Living the Dream

Introduction About You About Us PART I :Defining the Dream 1 Your Career as a Business What it Takes for a Career Adopting Best Practices Portfolio Careers 2 Mission Why Mission is Important Assets and Deficits A Mission Exploration Values Questions to Consider Elements of a Dynamic Mission Statement Vision Writing Your Mission/Vision/Values Statement 3 Branding Brand Identity SWOT Analysis Building a Branding Platform Competitive Landscape Final Thoughts on Branding 4 Creating Business Plans Strategic and Tactical Planning Short‑ and Long‑Term Goals Strategic Plan Statements Goals, Tactics, and Timelines A Business Plan Template Review, Assessment, and Revision 5 Support and Accountability Creating a Board of Advisors Working With Your Board Evaluation and Evolution of Your Board Further Reading and Resources on Defining the Dream PART II: Sharing the Dream 6 Facing Outward While Grounding Inward Appropriate Professional Communication Getting Your Materials in Order Performance Resumés Curriculum Vitae (CV) Work Resumés Bios Repertoire Lists Quote Sheets Pictures Audio and Video Files Websites Social Media 7 Business and Artistic Relationships Networking Setting up Productive Professional Relationships What to Look for in Specific Relationships How to Cleanly End Unproductive Professional Relationships 8 Key Allies Mentors, Colleagues, and Role Models Collaborators Patrons and Benefactors Agents and Managers About Contracts Union Affiliations Philanthropic, Topical, and Developmental Support Organizations Further Reading and Resources on Sharing the Dream PART III: Financing the Dream 9 Budgets (ugh!) Fixed Expenses Variable Expenses Periodic Expenses Budget Templates Take on the World… 10 Liabilities, Assets, and Net Worth…oh my! Liabilities Assets Net Worth Balance Sheets 11 Savings Reasons for Savings Different Savings Vehicles for a Smooth Ride to Financial Success 12 Managing Your Risk What Are Life’s Biggest Risks? The Risk of Damage or Loss The Risk of Illness or Disability The Risk of Dying Too Soon The Risk of Living Too Long The Risk of Being Sued 13 “Nothing is Certain Except Death and Taxes” Taxes Deductions Retirement Savings Plans for the Self‑Employed Tax Credits 14 Plan Your Estate/Leave a Legacy The Will Living Will and Advanced Directive for Healthcare Durable Power of Attorney Legacy 15 Organizing Your Dream Business LLC Partnership (General or Limited) S‑Corporation C‑Corporation Further Reading and Resources on Financing the Dream PART IV: As Dream Becomes Reality 16 Career/Life Balance—At Home Choosing a Home Base Supporting Yourself Managing Daily Life While Working 17 Career/Life Balance—On the Road What to Expect as a Working Performer Maintaining Your Health and Well Being Getting Re‑Hired 18 Facing the Future Assessments and Benchmarks Reconnecting with Mission Stuff Happens—Cultivating Resilience Is it Time for a Bigger Pivot? Pivots within the Industry Pivots Outside the Industry Final Thoughts on the Future Further Reading and Resources on the Dream Becoming Reality Conclusion: Keep Dreaming!