“Do not depend on the hope of results … In the end, it is the reality of personal relationship that saves everything. —Thomas Merton “
I am often asked how to go about choosing the right job and also how to decline a job offer in a professional way so you are continuing to maintain those important relationships you have established. These are both two very important parts of becoming a professional singer. First things first –
- Know thy realistic and honest potential.
- Understand how much stress and pressure you are able to realistically put on your plate along with everything else that is going on in your life, like a regular job.
- Understand that this is business, not personal or emotional as you retain your Personal Brand.
- Business is not only about creating relationships, but more importantly, maintaining them so you are always working on letting others know about what you have coming up and then how that event went. That’s called networking and yes, it is a lot of work but well worth the effort.
- If offered, you take a job for one of three reasons: money, experience or the opportunity to work with someone of influence in our industry.
Next:
Money – Don’t be tempted by money alone. If the role is not one you should be singing right now, say no! Those that hired you will only remember you in a good way, if you were able to take the audience on a journey, which translates to money in their pockets by putting butts in seats. Once on stage, you become the story teller. They will love you if you are generous with your time and energy to help sell their season and build their audience.
Preparing for a role could wind up costing you more than you are making. If it involves having to pay a coach and there are transportation expenses, be sure you actually come out having made money, if that is the objective. On the other hand, if this is a role perfect for you and a real opportunity for legitimate experience, and contacts, it might be worth taking a loss financially to set up a relationship that will carry you into concrete future employment possibilities. Be diligent in your assessment.
Experience – When it comes to performing, there is no better teacher than the stage. This might be the perfect opportunity to try your wings by taking a step up on the semi- professional career ladder and accepting a role as long as it is within your fach and perfect for you right now. It could be a camprimario role, a larger supporting role or even the leading role. Often companies that can’t afford to pay their talent, have very low exposure and can provide a safe and supportive venue to try out the new knowledge you are acquiring.
Contacts – Networking is quintessential to career building – it’s who you know. Making important contacts is a serious part of building your business as a singer. This might be the reason to consider taking a job, as long as it is in your fach and you are ready for it. You want to make a lasting, great impression as an artist, colleague, person and salable commodity to the public. Performing is an opportunity to let others see, hear and feel what you can do. Perhaps you can influence the artistic director to hire you for a role that showcases you. Perhaps your colleague’s manager is attending this performance and they have agreed to make introductions. Maybe you are looking for a sponsor for an upcoming summer program and by singing at this event you have the chance to meet several wealthy patrons interested in finding a young performer with potential that they would want to support. Or perhaps you are looking for exposure and are promised a review in a noteworthy publication. Good reviews can open doors to making other career changing connections.
Turning Down a Job – Honesty is always the best policy. It doesn’t require any type of long winded explanation, but remember that you are in the business of creating and maintaining relationships. So stay professional. For example if you were offered a job by a company or group that doesn’t pay and have been steadily moving up to paying gigs only, you can simply thank them for the offer and opportunity and let them know that you are now fortunate to be in a position where you are currently only taking jobs that pay.
Remember, ours is a small community and how consistently you behave and follow through is a valuable commodity. You never know what kind of ties and relationships those that you are turning down have and you want to remain true to your personal brand. And no matter how anxious you are to perform, don’t take a job if the role or the circumstances are not right for you. If you are not prepared for a job, no amount of money, experience, or contacts can outweigh the potential consequences of damage to your career. Weigh your decisions carefully and always, represent and present your Personal Brand.
Avanti and ciao until next time.
Carol
