I can’t think of a more exciting way to discuss the secrets traits of a successful person than to talk to a 6x Grammy winner who has worked with international superstars such as Ricky Martin, Natalia Lafourcade, and Carlos Vives, just to name a few.
Most artist who pursue a non-traditional career choices question when their “big break” will happen or if it ever will. Do they even have the traits of a successful person? What are they?
It’s hard to decipher whether you are on the right path towards success, especially when it hasn’t been paved yet.
I am honored to talk to Andres Borda Zabala, Andy, on Always Acting Up Podcast, where we broke down some of the similarities he’s noticed when working with highly successful artist.
Some may say success is just luck, but I believe its preparation meets opportunity. Let’s explore this a little more.
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Hone your Talents for Success
This may sound like a no brainer here, but it’s important to be really really good at what you do. Be so good that people can’t deny you success even if they tried. I promise, talent cannot be ignored forever.
You want your skillset stands out from the crowd. Otherwise, what else can you bring to the table to make YOU the top candidate over the many other talented artist? Your social media following can only get you so far.
When I first started my career, I would get frustrated easily because I wasn’t booking jobs or getting callbacks. It’s quite simple to see it now, but I wasn’t ready yet.
Being really good at what you do takes time to develop, and that can be a hard pill to swallow.
One part of my conversation with Andy that really stood out to me was that he didn’t begin his career seeking Grammy awards. His goal was to focus and be really good at this job first, then the accolades fell into place.
Ultimately, he was so good that people wanted to collaborate with him and trusted that he could successfully get the job done.
This brings me to my next point…
Next successful trait = Be easy to work with
This can be a tricky one here. You want to be easy to work with, but you don’t want to be taken advantage of either.
Standing your ground is important.
(Click this link for RED FLAGS that you should be aware of)
When you’re first starting your journey towards success, your opportunities are going to be a lot different than when you’re more experienced. Yes, it’s important to be easy to work with, but you don’t have to say yes to every job that comes your way.
Here are some things to consider when your next opportunity comes knocking.
Do
- Set your boundaries
- Gain experience. Decide what’s the most important aspect for every job.
- Offer a collaboration
- Leave
Things to Consider
- Don’t say YES to jobs you’re NOT 100% interested in doing. You’ll end up having a bad attitude, burning out and ultimately regretting it.
- Don’t accept a job for a temporary paycheck that could affect future earnings.
- If you want to work with Disney, it may be good to avoid being associated with R rated or adult content.
- If the job offers credit and exposure, make sure you get that and you’re not off doing coffee runs and errands all day.
- Let’s say someone wants to work with you (or vice versa), but it’s a passion project and they have no budget. Remember the little guys on your way up. Growing together is the best and easiest way to succeed. Offer to collaborate if you or another artist cannot afford to pay what their talents are worth.
- If you’re not getting what you want out of a job or collaboration, or you don’t feel like you’re getting paid your worth or making a difference, you’ve tried everything…. please do not waste any more time by staying. You have other doors waiting to be opened.
If you can’t pay people what they’re worth, pay people by allowing them to use their creativity and artistic freedom. (when collaborating)
Movie Director, Hisonni Johnson
Connections
If I had a dollar for every time I heard the quote, “it’s all about who you know”, I’d be rich already. Well, I hate to say it, but it’s kind of true.
I’m the type of TV watcher where I cannot watch a single movie or tv show without going onto IMDB Pro at least once or twice. I NEED to know how so and so actor booked the role, who they’re represented by, where they live and what type of previous credits they have.
It blows my mind at how many actors on HUGE tv shows have very little to no credits. How does this happen? Well my friends, it’s who they know.
I would love to say its 100% talent, and I’m not saying they aren’t talented by any means, but 7 times out of 10 there is a connection there.
That’s why the first 2 traits of a successful person are extremely important. Talent and likeability.
Sometimes, jobs are given to those who already have a prior work experience with the company or individual.
Don’t GIVE UP
Ultimately, one of the most important traits of a successful person is their tenacity. They don’t give up when the going gets tough.
There are so many roadblocks along the way, but one thing I have heard over and over again from successful people, is that they just kept going.
I really liked this article where the writer says,
Failures are the map dot towns en route to your destination.
Matt McWilliams
Totally, failures are inevitable, but if you can learn from them, you’re one step in the further in the right direction.
Conclusion
So, what’s the answer to the traits of successful people? It’s easy, it’s a combination of the 4 traits mentioned above.
Be so good that you automatically stand out from the crowd. Be an easy person to work with so that you can make connections and of course, be tenacious. This may be one of the hardest aspects, but if you keep going and learning from past experiences, you’ll ultimately achieve your own success.
What do you think are some other traits of a successful person?
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