Scenario
There’s an emerging artist in your hometown with over 100k followers.
This artist has a lot of potential and you believe that your styling services will bridge the gap between emerging and establish for your new client.
THE THING IS..
FOLLOWERS DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY EQUAL INCOME!
So what do you do?
HOW DO I APPROACH THE TALENT?
There's only one way to approach anyone about anything related to business..
PROFESSIONALLY!
Setting the tone from the very beginning will help your union run much smoother from start to finish.
- Send emails, not dm's
- set boundaries from the very beginning
-reserve your ideas
- create solid contracts
- keep the relationship as professional as possible
- do not be afraid to discuss a payment arrangement
Tip 1: Send emails, not dms.
DM'ing a potential client (even for a free service) may seem fast and convenient for you at first but it is extremely unprofessional. You can not conduct proper business via direct message.
Sending an email shows the talent that you are serious and that you also value their time.
EMAIL TIPS:
- KEEP YOUR EMAIL SHORT, SWEET, AND TO THE POINT
- LET THE TALENT KNOW YOUR INTENTIONS
- ATTACH YOUR PORTFOLIO AND CREDENTIALS
- LEAVE RELIABLE CONTACT INFORMATION
- DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW UP!
TIP 2: ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES
(FROM THE VERY BEGINNING)
If you are discounting or providing a free service to a potential client, setting boundaries will save you every time. Being an honest and concise communicator is key.
TO ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES:
- LET YOUR CLIENT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO DO AND WHAT YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DEAL WITH
- CREATE A SOLID SCHEDULE AND STICK TO IT
- DISCUSS PRICING STRUCTURE BEFORE ANY WORK IS RENDERED
- SOLIDIFY IT BY PUTTING IT ALL ON PAPER
TIP 3: RESERVE YOUR IDEAS
Have you ever prematurely announced an idea to a client, something transpired that caused you to lose touch, and one day you run into your ideas on the street? This is the result of not reserving your ideas.
TIPS FOR RESERVING YOUR IDEAS
- WHEN EMAILING YOUR IDEAS, INCLUDE A DETAILED CONFIDENTIALITY CLAUSE TO PROTECT YOUR IDEAS.
AND
- DON'T OVER-SHARE | READ THE ROOM, RELEASE YOUR IDEAS IN DOSES TO BE SAFE
TIP 4: CONTRACTS ARE YOUR FRIEND
The best way to reinforce your established boundaries is with a written contractual agreement.
Contracts serves as insurance in creative industries.
CONTRACTS SHOULD INCLUDE:
- GOVERNMENT NAME AND ALIASES OF ALL INVOLVED PARTIES
- EFFECTIVE DATES
- CONTRACT TERMS
- ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT DETAILS
- MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED FROM BOTH PARTIES
PLEASE NOTE: VERBAL CONTRACTS ARE JUST AS BINDING IN THE COURT OF LAW AS A WRITTEN ONE.
TIP 5: PROFESSIONALISM IS KEY
Regardless of what you are charging for a service, all clients are to be treated equally.
ONCE YOU AGREE TO PROVIDE A FREE OR DISCOUNTED SERVICE, YOUR CLIENT IS STILL A CLIENT.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE CAPACITY TO TREAT DISCOUNTED CLIENTS THE SAME WAY YOU TREAT YOUR FULL-PRICE CLIENTS, DON'T EVEN AGREE TO IT.
PROFESSIONALISM INCLUDES:
- KEEPING THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN
- STICKING TO JOBS THAT YOU COMMIT TO
- BEING ON TIME AND BEING PRESENT
- COMPLETING JOBS IN THEIR ENTIRETY
- TAKING YOUR ROLE SERIOUSLY
LET'S TALK MONEY!
I know.. I know, talking about money is awkward but it must be done.
Everyone's time is valuable. Even if you are not being paid for your services or your time.. it is important to make sure you are being benefited to your liking in some capacity.
Whether you are working for free or working for funds, here are some things to factor in when naming your price:
- SERVICE HOURS
- TRAVEL. LODGE, AND/OR PER DIEM EXPENSES
- PRE AND POST PRODUCTION
- RENTAL FEES
- ALTERATION FEES
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