### Attitude vs. Customer Service
Recently, while organizing an event in Atlanta, I reached out to local press for coverage. To ensure I didn't make cold calls, I obtained direct contact information and a credible introduction through an internal contact. Despite leaving 21 voicemails and sending at least 12 emails—each conveyed with a courteous and professional tone—I received no responses. This lack of engagement led me to investigate the broader state of customer service in the entertainment industry.
What I discovered was troubling.
There's a noticeable decline in customer service, largely due to the instant gratification culture that pervades today’s society. Many people seem to approach their work without a sense of moral responsibility or commitment to customer satisfaction. At fast food and full-service restaurants, for instance, I've encountered servers who are impatient and dismissive, eager to rush through orders to meet their personal timelines. In retail environments, I’ve observed staff members displaying visible disdain, treating customers as if they are a burden.
The old adage "The customer is always right" now seems outdated. The prevailing attitude seems to be "Hurry up and don’t bother me."
This poor customer service extends into the entertainment industry as well. Artists often display a condescending attitude towards their audiences and even more so towards their support teams, including stage, video, and studio personnel. During a recent rehearsal, I witnessed an artist treating their band, backup singers, and session leader with unprecedented hostility—behavior that was not only unprofessional but also deeply offensive. Despite receiving compensation, these individuals endured the abuse without complaint, which speaks volumes about the lack of respect and professionalism.
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The same negative trend is evident in publicity, public relations, marketing services, and other professional services. Many of these businesses, once they have your money, treat clients with disregard and condescension. Promotion professionals, in particular, often charge for services that they fail to deliver, then blame the quality of the music for any lack of success, a problem I've seen for over 40 years in the industry.
Why create barriers between yourself and your clients?
Such attitudes can have long-lasting effects, shaping interactions with fans, support personnel, and the press. People who frequently change contact details often exhibit instability and poor character, and you likely know someone fitting this description—perhaps even yourself, if you’re in denial about your own behavior.
The industry needs to evolve. Expanding our reach and improving how we engage with others can lead to a larger audience and more revenue streams.
General Manager - WRWS-LPFM Bethune Cookman University
7 个月Evolution is often slowed by the lack of the older generation not willfully wanting to find new ways of communicating with the young folk of today! We often forget that we were once their age. 30 years ago is a lifetime to kids who were raised by those who now seemingly discard the children of THEIR children. These young people can be taught if we are willing to work with them and TAKE THE TIME to understand them, respect them and show them the way as WE CREATE A "NEW WAY"! TOO MANY OF US (Old Heads) are stuck in doing things the old way and we are still pushing those old ways on our young people. Our fears and anguishes can only be changed when we come together as a community to enhance the community of the future! I totally understand if you disagree, but this is the key reason we see things as we do! Allen, feel free to knock on my door and TEACH Me how to change what I don't know! I will boldly go to our young folk and assist them in learning how the change can begin! BTW: if you read this you can feel to reach me too; I ain't goin' nowhere!
Good opportunity, wishing the best for all applicants ?? ??
LMG Entertainment; Chief Creative Officer; Automotive Test driver/reviewer, writer, video editor; film director; web tv producer; brand consultant;
7 个月As a media owner and industry professional I agree with everything stated and realize that there are people in this business that just don't like people. Entertainment is a people business and when you bring in individuals that could care less about another human being when it's the people that drive it then there's a structural deficit. Thanks for sharing.
Make yourself an asset
7 个月It's encouraging to hear professionals in the entertainment field voice such healthy, heart-felt opinions. It takes a collective in any industry to achieve your goals. Creating a culture that employs common courtesy produces results that can only come from such an environment.. as well, it enriches the workplace in a way that benefits everyone involved. As for professional courtesy?? In my opinion, it is one of the highest forms of respect.
Owner at Local SEO Ranking Services and Videos For You
7 个月Thanks for sharing, if you are looking for alternative means of reaching your target audience reach out.