Ok, I’ll be honest with you, I’m not a big fan of Mimes, Barber Shop Quartets or Opera. I always wonder why a guy like Springsteen or Dylan is considered a genius for playing guitar and harmonica at the same time, yet if they make just a little extra effort and strap cymbals to their knees and attach a bass drum petal to their shoes they are called a “novelty act”. Why some acts are a success in show business, I admit, is a question that escapes me. When it comes to artistic endeavors in general, I’m fascinated by people who ostensibly do something many other people do, yet become very successful in their fields.

I had lunch today with  a guy who is enjoying a very successful career as a juggler, this week’s Affluent Artist, Jeff Civillico. Jeff is an energetic and enthusiastic performer who has worked for the likes of Disney and is currently headlining a new show in Las Vegas. His highly active—and interactive—performance, “Comedy in Action,” blends comedy, juggling, balancing, athleticism, and audience participation to produce an unforgettable experience. Jeff understands that corporate events require an entertainer who is polished and professional. A cum laude graduate of Georgetown University, Jeff explores themes of communication, goal-setting and teamwork during team-building workshops and as an emcee at corporate events.

So, I get that Jeff, but why you? Why, out of all the guys who bought “Juggling for Dummies” (I did), why are you getting paid to scare your Mother to death by playing with swords?

It turns, out, like most of the successful people I know, success has been a combination of talent, mastering a skill and being in the right place at the right time. Here’s a little of his work:

If you are going to be a famous juggler, it’s a given that you have mastered your craft, hours of practice and not a little skill are required to juggle sharp stuff on a moving cruise ship. The fact that he is a young, handsome and funny guy help a whole lot too, but other stuff had to happen for his breakout and we can all use the principles that Jeff has incorporated into his success.

For one thing, Jeff has pursued success. He’s read the right books, he’s focused on succeeding, he takes action every day to become more successful. If you talk to him, like me, you’d come away from the conversation knowing that Jeff would be successful in any career he selected, he’s what we used to call a “Go Getter”.

Jeff is a great networker and willing to help anyone who asks. He’s learned that “Givers Get” and is more than willing to make a phone call, to connect two people to expand his network. In fact, some of his biggest career successes have been because someone else in his profession (a potential rival) recommended him for jobs, he understands Karma.

Jeff is also willing to delegate, he allows his management team to handle his bookings and contracts, he gets to focus on being great at what he does, entertain. In fact, if you’d like to book Jeff, click here.

Finally, there is that whole matter of being in the right place at the right time, Jeff received a number of “career breaks” because he was willing to fill in for someone who had to cancel at the last minute. “Luck”, as you might call it, seems to happen to people who are prepared and available, answering the phone and showing up seem to be things that successful people do.

Jeff’s new show, Amazed, The Magic of Music and Comedy, is in Las Vegas and, I suggest you make time on your next trip to the strip to see Jeff and his co stars, tell them the Affluent Artist sent you!