Freelancing in Tokyo: Going for it!

"Go for it!"

That tired old phrase still has some kick, because that's what I've been doing and it's the reason I've not been able to get back to my blog as frequently as I'd like.

What I've discovered (and hopefully what you've discovered too) is that putting yourself out there, staying in touch, making your presence known... this is one way to stay on top of a down economy. 

There is no doubt the first part of this year was deadly for many of us, yours truly included. But after about four months of dreariness and depression, I thought: "You know what? I don't like this!" And I forced myself to get out of my comfy cubby hole and back on the street. I've been "showing up," "getting involved," "staying in touch" -- you know all the phrases... and this is what has been turning my situation around financially. It seems so easy, doesn't it? And yet, it requires a lot of effort -- conscious effort -- to keep the ball rolling. 

I cannot say this advice is peculiar to Tokyo, but what I can say is: it works. And what I've noticed about my fellow FIT friends  is that they start to "get comfortable," meaning: they don't get out unless they have to. In the Freelancing in Tokyo book, I strongly recommend against this, no matter how tempting it may be. Make sure part of your day includes meeting and greeting and connecting and networking. Which leads me up to tonight: 

We are having our monthly networking night at the Kimono Wine Bar. It's a fun, easy, inexpensive way to connect and expand your network, plus there are several prizes, so, why not? If you have interest, please RSVP right away to Lauren Shannon.

If you aren't able to make it, make sure you take part of your day and connect, reconnect or establish a new contact. This is how I've turned nothing into something and how I continue to get freelance work that pays well and allows me to focus on my creative dreams, which right now happen to be making films! (More on that next time.)

Hoping to see you tonight...