Professional “WHAT?”
I find myself discussing the nature of the professional with many clients. It can be an intriguing conversation. While I’m under no illusions that many people in the world can do what I do, few can do it well. Even fewer can offer the service as a professional.
But why and what does that mean?
It seems every category of business has it’s definition - from simply being paid for the work to a library of handbooks and corporate dogma.
In our world, it’s an elusive topic because the stereotypical artist is alive and well. Creativity outweighs a lot of conservative traits. In fact, we almost WANT our artists to be weird to be qualified, don’t we?
The downside is that it also makes art and its creators dismissible. The devaluation of talent is world-wide. When it comes to business matters such as negotiating a contract, ascribing philosophy to a project, or just having the verbal skills to discuss something outside of one’s profession, too many artists fall short.
Ironically, the reverse seems to be true also. With the right marketing, a talentless hack can make a fortune (”It’s good art because it’s expensive”)
And I’ve yet to find an art program in continuing education that prepares students for marketing themselves and their services. So it seems the trend continues.
But in light of this, here are a few universal truths (as I find them) that separate an artist from a professional artist:
1) The professional communicates thoroughly and seeks to understand the need of the client - not promote their own agenda. This means being sensitive to the client’s availability to discuss things - and being patient with them if necessary.
2) The professional confirms all details and doesn’t leave anything to assumption.
3) The professional shows up early - with enough time to prepare for a successful event
4) The professional does their best work - always!
5) The professional doesn’t disparage, cater to drama, subscribe to gossip, and always speaks well of others (especially in public - someone always sees or hears everything!)
6) The professional delivers what was promised
7) The professional does a thorough and complete job and doesn’t cut corners (on time, materials or quality)
The professional checks for satisfaction and addresses any concerns to the best of their ability
9) The professional says thank you!
10) The professional follows up for the next event!
You’ll notice that the type of service and the price are not points of professionalism. Intangible things matter most.
How do you compare?
Tags: artists, business, career, professional