Last night, I was having a conversation with a new potential student, trying to figure if we would be a great fit to work with one another. We had spoken briefly a few times before, and I knew he listens to this podcast (you know who you are).
By the end of the conversation, we had our first session scheduled and paid. He thanked me and said he looked forward to learning and hearing my thoughts on some music she was going to be sending me after our chat. Instinctively, I started to type a response, saying something like “looking forward to working with you!”
But I stopped myself before hitting send. Something didn’t feel right. I don’t mean something didn’t feel right about the student, or about the scheduled session… something didn’t feel right about saying “looking forward to working with you.”
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Intro music: “Gingerly” (instrumental) by Surname. Mixed by yours truly.
Focus music by Pink Coyote.
Outro music: “Futurism” (instrumental) by mrnoname. Produced and mixed by yours truly.
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Welcome to episode 17 of Thanks For Thinking, the music business podcast focusing on self-reflection and proactivity for thoughtful music production professionals.
I’m your host, Carl Bahner.
Today’s topic: Choose Your Words Wisely
Before we dive in, I wanted to give a quick update about some recent life events that i mentioned briefly in the last episode. There’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel for the family issue we’ve been dealing with, so I’m gradually able to free up some more mental space to write these episodes. I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your patience with me as we are going through this, and thank you for all of your continued support for me and the podcast.
But now let’s dig into the good stuff: WORD CHOICE, specifically, in the context of client conversations.
Let me start with a story.
Last night, I was having a conversation with a potential new student, trying to figure out if we would be a great fit to work with one another. We had spoken briefly a few times before, and I know he listens to this podcast (you know who you are).
Anyway, by the end of the conversation, we had our first session scheduled and paid for. He thanked me and said he looked forward to learning and hearing my thoughts on some of the music that he was about to send me after our chat. Instinctively, I started typing a response, saying something along the lines of: “looking forward to working with you!”
But I stopped myself before hitting send. Something just didn’t feel right. I don’t mean something didn’t feel right about the student, or about the scheduled session… something didn’t feel right about saying: “looking forward to working with you.”
I mean, there’s nothing WRONG with that response. I’ve probably said it a thousand times over the years. I even have something very similar at the bottom of almost every invoice that I send out.
So I sat there, staring at my phone, trying to figure out a better response. I deleted that and I just started typing.
What I ended up saying was: “looking forward to hearing the songs and starting to help you grow!”
Was it a better response? Maybe. Like I said, there wasn’t anything WRONG with “looking forward to working with you.” But when I stop and compare “working with you” and “helping you grow,” the emotional difference is huge. Neither is objectively right or wrong, but in that moment, to a new student, eager and excited to learn and develop a deeper understanding of their craft… “looking forward to working with you” felt transactional, not transformative.
Well, it looks like I need to update the wording on my invoices now, too.
Find a comfortable spot without distractions. I’d like you to take a few moments to think about ways that small changes in word choice can convey deeper meaning in your client relationships.
Today’s reflection question is: how many different ways can you tell clients that you appreciate them for hiring you? And do these feel more personal or less personal than your normal response?
When I say “personal” I don’t mean “personalized” like mentioning their name or the song title. I’m talking about word choices that strike an emotional chord a little bit louder than others, just like the example earlier of “helping you grow” as opposed to “working with you.” A good place to start is by thinking about what you typically say to clients when thanking them for hiring you (you know, you’re go-to response), and then considering some slight changes that may convey a deeper sense of gratitude.
So, once again, today’s reflection question is: how many different ways can you tell clients you appreciate them for hiring you? And do these feel more personal or less personal than your normal response?
Alright, time to get started. I’ll be back in a few minutes.
If you need more time, hit pause and come back when you’re ready.
For today’s action item, you’ll need a word processor or a pen and paper.
Today’s action item is: write down ten different ways that you can show clients your appreciation for hiring you.
I’d like you to take the appreciation message to the next level - beyond just words. Sometimes the best choice to replace a word is to replace it with an action. A thoughtful email, a social media shoutout, maybe even a physical letter (you know, with an envelope and a stamp and all that jazz). Oh, and by the way, those three examples don’t count toward your list, so no cheating.
So once again, today’s action item is: write down ten different ways you can show clients your appreciation for hiring you.
Alright, time to get started. I’ll be back in a few minutes.
If you need more time, hit pause and come back when you’re ready.
There’s an old saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and when it comes to developing client relationships, the same can be said about the actions you take. But in those moments when all you have are words, it’s worth searching for the words that have the most relevant, personal, and emotional impact.