Introduction
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”
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!
