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PUBLISHED: 11-17-08
Don’t wait for your big break—take action
By Sara Anwar, Contributing Writer
So you think you have what it takes to work for Diddy? The real question is, do you know what it takes to work for Diddy?
People, both in and out of the music industry, express their desire to work for the multi-faceted mogul. However, these people are speaking about a topic they really lack knowledge on.
Some people misunderstand the industry, thinking it is all about the glitz and glamour, hot cars, big homes and high-priced jewelry. These people are more focused on which artist is going to roll through the office, which hot party is going down that night and who they can meet to snap a picture with for their MySpace page than succeeding.
Some are blessed. Some work hard. Some have the passion and appetite. Others just watch and let whatever happens happen. Working for Diddy is not just another job. Working in this industry is a lifestyle. It takes patience and non-stop determination. Don’t think that you’re just going to walk into Bad Boy Entertainment and all your dreams are going to instantly come true.
Viewers of VH1’s “I Want to Work for Diddy” got a small taste of what it is like to work for the hip-hop legend. If you are looking for the regular 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. work days with that one-hour lunch that the rest of America is acclimated to, this industry is not the place for you. It takes a certain level of tenacity and a distinctive type of person to survive this game. You have to know how to play your cards right. Honestly, at the end of the day, it is not about who or what you know, but who knows you.
Most interns come to Bad Boy Entertainment and let this unmatched opportunity slip away. They come only expecting to check their Facebook, put in the minimal amount of hours and go about their business. I question the motivation of my interns every day. They seem to want explicit directions and expect me to hold their hand. Often, interns think in terms of requirements—not going above and beyond—and merely hope they will land a paid position down the road at Bad Boy Entertainment. To be offered a position at Bad Boy Entertainment, you must earn that spot. You cannot just be one of the best. You must be the best.
It takes lots of hard work. It may take weeks, months or even years before your internship leads you to the payroll department. Diddy did not become such a huge success by sitting around waiting for a break; he worked hard to reach where he is today and expects others to do the same.
To survive in this industry, one must not be scared to take a risk. Never let anyone discourage you by saying you’re being used as an intern or that you aren’t getting paid enough. If you shift your eyes away from monetary measure, the rewards of your hard work and experience far exceed any dollar amount. Know that your surroundings are a byproduct of one. Create a position for yourself rather than waiting for a spot to open up. Each step or risk is a learning process. Succeeding in this industry takes passion, dedication, hard work and loyalty. You have to really want to make it and be more than hungry for success—you should be starving for it. This hunger cannot be taught.
Success in this industry is possible. It is important to humble yourself, start from the bottom and know how to take direction. Without compromising your dignity, do you honestly have what it takes to stand out from the rest? I did, and that’s why I’m here. I will continue to be grateful for the position I earned. I will rely on my perseverance for success and look forward to my next stop on the way to
the top.
Being a part of the Bad Boy Entertainment family is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, an honor and a dream come true. At the end of the day, I can only speak on what I know and remind you to stay focused, stay determined, stay positive and stay humble.
Sara Anwar is a 2006 Columbia alumna. She now works as Executive Assistant to Sean Combs.
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Nov 17th 2008
This was slightly refreshing. I believe people think that this industry is going to be an easy one, but rarely know how much hard work goes into getting yourself into a position.
“The Game Don’t Wait”
(c)Nate Dogg
Nov 17th 2008
I know Sara personally and she is an excellent example of hard work and dedication. I met her when all she had was a dream and a drive, and look at her now. This is no accident, she is not lucky, she deserves her spot, and I am honored to know such a great person!
Nov 17th 2008
I am extremely happy that’s I had an oppurtunity to read such an article. I also know Sara on a personal level and I know that everything described in this article is true. Hardwork and dedication is necessary in order to succeed. By just looking into sara’s eyes I can see dedication. She is a very hard working person and a prime example of what motivation and confidence leads to. I strongly agree with being humble. It truly makes us better people. I hope more people read this article, because it certainly helped motivate me to follow my dream. I will always take advantage of the oppurtunities that I come across in life. Thanks Sara!
Nov 17th 2008
I am privileged everyday to see Sara’s grind, so everything that she states in 100% accurate. She doesn’t take lunch breaks (by choice), gets there before everyone else (by choice), is the last one to leave (by choice) and then only gets 2 hrs of sleep due to her working on side projects that could only advance her more. Trust me, she is a beast!!!!!
Nov 17th 2008
This is more than inspiring for me. I am a freshman at columbia college and a single parent and i know the blocks are stacked against me. But i want in to this industry. This Lifestyle and little by little i am becoming that person everyday, every new step. Thanks Sara Anwar for writing this and allowing me to read it. =) it helps.
Nov 17th 2008
sara is one of the most hard working people ive ever come across! she reminds me everyday that as a recent grad student a job just doesn’t jump at you the minute you walk across that stage, it takes time and dedication. i’m a big believer everything happens for a reason and sara had to do what she did to get where she is. while she or any of us may not understand why we are going through what we have gone through, in the end, all the questions to are answers have been fulfilled.
Nov 18th 2008
Excellent
Nov 21st 2008
Sara is definitely someone that is going to take the music industry by storm. Words can’t express how inspiring this article is. Keep up the good work and continue to embrace the struggle.
Nov 21st 2008
These are true words to live by! Great job Anwar!!
Nov 21st 2008
This is an absolutely wonderful article and is very true. In order to create a name for yourself in the music industry, you need to constantly show you’re worthy and have the hustle to stay in the game. The music industry doesn’t sleep, there is always something going on. Many people I talk to want to get into the music industry, but in all reality, they have no idea how much work and dedication it actually takes. People in any industry will always come and go, but the ones that stand out and create a name for themselves with remain forever. Thanks Sara for writing this and for inspiring so many.
~Ellen / Warner Music Group
Nov 21st 2008
she lyin, she be workin 9-5 (don’t forget, ny is 3 hours ahead so really she only workin till 5). and she be takin 2-3 lunch breaks. she be goin to panda express on curry bowl status. son, i got pics of her on flickr with the panda bowl.
; )
Nov 21st 2008
Sara is such a sweetheart! It is with great pleasure to witness your growth and progress! I am very proud of you!! Keep it moving Mama! And much Continuous Success to you!! Love ya girl!
Nov 21st 2008
This industry is truely for the go-getters. Since Grammy weekend I’ve been traveling between LA and Chi, all the execs and industry folks I’ve met are all about the hustle and grind. At the end of the day its the hustle that gets you noticed. You can have a million contacts or connects, but if you’re not out there putting in the work, might as well pack it in. Don’t think the little things get unnoticed, you are always being watched. Not everyone has the same opportunities to break into this industry, but its your hustle thats going to help you open doors.
I salute Sara Anwar, a true Chi-City Go-Getter
Nov 21st 2008
good article Sara, alot of people dont see how much work goes into being successful as well as the work that goes into maintaining it. You’ve earned everything you have now and I know you stop until you where you want to be. Keep inspiring all of us to continue pursuing our goals