In Act One, and Act Two, we discussed taking control of our stage, and defining it. Part of defining it requires that we gather together our needed props. Props can include many things. They include Décor, costumes, tools of your trade, etc. Costumes I am leaving for another Act, as they merit a page unto themselves. If you are wanting to become a computer tech, you would want to gather together the tools you would need for such a position. To better create the image of what you are, you could carry a briefcase or bag about with your basic gear. People will ask, “What is that you are carrying?”, and there is your opportunity for a customer. I have been training myself in the area of entertainment for quite a number of years now, and often carry about my own bag of props. Depending on where I am going, or what I am doing, I carry about some of the following: Dice, playing cards, meditation balls, juggling balls, sharing books, small games, etc. If I going to certain places I will carry a bag of various products that I sell, or information regarding them. Before leaving my home, I try to connect the props I will need for the place/s that I am going. Regardless of where you go, if your props can come in handy, people will be impressed with you. I will never forget a friend of mine who had the most incredible assortment of items in her purse, she always had just what I needed! I learned from her, and now have my own general bag of props that contains anything and almost everything you could possibly need on the spur of the moment. Be sure to keep your props in an organized fashion, people will greatly judge you by how easy you are able to go about your tasks. If you are fumbling around for things, they will lose confidence in you. My house mate has been told by quite a few people, that they knew he was a good carpenter based only on how well he took care of his tools. Quality props are essential. If you are using low grade tools or accessories, you will appear low grade. Not only will they harm your image, but they will cost you more money in the long run.

If your props are something that cannot be hauled about with you, be sure to keep them well in whatever environ they are stored in. Use a comprehensive organizational system, and make sure they are always easy to locate. Décor, general household items, business tools, they all need to be in alignment with the image that you are creating of yourself. If we were watching a movie about a clockmaker, the main character would certainly not show up with plumber’s gear. What is the image you are projecting with the props you have around you? Do they really reflect your ideal dream? One thing that I found to be of a great help is the elimination of many props I do not need. Because I live in a household with other people, there were a lot of props about that were not of my own choosing. Many of these no longer were serving a real purpose, or never really served one in the first place. I took a few boxes, packed them all up, and handed them all to their owners. Now there is plenty of space for props that are functional, I no longer have to dust as many things, and I can focus more clearly on what is important. Having too many props can defeat us in the long run, rather than aid us along our way.

Whatever props you use…just remember, they are an expression of you!

[tags]Life, props, reality hacking, DIY, business tools, decor, tools, trades, image, lockergnome, Public Relations, business tools, shadowmyth[/tags]