Temper, Temper

I was working with a client.  A musician.  He was looking to book more private gigs, more opportunities to get himself into presenting venues, etc.

We talked through a lot of marketing strategy stuff, but then I gave him this advice:

Be nicer to people.

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I had seen the guy work before.  He was a master of the "tempermental artist" route.  The guy could play . . . but he also had no problem giving his paying clients a bit of grief.

I think he believe that like many great artists, his talent were strong enough to compensate for his attitude.

But he had a problem.

He wasn't that talented.

Neither are you.

Neither am I.

It's 2010.  People can find a good, solid musician in their area with a couple of Google searches.  And even if that replacement musician was only 90% as talented as my client that might be a small price to pay to not deal with an attitude.

People who want to work with artists can be difficult.  I can understand that.  And sometimes you may have to push back on a paying client to maintain your integrity.

But, all things being equal, people want to do business with those who are easy and enjoyable to work with.

Sometimes, being nice, considerate and compassionate is the best possible marketing.

Comments

[dean martin]

No man could be successful and happy if he has a bad attitude. It's a good thing you gave a piece of advice to him. I wish he absorb and realize what you meant. Marketing oneself is not just mere the skill, talent one may have, but importantly the attitude.