He makes some cogent points, how the arts become dismissed from every angle being the primary of two significant threads. Moreover, it is a point that needs to sink in.
Within a few weeks, he garnered over 50 “likes” and about the same number of comments. This tells me two things: [a] he struck a nerve, and [b] there was more content to read! …and there was. There were a number of perspectives put forth on how to be proactive to counter the dismissive arts position. Chief among these was to become politically active, with data to back yourself up (the numbers are on our side)!
Mentioning Mr. Salzberg's posting is also a very appropriate way to begin this first chapter. Part of professionalism that is the context of successful business is letting go of any illusions you may have that what you do is anything “other than business”. Among the qualities that glues all the arts together is the ethereal, the muse, that quality of being “in the zone”. Do not let this sidetrack you, for it is so alluring that many an artist has simply set up camp (as best one can) and lived there. However, other disciplines seem more readily able to apply such inspired insights, and move on. One can imagine, for example, Albert Einstein having had such experiences, so to, the most creative among writers, scientists, surgeons, teachers, and so forth.
Let me restate, literally, this time without the quote marks: Part of professionalism that is the context of successful business is letting go of any illusions you may have that what you do is anything other than business. Your artistic sensibilities may be enormously important (especially to your art), and they are a part of your business.
Professionalism
Presentation
Being born an able-bodied heterosexual white male in the United States prior to the 1950s was something akin to winning a sort of lottery. To this day, for every inch of height a man has over the average height it is estimated that such an individual averages a $700 annual increase in income. Diversity has come a long way, and there is still work needed.
When it comes to “advice”, there is a reluctance to put forth any hard and fast rules. There may be settings where sporting unnaturally colored hair, piercings or exposing one's tattoos is completely appropriate. Other settings are not as open to these, or other considerations. Confronted with the latter may pose something of an ethical dilemma. Either one makes the necessary adjustments (after all, nothing is personal, business is business), or dismisses the opportunity on principle. Each of these perspectives has value, and you will need to weigh such considerations on a case-by-case basis. Any remaining advice offered here would be the suggestion to not burn bridges.
Concerning the rest of the conversation as to how one presents oneself; this is also a case-by-case consideration, and regional at that. In Italy, one had better be wearing designer clothing (and most likely of that season's line). In Japan, at least in the finance industry, formal business attire includes a dark colored suit with a white shirt. In the southern US, a plain long sleeved shirt with a solid tie (for men) is often good enough. One is encouraged to do the necessary homework whether going to another country or not fully familiar with one’s own region.
This has implications for what you carry with you as well. Is it okay to bring a clipboard with questions already written down, are you expected to have a commercially manufactured portfolio case, are they expecting a PowerPoint, video, or web-based conference call presentation? Again, ask your colleagues, your professors and your network to establish exactly what the benchmark is (including preparation homework).
A wide variety of life skills goes unaddressed in schools. Our culture does not yet see the wisdom for such a polishing. However, many schools provide a form of public speaking class. Whether or not your school makes this available to you, seek out the opportunity to develop this capacity (joining a local theater, joining Toastmasters, etc.). You may expect that your work will speak for itself, and in many instances, it will have to, but in many other instances, the expectation is to introduce your own material in a smart, effective and efficient manner.
You Only Get One Chance To Make A First Impression!!!
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