.
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Evaluate Your Skills:
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Reflect on your current skill set and identify areas where you can improve.
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Consider enrolling in workshops, classes, or online courses to enhance your abilities and stay competitive in the industry.
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4. OPTIMIZE YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE
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Update Your Portfolio:
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Refresh your online portfolio with recent work, highlighting any summer projects or collaborations.
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Ensure your portfolio accurately represents your skills, experience, and style.
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Revamp Your Website:
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If you have a personal / professional website, take this time to update its design, content, and functionality. If you don’t have a website, it’s time to make one!
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Make sure it’s mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and showcases your best work.
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Enhance Your Social Media Profiles:
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Update your social media profiles with new photos, bios, and links to recent work.
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Engage with your audience by posting regular updates, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and responding to comments.
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Build an Email List:
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If you haven’t already, start building an email list of fans, clients, and industry contacts. Get started for free at Mailchimp.
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Send out a newsletter highlighting your summer accomplishments and sharing your plans for the fall.
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Optimize for Search Engines:
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Ensure your website and social media profiles are optimized for search engines.
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Use relevant keywords, update meta descriptions, and include alt text for images to improve your online visibility.
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5. INVEST IN SELF-CARE & WELL-BEING
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Reflect on the Summer:
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Take some time to reflect on the summer season, acknowledging both your successes and challenges.
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Use this reflection to inform your plans and goals for the fall.
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Prioritize Physical Health:
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Maintain a healthy routine that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep.
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Physical well-being is essential for sustaining the energy needed for a busy fall season.
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Practice Mental Wellness:
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Engage in activities that promote mental clarity and reduce stress, such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. Have some fun with these Halloween journals: Creepy Scary Pumpkin Journal and Creepy Scary Cat Journal.
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Consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the upcoming season.
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Recharge and Rejuvenate:
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As summer winds down, take the opportunity to relax and recharge.
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Whether it’s a short vacation, a weekend getaway, or simply spending time with loved ones, taking a break can reinvigorate your creative spirit. This time of year is perfect for camping, trail walking and bicycling.
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Set Boundaries:
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Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout.
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Communicate these boundaries to clients, collaborators, and family members to ensure you have time for self-care.
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6. EXPAND YOUR CREATIVE HORIZONS
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Experiment with New Ideas:
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Use the remaining days of summer to experiment with new concepts, styles, or techniques in your work.
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Don’t be afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of your creativity.
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Seek Inspiration:
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Look for inspiration in your surroundings, whether it’s nature, art, music, or conversations with others.
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Keep a journal or sketchbook handy to capture ideas as they come to you.
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Attend Workshops or Masterclasses:
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If possible, participate in workshops or masterclasses that challenge you to grow and expand your creative skill set. I take that back – MAKE it possible.
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Learning from industry leaders can provide valuable insights and spark new ideas.
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Collaborate with Diverse Creatives:
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Seek out opportunities to work with creatives from different disciplines or backgrounds.
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Collaborating with others can lead to innovative projects and fresh perspectives.
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Create Personal Projects:
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Dedicate time to personal projects that you’re passionate about but may have put on the back burner.
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These projects can serve as a creative outlet and help you develop your unique voice as an entertainer.
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7. NETWORK WITH A PURPOSE
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Identify Key Contacts:
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Make a list of industry professionals you want to connect with before the end of summer.
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Focus on individuals who align with your career goals and can offer valuable opportunities or insights.
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Attend Industry Events:
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Take advantage of any remaining summer industry events, such as film festivals, music festivals, or theater showcases.
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These events provide a platform to meet potential collaborators, mentors, or clients.
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Join Online Communities:
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Engage in online communities or forums related to your field.
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Participate in discussions, share your work, and connect with others who share your interests.
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Offer Help and Support:
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Networking isn’t just about receiving; it’s also about giving.
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Offer your assistance or expertise to others in your network, whether it’s providing feedback, promoting their work, or collaborating on a project.
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Follow Up:
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After meeting new contacts, be sure to follow up with a personalized message.
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Express your appreciation for the connection and suggest ways to stay in touch or collaborate in the future.
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8. SECURE FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
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Pitch New Ideas:
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As summer winds down, pitch new ideas to potential clients, collaborators, or producers.
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Whether it’s a script, a song, or a creative concept, now is the time to get your ideas in front of the right people.
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Apply for Grants or Funding:
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Research available grants, scholarships, or funding opportunities that can support your projects in the fall.
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Prepare and submit your applications before deadlines approach.
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Book Gigs or Performances:
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Reach out to venues, event organizers, or producers to secure gigs or performances for the fall season.
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Having bookings lined up in advance ensures a steady flow of work and income.
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Create a Marketing Plan:
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Develop a marketing plan for the fall, outlining how you’ll promote your work and reach new audiences.
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This plan should include strategies for social media, email marketing, press releases, and any upcoming events
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The end of summer is not the time to slow down — it’s the time to double down. Seize these last days to refine your craft, secure opportunities, and build a strong foundation for the future. With the right focus and determination, you can turn the seasonal shift into a launching pad for greater achievements and continued growth in your career. The work you put in now will pave the way for a successful, fulfilling, and creatively prosperous fall.
