Follow your dreams! Follow your passion! Live a life of no limits!

In this age of “Live life out loud,” increasing numbers of people are taking leaps from traditional 9-5 career track and exploring opportunities that exemplify their creative talents.

While many continue to pursue college degrees at the request of their parents, many of them have a burning desire to be on stages with a mic in hand post-graduation, sharing their talent, even if for free.

The world is filled with amazing talent in a multitude of categories, yet only approximately 10% of them have formal management and hence have a greater chance of being booked than those who do not. The remaining 90% are having to play two roles: both artist and entrepreneur, and to no one’s surprise, they’d rather play artist and get paid for it.

However, have no fear! A new app called “Special Guest” is now available for the purpose of bridging the gap between venues seeking talent, and individuals who are ready, willing and able to provide it.

What’s It All About?

This exciting new app is the brainchild of actor and comedian Damon Wayans, Jr. and serial entrepreneur Kristopher Jones.

The app’s co-founders competed on Apple’s “Planet of the Apps,” partnered with will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, pitched their idea to Lightspeed Venture Partners and the rest is history. The duo was successful in raising over $1.5 million during the show and continues to build on their new platform. They’ve also raised investment capital from other influential entertainers; including Kevin Hart, Marlon Wayans, Damon Wayans, Sr., and Wilmer Valderrama among others.

Their collaboration allows for Jones’s technology background, experience with building apps and setting them up for scale, to partner with Wayans’s creativity and industry knowledge to ensure that the entertainment community embraces their new product.

So, How Does It Work?

The app is free to download in the Apple store and can be accessed via their website making it a mutually beneficial arrangement for both talent and talent seekers. The talent subsequently receives 100% of their pay when booked, rather than a percentage going to agents and fees, as is customary through traditional agency relationships.

The app currently provides booking opportunities for those seeking or providing talent in a myriad of categories including, actors, comedians, speakers, musicians, and more.

“Special Guest” is shaking up the entertainment booking industry, and I say that’s a good thing. Some of the most talented among us, who otherwise might never get a shot, now have an excellent resource. One that not only has the potential to open doors for them, but also provides a payday, not merely exposure, which generally does not pay the bills.

Got talent?  Have no management? The “Special Guest” app may be exactly what you need to not only be seen but paid as well.

*Sponsored post