Success is relative. For many of us, explaining what we've done in the wrestling business to people on the outside, we often find ourselves measuring what we have accomplished in the business on a very crude scale. The general public wants to know - so, how close are you to the WWE? How does what you do relate to the WWE? Or ... one of my all time favorites, "Have you ever thought about going pro?" No matter how you slice it, the casual wrestling fan (or the anti-fans out there) isn't monitoring your career closely enough to celebrate the successes you achive along the way. But they will be there to jump on the bandwagon if you succeed.
However, let's be realistic for a moment here. Only a small percentage of the guys that break into the wrestling business will succeed in getting the WWE to even take a serious look at them - let alone land a contract. I believe that while that contract may prove to be the ULTIMATE goal for many, as you venture forth in the wrestling business, you need to approach this with a business plan.
How can you measure your success if you don't know where you are going? How can you assess what you have achieved and how far you've come if you don't have any defined goals? This morning, I'd like to explore this a little further.
Identify your long term goal:
Everyone's reasons and inspiration for getting into the wrestling business is a little different. Look around the locker rooms on cards that you're working and you see guys of varying sizes, ages, and ethnicity. Some guys have achieved success and maintain a schedule out of a genuine love for the business, some guys are career focused, and there are some guys that are in this realm just for the boost to their own fragile egos. Regardless of their motivation, each will identify a different criteria for defining success.
STEP ONE: What, When, Why
Grab a notebook and identify what is your long term goal in this business. Identify a timeline to achieve that goal. Maybe you give yourself ten years, maybe five ... be realistic about where you want to go and what you want to accomplish. Now that you have identified that goal - jot down a few notes about WHY you want that.
STEP TWO: Chart the path
This one, you might want to get some help with, but make a list of short term goals. What steps can you identify that you need to make in order to move toward the final goal? If your long term goal is a career in this business, you might want to start with some steps such as:
.
A. Develop a promotional portfolio
B. Develop a contact list for promoters/bookers
C. Make contact with promoters/bookers
D. Secure appearances with promotions
E. Generate repeat business in as many markets as possible
F. Secure (#x) of matches in one year, two years, three years
G. Generate some mainstream media awareness in the markets where you appear
H. Generate some trade media awareness (wrestling magazines/websites) for yourself
STEP THREE: Consult an expert
Seek out people who have travelled the road that you want to pursue. Find someone that has achieved success and pick their brain for advice. What pitfalls can they help you avoid? What tips might they be able to offer? Can they offer an outside perspective to help you set realistic benchmarks for each phase of your career path? It is EXTREMELY important that you find someone of repute that you can trust on this. Would you consult a garbage man for advice on becoming a lawyer? (Or vice versa for that matter?) I suspect not. Find someone that really knows their stuff and can give you constructive advice from the benefit of their experience.
STEP FOUR: Regularly review/assess
Stay focused on where you are going and regularly review/assess those goals to ensure that you stay on track. Frequently in this business, you will come up against distractions that may steer you from the path. Maybe an opportunity comes up that looks promising, or your progress is detrimentally affected by rasslin' politics. Keep your head low and forge on ahead. If you're not meeting the goals that you have set for yourself, be honest and ask yourself why. Is there another way to approach this? Have maybe you set your priorities in a sequence which makes success difficult?
STEP FIVE: Document your successes
There is nobody in the business that has a greater interest in seeing you succeed as you do yourself. If you don't document your successes and achievements, nobody else will. If you're being featured as a headliner for more than one company at a time, promote that. If you have been featured in a media article, talk about that. If you have had the opportunity to get a match with a veteran of status in the industry, make sure that other promoters and bookers know about that. All of these successes may be specific to your career development, but (in the hands of a savvy promoter) can be used as a tool to build your credibility in a new market upon your entrance to the promotion. What you bring to the table is not just yourself and your gear bag -- but instead, the credibility that is built through your achievements.
For example, if I was trying to introduce "Vance Nevada" to a promoter or to a media outlet that had no previous familiarity, I might include:
- 16 years, and more than 1,200 matches to his credit
(Promotes experience)
- Has appeared for dozens of promotions from coast to coast in North America including:
All Star Wrestling (Vancouver, BC) 2008- present
Maniac Wrestling Alliance (Prince George, BC) 2003 - present
Real Canadian Wrestling (Edmonton, AB) 2008 - present
Power Zone Wrestling (Lethbridge, AB) 2005 to 2008
High Impact Wrestling (Regina, SK) 1998 to 2008
All Pro Wrestling (Hayward, CA) 2003 to 2004
Portland Wrestling (Portland, OR) 2003 to 2004
Wrestling with the North (Winnipeg, MB) 1999-2008
Pure Wrestling Association (Cambridge, ON) 2006-2007
Main Stream Wrestling (Halifax, NS) 2001 to present
Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling (Shediac, NB) 2001
Cutting Edge Wrestling (St. John's, NF) 2001
... and many more
(Promotes track record, ability to secure repeat business, and exposure in multiple markets)
- Has held 19 championships for a combined 34 title reigns
(Promotes the belief that wrestling companies have in this wrestler's product as a credible talent within their markets)
- Has been rated in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 listing, nine times
(Promotes credibility within the trade media)
- Has wrestled The Honky Tonk Man, Jim Neidhart, Tatanka, Bryan Danielson, Matt Borne (original Doink), Robert Roode, Eddie Watts, Leatherface, Chi Chi Cruz, Paul Diamond, Wavell Starr, Don Callis
(Promotes a "measurable" level of ability which promoters can use to build parallels for their local stars that they want to build by pairing you with).
- As a trainer, has developed/mentored more than 40 Canadian wrestlers including Andy Anderson (IWA Puerto Rico/BattleArts Japan); Mentallo (CMLL Mexico); Harv Sihra (All Star Wrestling - UK); Kenny Omega (Jersey All Pro Wrestling); and more.
(Promotes that skills/abilities/theory used and taught by this wrestler has been used by others for successes on a worldwide level
- Has authored two books on professional wrestling:
The Central Canadian Professional Wrestling Almanac (1999, self-published)
Wrestling in the Canadian West (2009, Crowbar Press)
(Promotes knowledge of the wrestling industry and its history)
- Has made multiple appearances in elementary and secondary schools as a guest speaker. Has spoken on a range of topics including personal safety (anti-drug/alcohol messages) and the importance of believing in yourself
(Promotes public speaking ability and gives promoters another avenue to pursue in relation to pre-event publicity, possible hook to secure sponsors, etc.)
STEP SIX: Re-assess your goals
AS you move ahead in the business and experience some success, your career path may be influenced by opportunities which arise, injuries which sidetrack you, or a change in your perception of the industry. Perhaps things happening in your life away from wrestling (i.e. marriage, children, career opportunities) change your priorities in life and alter your goals in the business. These aren't negative things, but opportunities for change. Take a look at the goals you have and determine whether they are still applicable. If you're changing directions, see if that changes any of the short term projects that you have identified.
STEP SEVEN: Be honest with yourself
Wrestling is a BUSINESS, but it's also an art form unto itself -- a very specific discipline. If you're making money, maybe nothing else matters. If you're having fun, maybe nothing else matters. If you are finding fulfillment, maybe that's what's important. However ... if you're not making money, you're not having fun, and you are unfulfilled by your involvement with wrestling -- be responsible enough to identify it's time to move on. If you don't, it's highly likely that you'll stop being a productive member of the team, and become that negative, grumbling influence in the locker room that nobody wants to deal with.
I have had the opportunity in recent years to work with some really outstanding talent with a world of potential and I hope that you all far exceed the goals that you set for yourself. Follow your dreams ... and dream BIG!
Vance Nevada