What does it take to become a successful model

Of the millions of young, bright, attractive people who want to get into modelling, only a small percentage find any success at it. Why is that? Simply because they don't possess all of the following key elements of a successful model.
Determination:
Many young actors, actresses and models fail to reach their potential simply because they don't have enough drive and desire to overcome the inevitable slumps and setbacks they encounter. They simply quit.

Professional Attitude:
Modelling is a business, pure and simple. It can be great fun, but professional photographers, art directors, casting directors, and videographers are in the business of creating images for a profit. Their time is money, and so is yours. Treat these professionals as you would expect to be treated when it comes to time. Don't waste their time by not being punctual or ready to work at the scheduled start time. The most beautiful model in the world will run out of work if she constantly wastes people's time by being late, (or not showing at all), or by not being prepared to work.

Good Work Ethic:
Experienced actors, actresses and models know that there is not a steady stream of work at all times. By being aggressive with your self promotion and focusing on continually marketing your skills, you can create more work opportunities. When work opportunities arise, be prepared to do your best.

Imagination:
Use your unique look and thoughts to create something that makes you special. There are a million pretty faces out there, but if you offer a unique look or attitude, you can create a demand for your services. Be creative when you put your portfolio together and use your best shots for your promotional materials. Collaborate with your photographers to come up with something really special that just screams who you are.

Networking Skills:
All good business people create networks of clients that are constantly growing. actors, actresses and models are no different. You need to find ways to reach potential clients and generate more work and more clients from referrals and other network techniques. Of the clients you work with, ask them for referrals to other opportunities for you. And if a client was referred to you, always let them know who referred them. The common networking rule of thumb is that for every satisfied client you have they, in turn, will tell 2-5 others about you, but for every dissatisfied client, 10 potential new clients will hear the bad news. Never burn your bridges with clients. You may not want to work with them any more, and that is fine, but never, never be rude or unprofessional. It only harms yourself. Always make it a goal to either work a number of times with a client or get referrals to others from them. Work makes work in this business.

Discipline:
Be prepared for work. Develop the discipline to keep your valuable assets, (smile, face, figure, or what ever else you model), in good shape. Have your portfolio ready when you get a go-see, (interview or test shoot), and have your promotional materials, (head shots, zed cards, and resumes), ready for any potential interview or marketing opportunity. This chance may not come around again. Have the discipline to be a go-getter, not a wanna-be.

Persistence:
Successful actors, actresses and models are made, not born. They work at all aspects of what they do and they do not stop because of a few setbacks. They are determined to accomplish a goal and they are not easily stopped by petty excuses or fears of the unknown.

A Plan of Action:
Successful actors, actresses and models have a direction, a plan of action. They set goals for their portfolio, their resume, their network of potential clients and the part of the market they want to work in, and they plan a way to achieve those goals.