First impressions are ‘everything’

Like it or not, in the entertainment industry how you look is critical. With all the demands placed on people’s time these days, most clients just don’t have the time to get to know you. Therefore, their judgements are based primarily on what they first see.

So, if you’re interested in being hired and earning money, it’s important to think of what your appearance SAYS ABOUT YOU as a person. Do you appear Professional? Reliable? Mature? Trustworthy? Intelligent and Communicative? Or do you have the appearance of the average struggling DJ: Incoherent, Messy, Uncommunicative, Inward and Self-absorbed? If you fit the latter profile, don’t panic. The best thing about appearance is that it’s one of the few important things in life that CAN be changed overnight.

Step 1, make the decision to look as good as YOU can! Then, take ‘tangible’ steps to make this happen. If that means going to the gym 3 nights a week, then JUST do it.

When you present yourself to a prospective client there are a few basic elements of appearance that you have to take care of. Remember, you’re in charge of your own image and your image is WHAT will help secure that new gig.

SUCCESSFUL APPEARANCE

When meeting a prospective employer or agent, remember, that cool skull design T-shirt or beanie might be required uniform amongst your mates, but it’s not your friends that are going to be paying for your talent. The people who will be hiring you are more often than not middle-aged adults.

They are:

• Club owners
• Hotel Managers
• Parents organising their kid’s birthdays
• Wedding Planners

The fundamental rule here is to dress to satisfy the ‘masses’. People are not going to say you are not cool just because you ‘don’t’ offend. And remember, a contract may be lost because what appears cool to you may just rub that person for ‘that’ special deal the wrong way. Expensive and ‘wrong’ decision.
Many of these people speak a completely different ‘clothing language’ than the average young person and in their eyes, that messy t-shirt and jeans indicate immaturity and with it a lack of reliability and professionalism. To play the clothing game, just keep some common sense rules in mind.

1. Wear an ironed shirt and black pants when attending any meetings with the prospective client. If it’s a 5 star hotel, a tie is essential. (something a little quirky is fine. You are an entertainer after all). Always wear black shoes that have been well polished as this shows your attention to detail. Also, remember to shave. A well trimmed goatee is OK, morning after stubble isn’t. In the corporate world they say, dress at least 2 levels above your current job. It helps you look the part of where you want to be, not where you are today..

2. The hair. For many, hair is very personal – a symbol of who they are and a nice scruffy mop advertises their wild and carefree
nature. Remember, you’re a business person. Be as wild and carefree as you want at home, but when you’re out there securing interesting gigs (and money), play the game. Tidy hair will say something about your professionalism and attitude.

3. Deal with body odour. Invest in a good cologne, some breath mints and ensure that you smell presentable before you go to your interview. Pleasant odours can unconsciously warm and lift the attitude of people around you. It sounds like such commonsense, but I’ve had to interview a number of DJs over the years, many of whom did not pay attention to good hygiene. How do you think they fared against the equally talented DJs who did? Don’t disadvantage yourself unnecessarily in what’s already a very competitive game.

4. The car. What is it, stupid exhausts, where to park it, keep it conservative. Decide if your going to be a hoon or a successful businessman.

Next, we talk about Body language and the secrets of a professional and great Handshake!

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