Are you thinking of modeling? I received an email from a young girl who I once mentored when I was involved in the C.A.R.E. program in Sacramento. She is interested in modeling (as I was when I was 13 and wanted some advice. As usual, my response ended up being too long and a little informative so I wanted to share it with all of you.

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Hi _____:

I’ve been traveling so it’s been tough answering emails. However, I do think you have what it takes IF you play your cards right.

1. I would question your motivation first. Why modeling? Do you want to do it to feel prettier? Have other’s see you as pretty? Do you want to make it a career? Or do it just for fun? Modeling is a decision as anything in life - so what is motivating you to take this new goal? Once you examine all the hard core principles, you will develop the courage, strength and fortitude you need as you battle your way into the modeling world.

2. Fitness models almost often only do print work. You can’t go into runway since it isn’t your fortay due to your height. The Fashion industry has also not warmed up to women with muscles yet so be weary of rejection letters from Vogue

3. Figure out your ‘niche’ - your niche could be that your young, African American, you’re not stick thin, you’ve got pretty eyes, you represent an adolescent group of girls, etc. Some girls are blond and blue eyed, others are in their 50’s or have have mediocre bodies but beautiful faces.

4. Get REALLY good pictures done. Befriend and network with photographers. Research some in your area. Review poses in magazines and prepare for what you want in your photo shoots.

5. Work with someone who will lead, guide and direct you. I know you are passionate and will succeed at anything you put your mind to but you must not be gullible or stubborn. This person doesn’t have to be an agent or manager, all you need is someone who believes in you and will have experience in the industry.

6. Get published locally. That is the easiest thing to do to build credibility. Model for a local fashion store or the local newspaper. Keep in mind that most of your work will be pro-bono (for free) until you start getting more name recognition.

7. Start visualizing, planning and executing. Each day you should be working towards that goal. I know you are young and very busy, but know that all great athletes/models/winners are people who measured themselves each day.

8. Read industry books and network with people in the industry. Someone will know someone who knows someone who needs a model for an upcoming shoot. The fun shoots are the last minute ones in which you are guaranteed to get published.

9. Start Selling “YOU”. After you build a great portfolio and defined ‘your brand’ then research an agency that fits your profile, set an appointment with an agent and own the stage when you sell ‘the brand call YOU.’

10. Build your spiritual center. With any new venture in life you must realize that plans will break, people will be mean, you will get distracted, anxiety, and frustration will be a part of this game - however, if you know who you are and you know what you bring …then don’t stop until it’s done. If you’ve got vision and passion it will be done.

Good luck!

SET - PLAN - ENVISION - EXECUTE - DELIVER! Read my goal setting article, SPEED, here.