There are two words that I believe can make or break a career.
They are simple, easy to say and, hopefully, words that you hear every single day.
🔆 Thank you 🔆
Whether you are talking to an agent, casting director, assistant or fellow peer, a genuine thank you can get you far. You see, contained within a thank you is an implicit, "I see you and I appreciate you."
A genuine thank you shows not only appreciation, but also gratitude and, ultimately, respect. You are acknowledging someone's work, showing them that you don't take them for granted and are acknowledging that they matter.
Starting to see how these two little words can transform your career?
Genuinely thanking someone makes them feel appreciated ➡️ people who feel appreciated tend to feel more motivated ➡️ and motivated people go above and beyond to get things done.
Careers are built by getting lots of motivated people onto your team.
Being generous with your genuine thank yous = career hack. Got it ✔️
But what the heck makes a genuine thank you, well...genuine?
Specificity, effort and significance.
Specificity- Thank them for something they specifically did. ex: "Thank you for taking the time to physically walk me through the set up of the studio this morning."
Effort - Acknowledge the effort that they made in doing that specific thing. ex: "I could see you were very busy with everyone checking in."
Significance- Tell them the significance, what it personally meant to you. ex. "Taking the time to show me where everything was located and being so welcoming set the tone for an incredible day on set. I know it wouldn't have been the same without you there."
Gratitude may be the simplest and the most powerfully direct way to acknowledge another person’s value and humanity.
💡 ACTION ITEM: Start practicing your thank yous on your family and friends until it is part of who you are.
One last thing: I want to say thank you for taking the time to read this. I know that your time is precious and I am very grateful that you trust us over here at Actor Salon in the growth of your acting career. It brings so much fulfillment to my job knowing that I may be able to help move the needle for you. Thank you.
(see what I did there? 😉)
Best,
Olivia
P.S. We hope that this everyday practice opens doors for you. 🚪 Let us know how it impacts your life by commenting in our community FB page www.getmorecommunity.com .