THE ETIQUETTE! THE FOLLOW UP!

Happy Sunday! hope you are not melting in this heat wave on the east coast!

I know I have spoken of it before, but it always needs repeating:

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE FOLLOW UP.

As artists, our imposter’s syndrome can get very loud. We can resist the “business” side of the business. We may hate networking, or feel awkward or strange.

I get that. Truly I do.

However, out of sight, out of mind, no matter how talented or ready you are. Nobody remembers you are there unless you smile, knock and say “just a quick reminder: I am here!”

It’s never too late to follow up with someone in the business you haven't spoken to in a while. It can simply be an update - even if you aren’t currently working. You don’t have to wait until you’ve booked something major to remind people you are there!!! New headshots? Send them out! New recordings? Send the link! Working with a new teacher or coach? Has your repertoire changed? Are you moving into new roles? LET THEM KNOW!

But here’s the other thing about the follow up…

If you reach out to ask someone for something, and they respond…

are you ready?

here it comes…..

THANK THEM.

It doesn’t take much. A simple acknowledgment that someone has taken the time to respond to you, deserves a thank you. Treat people the way you wish to be treated.

If you reach out to a coach or a teacher to see if they have availability, and they don’t but they give you other people to contact (or even if they don’t do that) - a simple THANK YOU can go a long way.

This isn’t even a follow up so much as it is an etiquette protocol.

Be the person you would want to work with by how you respond to people.

How you respond, how you reach out, how you approach all reads loudly and clearly.

Learn to develop an etiquette protocol that will enhance your reputation, not hinder it.

I see many performers, who for reasons I don’t understand, simply shoot themselves in the foot by how they handle their etiquette, follow up - or the lack of it.

Stay visible. Check in. Ask questions. And always, always, ALWAYS, say thank you. Thank you for your time, thank you for the information, thank you for the opportunity, thank you for the possibility.

It takes no effort to be that person that people want to know, if you simply make time to be that person.

Your response, and follow up reveal the kind of person many would want to work with.

And, your response, lack of follow up or lack of etiquette can also reveal something else about you, that perhaps, you didn’t realize.

Be the person you would hire, you would teach, you would collaborate with. It goes so much further than you realize.