Author Archive
You might disagree with that line. I’m ok with that, but hear me out.
As humans, we judge. I’m not a psychologist, but I really believe that everyone on some level is constantly judging anyone they interact with. If you don’t know someone and are talking with them, you are either consciously or subconsciously forming an opinion on that person. Their hair might tell you how much attention they pay to themselves before leaving the house; a woman’s purse might suggest her love of labels; a man’s suit might reveal the difference between Account Executive and Chief Executive Officer.
You might not consider yourself a judgmental person, and that’s a good thing. Just understand that on some level, you still form an opinion beginning with the minute you first meet someone. Why do you think they say that you never get a second chance to make that first impression?
And why would you think your client would be any different towards you?
In my Audio Branding presentation for DropHouse, I talk a lot about using audio to bolster your image. As DJs, we fight the stigma of being that caricature cheesy guy with the shiny lapel, flashy cummerbund, and “announcer voice.” If you still wear those and sound that way, I’m surprised you’re even following me! The private event industry has progressed light years, but your professionalism will always be their first question! I’m not talking about how expensive your car is, how custom-tailored your suit might be, or whether you got those nice shoes at an outlet or at the premium shop.
It’s in how you handle yourself. Attitude. Courtesy. Speech. All of this adds up to your brand. And your brand is synonymous with your image. Perception really IS reality.
Still not on board? What if you went to, what was supposed to be, a nice restaurant. Your first contact is the hostess, who looks like she rolled out of bed 12 minutes ago, put on her black uniform, including the shirt she’s worn 6 nights in a row (which incidentally is completely wrinkled because she crashed at her boyfriend’s place for the last 2 nights), she’s not even feigning enthusiasm at welcoming you, and says, “Hey guys. Somebody puked and they’re cleaning it up now, so it’ll be a couple minutes.” TMI!
Would you judge her a little bit? Better yet, would you judge the restaurant?
Ok. Would you be turned off if your waiter had body odor and looked like he hadn’t shaven in a few days?
What if you pulled up to a gas station and saw a guy who … wait. Yeah, I don’t really care what he looks like either.
Ah! But what if your tax accountant looked like the guy who pumped your gas this morning and this was your first time meeting him? Would you trust him? Would you have full confidence in him? Maybe you’d give him the chance, sit down and chat. And maybe he’s not what he looks like, and you do trust him. That’s cool. But you were nervous. Admit it.
If you’re sitting with a client for the first time, put your best foot forward. Sure, be yourself! But be your BEST self!
I take a lot pride when I set up for an event, too. Everyone at the SCE Event Group does, and it’s gotten around. It’s part of our reputation, and it’s helped brand us as who we are. From the moment I walk into a catering venue, it’s all smiles and handshakes. That tough Maitre D’? Sure, they’ll get Mr. Niceguy, too. Just don’t push it.
You judge your client. Your client judges you. The banquet manager judges you the moment you walk in. You size up the Maitre D’s experience level. And as soon as those guests walk in, you’re judging them to see what kind of night you’re about to have.
Image is everything.
I have to go shave now.
Tony Tee Neto
Thank you all so much for visiting the site, checking the blog, and supporting DropHouse. I’m so lucky to have so many clients worldwide who’ve heard about this service, contact us, and ultimately trust us to put some quality production work together for them. I’m happy to personally respond to your email or take your phone call, in the hopes that DropHouse can take YOU to the next level in your professional development.
Thanks!
Tony Tee Neto
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit with Entrepreneur, Business Developer, Author, and ”Wine Guy” Gary Vaynerchuk, as I recordedEpisode 010 of The Rockstar Podcast for Small Business. It was all at once completely intense yet down to earth … and incredibly motivating!
As many of you know, DropHouse is my studio where I produce radio commercials, voiceovers, music for choreography, and audio branding for DJs and all sorts of businesses. It’s also where The Rockstar Podcast for Small Business is recorded and produced, along with my co-hosts Lorenzo Areaneo of Screaming Lunatic Media, and Mariano DeFabio of Aveliant. We were also joined by special co-host Jason Jani of Sound Connection Entertainment, another out-of-the-box business person who I admire, and am lucky enough to work with, and call a friend.
This time, the studio went on the road as we had the opportunity to sit with Gary Vaynerchuk, who’s energy, passion, business savvy, and straightforwardness are completely real and inspiring. If you’re not familiar with Gary and his books, “Crush It!” and “The Thank You Economy”, buy them today. Prepare for a no-holds-barred, unconventional viewpoint on business practices, social media, and rule-breaking “how-to’s” for business in the 21st Century! They’re not long reads, and will energize you … I promise!
I’m rarely nervous and react to pressure with focus and cool. I won’t lie, though– I was slightly intimidated. No, he’s not the President or Oprah (not sure which would be tougher here), but he’s a super-busy guy who made time for a couple of hard-working business guys with a lot of passion. We arrived early at his home base, Wine Library, in Springfield, NJ. His assistant, Phil, brought us up to the office level where Gary was taping another episode of his Daily Grape Video Blog. The waiting gave us time to b/s a little bit, and come to the realization that this (second) appointment was definitely not rescheduled!
My co-hosts helped carry all the “stuff,” but when it came to “crunch time,” I had to execute flawlessly! All I could think was, “Oh, man, no bad cables, please! And no computer glitches, please! … Crap! Did I bring the software key?! (though I checked 5 times before leaving)” — I know the DJs who read my stuff know exactly what I’m talking about.
Glad to report, all went well.
Gary allowed us to talk about anything and veer the conversation anywhere, which was great of him. He’s got a book out, and he’s in “promo mode,” yet he didn’t come at this as a guest spot on a talk show. With Rockstar, we always approach being an independent business person and entrepreneur from all different angles; he was right there with us.
We talked about attitude towards setting your fees, approaches to Social Media, and my favorite line, “the “humanization of business.”"
Some of my favorite quotes of the day:
- “Be a service above being a merchant”
- “Social Media is communication: a telephone, a fax machine, whatever. But you still have to have your store!” (website)
- “The best way to be hear, is to listen.”
- “We (business people) are naturally hunters: get the next gig! The farming or nurturing (of relationships) is something that doesn’t naturally come to a lot of us.”
Look out for Episode 010 of The Rockstar Podcast for Small Business, with special co-host Jason Jani and very special guest, Gary Vaynerchuk, to be released next week! Subscribe to the Show:
Thanks!
Tony Tee Neto
