Communicate

  Develop a positive group ethos that is about consultation and collaboration. Consult and

talk to people about your ideas. This way, you check the validity of the ideas and help

spread the word about your event. 

  Conduct regular meetings with the production team, take minutes and distribute them to

the team.

  Write job descriptions and be clear about lines of responsibility. In particular, be clear

about who is responsible for signing off on promotional material.

  Brief the entire company on public relations. They should always speak positively about

the production (even to their friends). There should be a process for grievances and they

should never be aired as gossip in a cafe.

  Take care to present yourself well. A first impression is made in the first five seconds.

Some behavioural psychologists say that if you make a bad first impression, it takes up

to eight positive subsequent meetings to change the person's mind.

  Be prepared to pull out your  blurb  (see Product, page 9) about your event when needed.

  Don't be afraid to talk money. Always ask the price of things and get quotes. Get a

revised quote if the initial job quoted for changes. You don't want any costly surprises.

  Always keep your cool and save the dramatics for onstage. 

  Be contactable, especially to the media, and respond immediately to requests. Get a cell

phone and be sure to check your e mails throughout the day.

  Confirm details, instructions, timing and who is responsible.

  Turn up to meetings on time or call to say if you will be late.

  When you delegate work, be sure you feel confident that it will be done and that the

person doing it has the right resources and support to do it. Always follow up and check

on its completion.

  Brief anyone before an interview. Make sure they know who they are being interviewed

by, and for what publication, radio or television station. Remind them to be relaxed but

be aware that they are always speaking on the record. Also remind them they are there to

sell the show. 

  A list of everyone's contact details should be updated regularly and distributed to

everyone in the group and your venue.

  When trying to get through to someone who isn't returning your calls, be polite but

persistent. 

  If your show or event includes offensive or explicit language or content be sure to give

appropriate warnings. Also be sure there are signs up at the venue if you use a smoke

machine, strobe lighting or smoking on stage.

  Find out about your Occupation Safety and Health Services (OSH) obligations and make

sure you comply. Alert venue neighbours to any noise or parking issues.

  Be direct and honest in your communications. Take responsibility for your mistakes  

and learn from them.

  Remember that you're not working alone. Involve everyone in the production with the

marketing and promotion of the show. The more they understand, the more they can

assist. Share the results of your efforts with them as you progress. An inclusive attitude

7

will help build a harmonious company because others will gain a better understanding of

your work and pressures.

70

Smart arts

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