Professionalism!

Professionalism!

This next topic we are going to discuss is called professionalism. Most people are not professionals in the music business due to countless reasons. The obvious one is they are not musicians.

That doesn't mean that every business can relate to another. The thing is you have to look at each profession or job in a way that allows you to learn from it. Each job in this world has a learning curve. You find something you are interested in then you give it a shot. You can't just do it. You need to find out how to do it. Research the mistakes that others who have gone before you made. Educate yourself then jump in and do it. If you can find someone out there who has done it and can help then collect information.

My objective is to help you in the business of music, maybe even save you years of heartache. This information will be adaptable to all walks of your life so lets get started.

So, what is professionalism?

According to Webster's Dictionary, professionalism is defined as "the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person."

While that definition of professionalism defines the word, it does little to help you to understand which qualities and characteristics are important, or how you can become a recognized professional in your life.

There is much more to being a professional than simply acquiring the best training and skills. Becoming an expert in your field is only one part of earning the respect of clients and colleagues. A large part of achieving recognition as a professional has to do with the way that you present yourself to others. It is a mindset that becomes easier to apply as you progress further and becomes an inspiration for others to follow.

There are five important keys to being a true professional:

• Character

• Attitude

• Excellence

• Competency

Lets break it down in relation to the business of music.

Character:

Character is the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of a person or thing.

In the music business we need to have redeeming qualities that allow people to know us, trust us and want to have us around. A person of good character will be a person you may want to bring into your group, or a manager with good character. In the same sense an agency or manager may feel you or your act is worthy of a shot due to your character.

Attitude:

Attitude is a position or posture of the body appropriate to or expressive of an action or emotion.

It is imperative that a good attitude and positive attitude is maintained at all times. Not only by you but by your entire group or organization. A bad attitude can and will destroy opportunites for future possibilities.

One thing you should never forget: every possibility can become an opportunity. Always present yourself and conduct yourself as if it were the day your ship was coming in. In other words, do your best all the time and you will never worry about a missed opportunity. Your body manner should always be upbeat, positive, non-standoffish and always make eye contact. If you're shaking hands, look the person in the eye and shake the hand with authority. (Don't squeeze to tight).

One other thing always follow a lead, no matter how silly, because it could lead to something else. I remember a few times where a person would give me a card and I would disregard it. A year later, I would find the card call to say hello and find I could have been doing great things with this person if I had seized the moment.

Excellence:

Excellence is the fact or state of excelling; superiority; eminence.

Always strive for Excellence!

When you create the idea for your act or your individual performing career, plan it out carefully. Don't shoot from the hip or make quick decisions.

Set up a plan, first map out the big picture and where you want to take it. Then, map out goals to reach while trying to get there. Short-term goals, medium goals and long-term goals and eventually “The Big Picture.”

I like to work backwards from the ultimate success to how do I start. The things new musicians and entertainers do is skip the middle stuff. They start the idea and immediately think they are getting to the “Big Picture.”

In a practical and realistic world, that doesn't work. Everyone thinks they are a star and usually pay dearly with let downs and real world situations. Map it out and find out the steps to take to develop the way you should.

Rely on people who have done it or are where you want to be. It is really great if you have a relative or friend who has already done it. Saves a lot of time.

This is all relative to what you are doing with your life. Some say I want to be a star. Then it will be a harder road. If your goal is to learn to play your instrument and do the local coffee house then it will be easier.

Competency:

Competency is the quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually.

Understand what you are trying to do. Understand what your goals are. Research, practice and know who and what you are dealing with when it comes to fellow musicians or entertainers, agents, club owners, or managers. This also relates to partners, friends and people you may need to hire along the way. It can get complicated. Know when to delegate responsibilities. Know how much you can or should handle on your own.

Conduct:

Conduct is the way a person acts, especially from the standpoint of morality and ethics.

All of the topics above are extremely important. This topic is at the top of my list. It is a very difficult topic because all people have different backgrounds, upbringing, priorities and values.

I am not going to sugar coat this, it is direct and the way it is.

Always, always conduct yourself and your group in a way that will allow it or you to seamlessly fit in and move ahead according to your plan.

Let's simplify this first. It is not about you when your dealing with business, venues or other people who are hiring you. It is about everyone completing the task at hand: the show, the venue, the party, the gig, the rehearsal or the jam.

When you work with other people everyone is on. Check the ego at the door. Check the drama at the door.

Examples:

“I am a rock star.”

No you're not, load the equipment.

“I have to get dressed first or fix my hair.”

No you don't. First, do what is necessary to do the job.

“I am hungry.”

No you're not. Do the job.

“I need a smoke first.”

Smoke later.

“I had a fight with my spouse.”

Turn it off until the job is done.

“I don't want to do it that way.”

Do it the way it has to be, not the way you want it (unless you are in charge.)

Do not resist the direction, always be a team player, unless you are an ego maniac, then go solo. You will be humbled. Big fish little pond, as you grow, you again become the small fish.

Respect other people. Don't be late for anything. It is NOT cool to be fashionably late. Be early, everyone is relying on you. Loading equipment, starting on time, getting back from a break. When the leader says we are on in five, don't get ready in five, get up go to the bathroom, tune your instrument or get some water or whatever is needed. Be ready for your first note in five.

Same with rehearsal. If the rehearsal is at 7:00, everything should be ready for the first note or discussion at that time. Be respectful to your team mates or who ever is trying to help you. You are not a star, be humble.

Stupid stuff like don't chew with your mouth open in public. Don't abuse bar privileges if you are offered free drinks, take a shower, don't start a fight with anyone for any reason. Don't fight with your girlfriend or boyfriend because she is talking to someone while you are performing.

Do not wonder away during a break because technically speaking, you are working from the time you get there to the time you leave. You never know when the person who booked you or the manager needs you. Utilize that time in between to either rest or promote your act. If you have three or four sets make use of the break time. Some people work eight hours straight. Don't drink or do drugs while you're working. Let me let you in on a secret: it doesn't make you better. It slows your timing down and promotes irrational thinking. I find many club owners, since they own the bar or restaurant, will sit and drink. At the end of the night when you go to talk with them, it is a “who knows what can happen night.”

I had one bar owner trash all of my equipment, fire us, call me back the next day pay for everything and give me a raise to come back. Individuals or bands who are drinking can feel paranoid, uneasy, and all kinds of variables so avoid this and it wont happen.

I threw a lot of stuff at you this week, but the bottom line is be professional in anything you choose.

This will give you the tools to succeed. I want nothing more then you to succeed because it is a Matter of Music.

Joey Arminio

www.arminioentertainment.com

www.arminiostudios.com

www.arminiorecords.com