MicroTheater Miami Promoting Live, Local Theater & Improv

MicroTheater Miami is a hidden gem in South Florida, promoting live, local theater in Miami in both English and Spanish. This fun, new entertainment in Miami is sponsored by a Knight Foundation grant in Spanish and English, and during the month of April it will also be brought to the public in part by O Miami Poetry Festival, during poetry month. 

This is all held at the Centro Cultural de Espana, which has been sharing this form of theater in Miami for three years strong now. This form of microtheater, or microteatro in Spanish, is very popular in Spain, and I have been told has even be shared in caves in some cities across Spain. 

The Miami version of microtheater has seven cargo containers turned into makeshift mini theaters--a tight, yet intimate space that is perfect for these "shorts" of 15 minutes or less. Each show is $5 and you can watch as many or as little as you'd like. The plays are held throughout the night, as each company reproduces their show six times every evening. The genres range from comedy to drama and mystery.

I'm particularly excited that during April, MicroTheater Miami has decided to create its first ever Dynamic Night of Theater alongside the English Prime-Time. The new Dynamic Night, includes six unscripted, improvised plays which will run every Wednesday, starring many of the best local improvisers. The regular English Prime Time is on Thursdays in April, and both run from 8pm to 11pm. Spanish Prime-Time runs Friday and Saturday from 8pm-11pm, and Sundays from 7pm-10pm. 

The improvised containers during April will include many of my improviser friends throughout South Florida, which is a real treat for lovers of improv. The containers include:

• Comedy School Dropouts' "Mono: The Show of Fate", which is one long scene about a cult made up on the spot, featuring improviser Jonathan Cabrera
• Mike Nato's Meatball Container, which will feature one scene in the trippy #MethTub, a-la Breaking Bad 
• "To Sterling With Love", 1950's twilight zone inspired scenes presented by Kristy Weber's improv company Miamah Comedy
• "One Night In Prison", which brings musings from two inmates from inside a prison cell, directed by IO teacher Jeff Quintana
• "Scribble-Knot", where a quirky, scribbled dry-erase board set forms a backdrop to the play,   directed by Impromedy's Ozzie Quintana
• South Florida Improv Showcase featuring several high-energy short games such as pick-a-line and interrogation, compiled by one of South Florida's best improvisers Carlos Rivera, founder of AllTheComedy.com
  
  
  
  
  

Power of Partnership: Leveraging the help of others to succeed

In Western society (particularly in the U.S.), being a lone hero is somehow encouraged and respected. We often feel that we have to do everything ourselves, saying “Yes, Yes, Yes” and multitasking several jobs at once. No one’s ever surprised when we finally break down or get sick, because it’s just not humanly possible to do it all!  

To be successful, there is strength in numbers. “Group think” is highly synergistic. This means that it’s better to have several people working with you, than just you working.

Finding partnerships is a catalyst for elevating you to the next level. These are some ways you can apply the group approach to help your business:

1. Join a Cooperative or Association: There is power in community! These groups are designed to pool resources together to help their members. There may be business associations, chambers of commerce and other such organizations in your city that are available for you to join. Also take advantage of communities online, such as ArtistaMundo.com, which provide each member with benefits such as an online portfolio and search databases.

2. Create a “Master Mind” Group: A Master Mind is essentially a small group of 5 or 6 like-minded and successful peers that meet once or twice a month. You share ideas, frustrations, concerns, advice and requests with the group. You brainstorm together, benefiting from the experience and knowledge of others, plus they provide third-party unbiased objective views. Make sure that everyone in the group wants to succeed and they are more positive than negative. The last thing you need is a pessimistic “Debbie Downer” contradicting or bashing all your ideas. Another option is to join a group coaching program that functions in the same way, but is led by a professional (in this case, me).  

3. Find an Accountability Partner: If you can’t find a whole group, just one other friend or trusted professional such as a Coach can serve to keep you focused on and accountable for your goals. Similarly to the group, this person can provide valuable insight and advice on a consistent basis. If it's your friend, you can cross-mentor each other. The advantage of having just one other person is the flexibility and attention to strategize your issues more intimately.

4. Find a Mentor: Sometimes you do need to seek out others you admire who are where you want to be. A mentor can be a former boss, professor or some other highly respected person you meet with regularly, or anytime you need advice. Another option is to ask someone you don’t know personally but respect, such as the CEO of a company you greatly admire. Depending on their availability, you can ask just to chat on the phone or treat them to lunch. They may be highly flattered for the request and want to help you because successful people like to give back! Take advantage of these situations to ask for advice and feedback.

5. Assemble your “Dream Team”: You excel at what you do best. Find other people that excel at all the jobs that take away valuable time from your creative process. Search online for concierge services that can hire a part-time assistant or intern so you delegate all the administrative work, social media or marketing that are time and energy zappers. Seek experts who are holding workshops or informational sessions in areas you need help in. Perhaps you need professional consultants such as accountants and attorneys. Ask your local SCORE or arts and business council if they recommend affordable professional resources. For example, in Miami there is a group called LegalArt that provides affordable or pro-bono legal services to artists. Even if you think you can’t or shouldn’t spend money on hiring these folks, remember that what you’re not delegating out may be costing you a fortune!

Sometimes all we need are little nudges along our path to success. Leveraging the help of others will help you tremendously, if nothing else to free your time and energy so you can continue to do what you do best. 

*If you need additional help on your road to success, check out some additional resources: my new book Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), join me in Individual or Group Coaching, check out an upcoming webinar or workshop.

Marketing your Art - Mini Training Video

Check out this 15-minute clip from a larger segment I did on Marketing for Your Art Business. I go over some principles of Traditional Marketing, Sales, Online Platforms and Branding. 


Hope you find it useful!

Find out more information on the "Masterpiece Marketing" DVD Training Series or one of the individual courses on marketing. 

The Art of Networking and Making Connections

Have you ever been to a networking event in which you talk to dozens of people but don’t seem to find a connection with anyone? Or worse yet, you find yourself in the corner by yourself?

Many artists and arts professionals I know are shy or simply dread networking events. In order to elevate your success to the next level, you’re going to have to communicate about yourself and your work. By not attending these events, you are forgoing possible opportunities to find new leads and sell your work. 

Recently I participated in a really great tele-seminar “Mastering the Art of Quick Connection was as easy as 1 - 2 – 3!” about networking and making connections. The chat was hosted by Lisa Marie Platske, President & CEO of Upside Thinking, Inc. who was interviewing Bonnie Ross-Parker, CEO & Founder of “The Joy of Connecting®”, two fabulous ladies that help other women and entrepreneurs succeed.

Bonnie's approach takes the “work” out of networking and her three-part connecting system is easy and effective. In order to make a quick connection and increase your success in any networking event, remember to do the following:

1.     Differentiate

2.     Be Memorable

3.     Make a Difference

Differentiate: Always be yourself and feel free to be different. If you’re shy, an easy conversation starter that gets others to approach you is wearing your own personalized name tag with your name, business and logo. Also try going out of your way to make a connection. Rescue that person who’s alone simply by introducing yourself; they’ll be so grateful and more likely to be interested in learning more about your work. You can even connect people you’ve met that have things in common. One time I connected a young designer who needed copyright legal advice with a qualified attorney I had met earlier in the night.     

Be Memorable: This refers to your appearance and behavior. As far as your look, people remember those who stand out. Go ahead and wear your wild jewelry or blue hair if that’s “you.” Even simple things make a big impact. Once I attended a professional networking event where everyone was wearing black or neutral colors while I wore a red outfit. I made a lot of good connections that day. When it comes to behavior, try to leave a positive impression. Be a great listener, invite people to come to your next opening or send articles they would enjoy. And try not to be remembered for the wrong reasons, such as having one too many drinks.

Make a Difference: People see right through those who are too sales-y or self-serving. What are you doing and saying to others? Are you leaving positive imprints in people’s lives? Think of those who have made a difference in your own life and model yourself after them.

Although you should try to stand out and make a good impression, it’s about making real connections and fostering those relationships. It’s better to have a great conversation with one potential lead rather than have superficial chats with 30 people. And if you do make some positive connections, remember to follow up with them with an email, call or personal invitation to your next exhibit.

Lisa Marie Platske is the President & CEO of Upside Thinking, Inc., an international leadership development company which provides coaching/consulting to leaders and business professionals; she can be found at http://www.upsidethinking.com and http://www.DaretoShareEvent.com. Bonnie Ross-Parker, aka "America's Connection Diva" is CEO & Founder of “The Joy of Connecting®” which helps business women and entrepreneurs create relationships and professional alliances through connections: http://www.thejoyofconnecting.com.

*If you need additional help on your road to success, check out some additional resources: my new book Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), join me in Individual or Group Coaching, check out the Masterpiece Guild, or one of my DVD Training courses.

I also love reading comments, feel free to leave your thoughts or what has or hasn't worked for you. Please feel free to share this article with others who may benefit from it. Cheers to you!

Taking Action: Are you ready to jump?

The last article I wrote on the power of Positivity sparked a few comments on the part of taking Action in this down economy. Many of you are tired of going to the same art circuits, tired of sending out another email to your same distribution list, tired of spending money on advertising, etc., with little or no results. 

So what is really holding you back from making it? Many times we think it is the fear of failure; but oftentimes when we self-reflect, we realize it is actually the fear of success.

“Fear of success, really? You mean, we don’t all want to make millions?”

Yes, that’s correct.

Subconsciously, of course.

In self-help talk, this may be in the form of emotional baggage from the past telling us we're not good enough, so we aim low. 

Usually we just get comfortable in our own little world, doing the same things we’ve been doing all along. Anything apart from our same routine seems like “work.” Success requires action, and many times this is outside of our comfort zone.

Remember that quote from Albert Einstein? “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

So it’s simple: if you’re not getting the results you want, then change your methods and do something different. Okay so... change requires action. Which means you might actually have to work. 

If you’re an artist, then by nature you're passionately and creatively pushing the limit with your artistic style. Use that same passion and creativity to think outside the box and push your work! Stop being so damn comfortable!

Sometimes we’re just not ready or willing to Act. If that’s the case, then don’t blame anyone else for your lack of success. But if you do try something new, you may actually get a new result!

Don't get caught up in other limitations such as your age, experience or level of immersion in your work as a reason why you can't succeed.

One of the best examples of pure drive is from a relatively new artist in his late 50’s who jumps at every possible opportunity presented to him. Once I held a Call to Artists for an ArtistaMundo exhibit, and he was the first to apply. Come to find out he has an exhibit about every 2-3 months, some in other countries, and he is always asking me about possible future collaborations. Other artists who know him personally comment that he gets around and really moves his work. He even works a regular full-time job! Geez, talk about dedication!

You don't have to be pushy or aggressive. But you must take a Risk. If it’s the fear of rejection that is stopping you, remember there’s no real threat in taking action. It’s amazing what will happen if you actually knock on a door or two. You may be surprised at the positive response you get. And if the response is not what you were expecting, perhaps it leads to something better!  

So again I ask, what’s holding you back?

If you’re scared, it’s okay. If you want, I’ll hold your hand.

But just jump!


*If you need additional help and motivation on your road to success, check out my new book Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), or join me in Individual or Group Coaching, check out the Masterpiece Guild. 
 
If you enjoy these articles on marketing and success, please subscribe to my blog in the upper right-hand section of the page. I also love reading comments, tell me what marketing tips have or haven't worked for you! Please feel free to share this article with others who may benefit from it. Cheers to you!

Marketing for your “ideal” customer

In today’s economy and digital age where you have to do more with less, it’s important to focus your marketing efforts to be most effective. Marketing and sales are all about: People. Since you are marketing and selling to people, you must understand who you are talking to and what they want.

Start by determining your target audience. “Target audience” refers to anyone you want to see your work, including current and potential buyers, collectors, gallerists, curators, arts professionals, journalists and art lovers in general. Depending on your goals, you may have several different targets and for different reasons. By figuring out your audience(s), you can focus on picking marketing and sales strategies that work best for them.

Do you know who your target audience is? Ask yourself these questions to figure out:

1.   Who is buying your work now? Start by determining where you sell and to whom. You may have multiple “types” of customers. For example, perhaps you discover that you sell most of your lower-priced works and prints at local Art Fairs to middle-class married couples, between the ages of 30-45. Then you determine that most of your higher-priced works sold at your openings are to business owners and executives over 50. This gives you an idea of who to market the next time you are showing at an art fair or holding an exhibit. (Note: the demographic figures can be estimates) 

2.   Who has purchased your work in the past? Go back through your old records and accounts and try to come up with a list of your old customers and any similarities among them. Your work style and sales approaches change over the years, so you may have attracted a different clientele in the past. Dust off that old mailing list! Maybe one of your old customers is interested in your newest body of work.

3.   Who asks about your work, but has not purchased? This can be in person, through email, social media or other means. Perhaps you get a lot of interest and compliments from female, businesswomen. Then you know this group may be a target for future sales or referrals of your work. 

4.   Do your customers have any shared interests? If you look at factors such as age, gender, socio-economic level, profession, etc., your current customers may have none of these in common. Perhaps they all just enjoy a certain theme in your work or share a similar philosophy. For example, one artist I know paints Harley Davidson motorcycles; this series appeals to idealistic bike lovers of all ages, socio-economic levels, races and nationalities. This can provide insight into how to reach these customers.

5.   Outside of your current customer, who might buy your work? Think corporations, associations, hotels, office buildings, government/public agencies; these groups have a tendency to purchase larger and more expensive pieces to fill open spaces. Interior designers, decorators and realtors also are constantly looking for pieces to stage properties and decorate homes and businesses.

6.   Who is your “ideal” customer? If you’ve looked through your customer database and figured out that none of them is your ideal customer, who is? Suppose you have a new series of sculptures you’d like to sell for $50,000 and above. You’re probably not going to have much luck selling to the same folks who buy your work at the art festivals. Instead, figure out who you’d want to buy your work. Is it affluent professionals and young collectors for their private collections? Or office buildings and cities for public display?

Once you’ve figured out your target audience, find out what they want, what they care about and their interests. Then you can create strategies that best reach each group. You don’t have to sell to everyone every time. The point of targeted marketing is that you are most successful in marketing your work and finding the right buyers. This also becomes more cost effective!

Updated 8.30.11:*If you’d like to learn more about marketing your art, join us for an online Webinar Training Series "Masterful Marketing for the Arts" starting this Thursday, September 1, 2011 with "Target Marketing for Your Ideal Audience." If you haven't registered yet, Sign Up Now for a discount on purchasing all 4 trainings for a great deal by Wednesday, August 31!!*  

*If you need additional help on your road to success, check out these additional resources: my new book Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), check out the Masterpiece Guild or one of my DVD Training courses.

**Do you enjoy these articles and would like to be kept up to speed on more tips, strategies and upcoming events? Please subscribe to my blog in the upper right-hand section of the page. I also love reading comments, feel free to leave your thoughts on what has or hasn't worked for you. Please share this article with others who may benefit from it. Cheers!
 

Filming at Gary Nader Gallery along with WPLG Ch. 10

Today I filmed a piece for the Discover Miami: Virtual Art Tours Series, which aims to promote and elevate the awareness of the Miami arts and culture scene. We filmed at the Gary Nader Fine Art  Gallery in the Wynwood Art District in Miami. Gary Nader's Gallery is not only one of the largest galleries in the world in square footage, but it also has one of the most extensive collections of Latin American art. It has possibly the most complete selection of works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. 


Thank you to local Ch. 10 station WPLG for interviewing us as part of a piece they're going to run on the Miami arts scene and how we're helping to raise the awareness of the local arts to the global market. 


Here are some shots of us filming (with all photo credits thanks to my lovely "fill-in assistant for the day" aka mom Celi Figueredo) 

Doing my intro for the virtual art tour of the gallery

Ready to tour the gallery

Showcasing Fernando Botero's paintings and sculptures

Interviewing the Curator, Conrado de la Torre  

Being interviewed by WPLG Ch. 10 reporter

Passionate about promoting the local arts scene 

*We are currently working to complete the virtual art tours series online, and hope to have it ready in the next month for viewing. We will notify everyone once it's completed.