🎶 Gaining Trust Through Etiquette: A Personal Experience 🎶
🏟 One of the pivotal moments in my early career happened unexpectedly during a visit to a Grammy Award-winning artist's performance. We weren’t officially working together yet, but we were close to making it official. When I arrived at the venue, I texted the artist's manager to let him know I was there. To my surprise, he immediately invited me backstage to the green room.
Entering the green room, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. This space, where a lot of magic happens, is very personal and intimate. As a newcomer, I knew I needed to build trust quickly. To me, trust is something that can be offered, not just earned.
📱 In that moment, I decided to put my phone away, inside my purse, for the entire duration of my time in the green room. I wanted the artist and their team to know that I understood the importance of confidentiality, even without an NDA. I wanted them to feel comfortable and to lead with transparency. Having my phone out, scrolling (which could all appear as taking photos), would not have been a transparent action.
Some might say I was overthinking, but I believe that being fully present and showing respect for their space and privacy was crucial. This small decision helped me to be fully engaged and demonstrated that I was not there with any ulterior motives.
💫 I ended up spending hours in the green room, away from my friends (who thankfully didn’t leave without me!). During this time, I was able to build a strong rapport with the artist and their team. By the end of the night, I received confirmation that I would officially work with the artist.
🤝 What’s interesting is that I never signed an NDA with this artist. Our professional relationship was entirely built on trust, my actions, and my word. While I don’t recommend forgoing contracts in general, this experience was an anomaly that highlighted the importance of integrity and trust in our industry.
Key Takeaways:
✍ Be Present: Small actions, like putting your phone away, can demonstrate your commitment to confidentiality and respect.
✍ Trust Can Be Offered: Sometimes trust is about showing that you understand and respect the unspoken rules of a space.
✍ Integrity Matters: Building your reputation on trust and integrity can have a profound impact on your career.
💬 As CEOs and music industry professionals, let's remember that every interaction is an opportunity to build trust and leave a lasting impression. What small actions do you take to build trust in your professional relationships?
#MusicIndustry #Leadership #Trust #Confidentiality #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalEtiquette
