1. Never, Ever Give up. Even if you have to work at a job you hate, make time to do those things that you always wanted to do for a living - even if it's only a couple of hours a week.

2. When dealing with the mainstream establishment, make sure to keep your contractual distance; 

maintain the rights to all your work and ideas, including potential projects.

3. Don't oversell yourself. Self promotion is a slippery slope. Think of self marketing

as if it were like using scented grooming products. Practice using just the right amount.

4. Don't spread yourself too thin. Too many listed professions gives an impression of uncertainty.

If your lines of work are related, you can list 5-6. If unrelated list no more than 3.

Example: either "singer/actor/dancer/director/producer" or "stylist/photographer/engineer"

5. Find and Maintain Hobbies and Interests, no matter what else is going on in your life.

You never know when you may get paid to do the things you love.

6. GET TRAINING in your desired field. Either through lessons, school or on-the-job.

Do not just think you can roll out of bed and be great at something.

7. When someone asks "what do you do for a living", never give a job title or company name.

Tell them exactly what you do, or would like to do. The conversation will flow from there.

8. Keep small talk "small". When you meet someone with whom you know you will get along,

the communication should remain organic and will follow accordingly.

If you know you are probably never going to see that person again,

there is no need to share intimate details of your life and long term goals.

9. Diversify (within reason). Allow your skills and talents to incorporate multiple genres.

10. Listen to your heart and follow your instincts. Use your better judgement.

Practice your decision making. Don't let anyone make you into something you're not.