Giving Back
Posted by Rebecca Wolkenstein on 08th January 2010
When the INfront editors asked me last year what my column was going to be about, I responded immediately with “Relationships!” At the time it seemed like an endless literary possibility. I smugly assumed I would have enough material to last me at least two years. But the hardest part of writing is beginning, and each time I went to begin my talk, I tripped up at deciding whether to be general or specific. My first idea for the talk was generosity at Christmas. If you’re generous in your relationships, it comes back to you tenfold. But really, on thinking about the state of most relationships, one really has to live like that all year, not just at Christmas. I hope it helps you in your relationships and therefore in your career because like it or not, your career is heavily influenced by your relationships.
Let’s start with client relationships. When was the last time you sent a client a gift as a thank you for a big job? Gifts don’t have to be expensive. Some inexpensive ideas are prints of personal work from your folio, creative domesticities from places like Third Drawer Down, or for big-wet-kiss-on-the-lips thank yous, why not send tickets to a show? All of these are tax deductible, so go back through your invoice list and work out who your best clients are. Don't forget them as soon as the job is finished and invoiced.
Now I am going to let you in on a little secret. Agents look after those who look after them. It’s a secret as it’s not supposed to be true. There are supposed to be no favourites and all artists are supposed to be treated equally. I have done my research by quizzing a few of my fellow agents, and here are some of the gifts that the busiest and most popular and kind artists give to their agents on occasion: Diptyque candles, kids clothes, limited edition posters, goodie bags from Mecca, books, and even surf boards. The message here is that agents are human beings and react predictably when treated as such. Make favouritism work in your favour!
Some no-cost ways for you to give back to your agent during the year are: remember their partner’s and childrens’ names, make small talk about them not you occasionally, take a specific, not general interest in your own career, and lastly, say “thank you, you’re awesome” at least once a month. If you think I am saying all this for my surreptitious benefit, think again. I am telling you, dear reader, so you can watch your career and motivation steadily slide in a gentle upwards direction as you gain a reputation for being ‘that lovely guy/girl’. It’s my gift to you.
1. By gavinkeech on 17th January 2010 @ 10.01 PM
Great post. Thanks.
I am really feeling that these words will hold true for this upcoming decade in general.
We really need to be all mutually generous and offer everyone as much respect as they deserve.
It's surprising to note that a large majority, I'm sure, might have a glimmer of this idea in their brains, but then to actually act on that thought, they would find tricky. People need to be highly disciplined to even remember to do such a thing.
These days intention is not enough. Just like someone bookmarking an article to read later, they probably will take such a long time to remember to read it again that it no longer has as much relevancy as first sighted and their intent is lost in the future.
I would also have to say that as a cultural movement we are seeing on the net, critical mass will help form these traits and in the end we all just follow the established etiquette in a delayed manner.
2. By xcarvanx on 20th January 2010 @ 5.01 PM
Hi Gavin,
Interesting you mention online. It's wonderful to think that we can give clients and employees gifts without leaving the desk or the sofa. So there's really no excuse.
Thanks for your comments!
Rebecca.
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