It is sometimes difficult to get advice from people who not only understand what you do but have done the same kind of work themselves? Look no further:
1. Know your audience.
Research their level of knowledge and expertise with the technology and concepts you discuss with them.
2. Join your professional association.
Attend conferences, read publications, talk to other digital media content creators about their projects, accomplishments and challenges.
3. Be prepared.
Technology liberates, but it also frustrates. To avoid nasty (and costly) surprises, know your technical limitations and those of the tools that you work with regularly.
4. Consult you professional association.
Picking the brain of a seasoned professional can save you time, money and headaches.
5. If you are starting a new business, find a good lawyer.
It is a lawyer's job to think of potential problems you cannot even imagine–and to find solutions before you need them.
See The Art of Managing Your Career, Chapter 5, You and the Law
Consult the Federation of Law Societies of Canada: www.flsc.ca.
6. Learn how to read a contract.
Your lawyer can point out which clauses are typically of most interest to you, and which ones have the potential to cause problems.
See The Art of Managing Your Career, Chapter 5, You and the Law.
7. Read everything you can pertaining to your industry.
It's your job to know what's new in digital media.
8. Be patient.
Things don't happen overnight. As in life, opportunities for career growth don't always present themselves at the precise moment or in the exact form that we would like them to.
9. Plan. Plan. Plan.
And that's just for "Plan A".
See The Art of Managing Your Career, Chapter 3, The A to Z of Project Management.
10. Manage your money.
Your Parents were right – it doesn't grow on trees. Develop realistic financial goals and a budget to achieve them. Revisit your goals and budget regularly.
See The Art of Managing Your Career, Chapter 4, Money – Keeping Track.
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