Business.

The word alone used to send icy shivers down my spine.

But, to be a professional artist, as in being able to write "artist" or "musician" or "dancer" or "actor" on your annual tax forms (aka more money coming in than going out), you must understand your talent or product IS your business.

Perhaps it was my childhood, growing up lean, but I've always had a healthy respect for money - and when I began cashing checks, I thought of my voice work/acting as my business.

But when I began running my voice over gigs like a small business, I noticed a huge shift. And took it to the next level.  

I had the advantage of watching and learning from my husband who studied Commerce at McGill and ran a successful recycling business for a couple of decades. His bizzy side rubbed off on me, and this is when I learned what one should do to take on that small business mentality and apply it to your art/dancer/musician/acting business.  

Start long term and work backward to short term.

What do you want to have accomplished 10 years from now, 5, 2, and in one year? 

Break them down as much as you can by filling in steps that you will need to take to accomplish them.