Keep Your Word ... It's Not Just You

The word, "promise," is defined as a commitment by someone to do or not do something.

I learned early on in my career how important those words are and how it could affect change.

They Promised ... But ...

Whenever a promise might affect the livelihood of someone, I make it a point to follow through and not leave them hanging. Years ago, a prospective employer flew me into a town and the owner offered me a job. I was told everything was set and if I had any other questions to call him on Monday. Well, after celebrating over the weekend, I called the owner (he had given me both his home and his direct office numbers) and asked a question concerning moving expenses. The only thing I asked was if they were going to help with the moving expenses. I also pointed out that regardless, I would be there and just needed a start date. He said he would get back with me.

Hmm ...

I waited for a couple of days and did not hear a thing. I tried to call again, but both numbers had been changed. A week or so had passed before I then found out someone else got the job. Talk about being bummed out; not only did they renege on a promise, but I was never reimbursed for the plane ticket as promised; I still have the cashed check. To this day, I still don't know what happened.

This week's column involves how broken promises could affect others and not just you. I had a conversation with a gentleman who went out on the road with an artist visiting stations

Manager: Recently I was out on a promo tour with an artist visiting radio stations and things were going fine until the artist came close to giving me a heart attack by trying to back out of an interview with a big station.

Coach: How big?

Manager: Major-market big, I can't say, or it would be my luck for it to cost me future opportunities to do promotional tours. I do this independently.

Coach: I understand, not that it makes a difference, but can you tell me what music format?

Manager: No, sorry, nice try.

Coach: Okay, how can I help?

Manager: This kid seems to get it one minute and the next it kind of goes in one ear and out the other. I have a lot of experience with concert and promotional tours, but this artist bothers me at a whole new level.

Coach: How so?

Manager: He's a person who seems okay on the surface, but he makes me uneasy. It's not a drug or an alcohol thing; I can't put my finger on it. But last month he almost cost me an industry relationship because my contact, who is also my friend, nearly lost his job over it. We had several commitments that day and this was one was at noon. The artist was not sick or had company in his room, or at least as far as I know. I am sitting out front of the hotel and I get a call from his agent in New York saying the kid did not want to do the interview. We were already running late, and I had just talked with the artist prior to the manager's call.

Coach: So, what did you do?

Manager: I had to make up an excuse why we weren't there yet. I called my friend, the promotions director, and I could tell by the sound of my voice that something was wrong. He had gone out on the limb to get this whole thing set up. It was not just an interview; it involved the station's other platforms, and the PD had come in from vacation to do lunch as a special favor to my friend. It was about to be a mess when suddenly I got another call and things were fine. What the hell could have changed so fast? I am a pro and deal with a lot of crap, but this artist throws me off my "fix any situation" game.

Coach: Maybe he triggered an industry flashback to something that happened to you or around you?

Manager: My ability to last this long in the business is based on being able to read people and this guy is like a blank sheet of paper; I get no read on him and I have to work twice as hard to try and anticipate his actions. I tell you, I am exhausted and emotionally drained. Up until the little, "Yes, I will, no I won't, now I will" episode, I thought I had broken a barrier with him, but obviously not. I later tried to explain to him how bad it could have been if he had broken the promise of doing the station interview. There is a real disconnect and I am afraid if I go out on the road with him again, it could cost me my reputation. What do you think?

Coach: The only advice you need is your own. Follow your mind, have a conversation with his manager and politely beg off any future road work with this artist.

Broken Promises Can Cause Problems ...

No one works in the music and radio industries alone; it involves a lot people behind the scenes. You need to look beyond yourself and consider the ramifications your actions could have on those around you.