WHY I LEAVE THE OFFICE
Even when I can’t afford to
Here’s an argument I have with myself before an event: “Simone, you really can’t be leaving the office right now.” Actually, it’s not an argument. I just go. No debate.
Why would the founder of a talent bureau (or agency) leave her desk to spend a couple of hours, a day or evening at someone else’s event? Is it the canapés?
Uh, no.
Glam, with a catch
From the audience’s perspective, a performer, speaker or emcee’s life often looks like bright lights and applause. And some of it is glam, I won’t lie. But behind the scenes, it can get really lonely. Who’s with them in the green room? Who asks how they’re doing once the mic is off and the crowd has left? Who’s got their back?
We do. Especially when they’re on the road.
We’ve worked with talent who’d gone overseas and not been home for months. Months! When you’re that far from your own peeps, a friendly face does wonders.
But that friendly face isn’t a given. I’ve heard of agencies who promise to be there on the day and don’t pitch. Imagine looking for a face you know and…nothing.
For us, for our talent, the relationship starts well before the event and carries on long after it. In fact, before their first booking with us even comes in, we try to catch new talent in action, so we know exactly what they can do with a crowd.
From there, each proposal we send is shaped around who’ll be in the room and what the client wants people to walk away with. So, by the time the event rolls around, I’m usually not meeting anyone for the first time.
Brand fit (it’s a thing)
There’s a business side to this. Social Alchemists is a premium brand. So, on the day, I want us to be on point with the client’s brand and the talent’s brand.
Does everything sit together nicely? Does it feel right?
I’d rather we check with our own eyes than hear about it later. Being seen matters. When a client sees one of us at their event, you can almost feel their relief. Someone from our side is keeping an eye on things, so they can get on with running the show. (And we’ll for sure take selfies with the talent, as proof. Guilty.)
CARE (in capitals)
As a talent bureau (or agency), we build relationships for a living. And relationships are built by people who care enough to show up.
Here’s an example. I once worked with a client who’d been running around all day, making the event work. You know the type (because you probably ARE the type), holding the entire day together with sheer willpower.
No-one had helped them carry coffees or brought them a glass of water. So I did. It was such a small, incidental gesture, but it meant a great deal to them. And because so much of our work happens on screens, it’s possible to go from brief to booking without ever sharing a space with the people involved. But connecting with someone in person, away from the laptop, is priceless.
Point is, when I say we show up for our clients and our talent, I mean it literally.
Why I go (the shorter version)
If you skipped straight to this part (I see you), here’s the gist:
- Talent far from home have someone in their corner.
- A client holding the whole day together gets an extra pair of hands.
- I can see for myself that our brand sits well alongside theirs.
Now a question for you, event pros. When last did someone bring you a glass of water at your own event, without your having to ask? If you’re still thinking, that’s your answer. Give us a shout and we’ll get your next event on the go.
Simone de Villiers
done with heart
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