Hello from Toronto, Canada!
Well it has been a really busy few days here at the Canadian Model and Talent Convention, or CMTC. This is a very classy, premier event for developing the careers of aspiring models and talent here in Canada. If you live in the Toronto area or can get here, I strongly urge you to consider becoming a part of this event next time around.
Yesterday (Friday) I had the pleasure of addressing a couple of hundred of the attendees in a talk I gave all about the modeling markets of the world. From the feedback I received I think the talk went very well. I was happy to be able to pass on some important information to the aspiring models in the audience.
I’ve met some quite interesting models, and at least several that are potentially right for our Paris market. As I talked about at length yesterday, it’s important for models to figure out what markets best suit their unique attributes and pursue those markets.
Not everyone is right for Paris, but it’s a big world out there and there are markets that are probably right for you. Again, figure out what they are and go after them. Don’t waste time on markets that are not right for you as you will quickly get frustrated. It’s so much nicer to be on the right place for you!
Speaking of markets, I’m excited to be working on a new product that will deal with exploring many of the world’s best model markets. I won’t get into it here today except to say that I’ll be calling upon my agent friends and colleagues from around the world to supply their expertise. When I do announce this in more detail I think you’ll be very glad to see just what a valuable resource this is. Stay tuned.
Well here it is Saturday already and we’re down to just the last few hours of the event. I’m busy right to the very end with call backs and meetings. In fact I need to finish this post now as I’m due back downstairs in a few minutes.
Kim
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Mme. Luret,
Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to attend the CMTC convention and what a pleasure it was to meet you along with the other agents/managers. Because of the many contestants that attended CMTC, I highly doubt you remember me. However, although we only had a brief discussion about modeling and the attitude one should present in order to achieve success, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Listening to the advice you and the other agents/managers had to offer has and will continue to help me along my journey. I was the one who only had 4 photos and had just recently taken Audra’s modeling course at Mode Elle.
Thanks again,
Mike Gregory
Hi, Kim! My name is Kim Hlibchuk, I am Jordyn’s mom. We attended your seminar at CMTC 2010, and found it very informative. Jordyn is almost 13 at this time, but between your seminar and your audio, we have a wealth of information to keep in mind for the future. We look forward to seeing you again! Kim
What are the chances of being signed after attending CMTC? Is it worth all the expensive fees?
Dear Kim,
I accidentally read about you in one of the emails from Bob Proctor. I am 35. I am not a model, nor I ever want to be. I am writing to learn more about you how you encourage young people. I am a teacher by profession, but I chose to help my husband in business (farming), helping with paper work. In my free time I like to read more about inspiration, about simple people who reach their goals. I need “fresh air” from all the negativity we can hear in the news at home here in Latvia. And I need to make friends that share similar point of view, that portray courage and dignity, kindness and humbleness. I also believe that life is given to us to be enjoyed, but that also has to be earned and I sometimes feel sorry that so many young people take things for granted, showing their “nose-up attitude” towards other people. I am also a believer of the fact that there are many things we can learn from each other and the being kind will pay-off in the long run.
I would be very happy to exchange emails with you.
With best regards
Mara
Dear Mara;
Thank you for your kind words. I find it very heartening that you choose to focus on the positive. As a wise person once said, ‘Only that which you focus on can grow.’ Since we choose the focus of our thoughts, and since that’s what will grow, we might as well choose thoughts of things we’d like to see grow in our life, right?
It can be disheartening when people, of any age, seem to focus on negativity or seem to give off an air of superiority. One thing I’ve learned–people who are truly secure in themselves haven’t the slightest need to put anyone else down to feel good about themselves. When someone tries to assume a ’superior’ attitude towards another it’s because they are not fully secure in themselves. In order to feel ‘higher’ they need to mentally put someone else ‘lower’.
Whenever possible, I think the best response to this is compassion and understanding. I know it’s not always easy. But I find it actually not so difficult when I realise the reason behind the need to display such behavior is their own insecurity.
Another thing I’ve learned–nothing’s more contagious than example. So I would encourage you to continue to focus on the positive and to show compassion and understanding whenver you can. Some people may not respond right away. Some may never respond to it. But I believe that most will be affected by your example and it will have a positive impact.
With my warmest regards,
Kim
Hi Evelyn;
I apologize for the late reply–I’ve been swept up by many projects and travels these last months.
In response to your question about modeling conventions, there is no pat answer.
Modeling and talent conventions, if they’re doing a good job, bring together many agency directors, bookers and scouts from all over the world. It is a unique opportunity for models, actors and performers to be seen by so many industry professionals under one roof in a short period of time. CMTC is one such convention which does this.
Nevertheless, I’m pretty sure that of all the participants at any modeling convention in the world, most are not signed. And yet, from my experience, some are signed at every convention. So it’s a matter of making a ‘calculated risk’; determining what you can afford to spend, how many agents will be in attendance, from which markets and do you correspond to what some of those markets are looking for? If those variables all add up, it might then be worth it to attend.
I just returned today from a scouting trip in Canada. There I met a model who was at the CMTC last May and is now signed with Elite Toronto and we may be bringing her over to model in Paris this coming year.
So I know for a fact that some models and talent do get results at conventions, although a minority.
If you prefer to concentrate initially solely on your local market, then you can go to see the local agencies directly at their offices.
I wish you great success,
Kim
After reading all of your activities, it really encourages me to continue my labor with more optimism and confidence. I am also on the models business and definitely will need your tips.
I have an amazing girl pictures which I would like to send you, she is really amazing and I think that you have all the potential to manage her better than me. In my view she will be the next explosion! She was here in New York, and now she is in Toronto.
Please allow me some email address so in can send it to you.
Thank you – Roxana
Hello Roxana;
Thank you for your comments. I would be happy to view pictures of the model you have in mind.
All my best,
Kim