Subscribe To
This Site
Catherine Rubey Blog
|
Living and working in Chicago has many advantages, obviously, and I’ve touched on a few of them in prior posts. An element that works for me right now is that when dealing with the west coast, my mornings are usually free to catch up on paper work, emails, and various and sundry domestic and parenting duties.
The downside is that right when things are starting to wind-down here, they’re heating up with late afternoon phone calls and emails out west. So, while my neighbors are starting cocktail hour, I have to be on my toes (as I’ve said before) because I’m never quite sure when I’m going to have to jump into a conference call. Which brings me to my topic: the traditional work day.
There is no such thing, near as I can tell, in the indie film business. Because we’re all trying to multi-task throughout our day, it puts us in the position of having to take meetings while in the drive thru of Wendy’s. Which is fine under certain circumstances, but let me posit this for you: would you mind if your attorney took your call while at the drive thru at Wendy’s? What about a phone consultation with a doctor or an accountant?
Granted, these professions work a bit differently as is the nature of them all. However, there should always be at least a modicum of professionalism and respect shown toward colleagues when doing business. I have found in this business it gets shoved out in favor of convenience and saving time. To do my part, I am making a concerted effort to return calls and emails timely, and put myself in the best position to take important calls and conferences.
I am also representing myself in the most professional manner I can with respect to my language. It’s very easy to get comfortable when speaking to folks with whom you have a relationship. I am the first one to start getting loose with the tongue and adopt a manner of familiarity that probably doesn’t propel the best image for the project. Once I noticed myself doing that, I made and continue to make a concerted effort to NOT do that. And, as we all know we can do it with just a little effort. It’s a little thing but I think it makes a difference.
Return from Catherine Rubey Blog to Columnist Main Page
