Don't Take It Personal

One of the most important lessons you will learn in this business is to have a thick skin. Always understand that this is a business first and when things happen just keep your judgement clear and don't take it personal. This can be easier said than done being that as creative people we are, at the core, an emotional lot. That being said, we have to develop the ability to detach our emotions from business decisions. I believe that you get what you ask for or what you go looking for and most artists are usually looking for drama. The best way to stay on top of your game is to always have a clear cut agenda in every situation and understand that any negotiation is a form of warfare, no matter WHO you are dealing with. Friends in this business are few and far between and you should NEVER make a career decision based on friendship or an empty promise. I've had experiences where I trusted people because of what I thought was a good relationship. Well that relationship was only good because I had never needed anything from them. I was always on the giving end but when I needed something they had no problem telling me no and even followed their no up with "Hey man it's just business. Don't take it personal." In this business contracts are signed daily and when you are sitting across the table from someone to sign an agreement you have to remember that they are not looking out for your interest. They are looking out for their own interest and they will do whatever it takes to get what they want. So if you don't do the same and you end up in a bad deal, it's your fault. Even as a musician, you have to be able to just do what the job is asking with as little emotion as possible. I've worked with bandleaders that will yell at you and fine you even if they were wrong. Now I've also seen a lot of guys get fired or quit because they took things personal that didn't have anything to do with the job. My motto when working for a client is "He/She may not always be right but he/she is never wrong." In other words, what you think doesn't matter just shut up and do the job you were hired to do. In most cases people will test you and put you under intentional pressure just to see if they can break you. This is a way to see how strong you are and to see if you can always be professional even when put under emotional distress. This is also a negotiation tactic. If I can get you all emotional about something, you will make an emotional decision about your business and emotion and business don't mix well. You get taken every time. So meditate and always keep a good center. Understand that you are in control of you, your emotions and the decisions you make. Don't get upset about anything. Just take care of your business and don't take anything personal.

The Truth

All Rights Reserved by Airtight Productions 2010