Before writing this blog Dream Choreo took the time to figure out exactly what coaches just like you want out of their choreographers. We surveyed throughout Social Media to find out the main reasons’ coaches keep and drop choreographers. We received a lot of interesting feedback, but by far, the most often used answer was without a doubt, professionalism.
So, what does it mean to be professional? How can you tell right away when someone is a professional? Finally, what does utilizing professional services do for your business? We reveal answers to these questions in this blog post but are always interested in hearing your opinions as well! Make sure to comment at the bottom of this post with any ideas you may have as well!
This graphic is what we used when open answer polling the industry. We received answers from many different industry professionals. Looking at defining professionalism further came down to 4 main mantras.
The first being “Treat Others With Respect”
A true professional is able to separate personal objectives and feelings from his craft and work. It is a customer first mentality. This mentality cannot be achieved without tuning in to the team, coaches and athletes, and ensuring that everyone involved feels valued and important. The best professionals are selfless and are no longer the macho, fierce, “doesn’t take no for an answer” shark in the water types.
Google Dictionary defines Respect as follows:
re·spect
/rəˈspekt/
noun: respect; plural noun: respects
- a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
“the director had a lot of respect for Douglas as an actor”
In my experience choreographers can have trouble with focusing too much on their expertise in the routine building and knowledge of the scoresheet. This can in turn cause neglect and create a lapse in respect for the coaches’ knowledge of their team’s personnel, and individual coaching abilities. When a choreographer makes you feel valued and makes certain to listen and do what you want through compromising, or accommodating, then you know the choreographer is on the right track to professionalism!
Another important quality to be held for a professional is to be able to
“Keep Your Word”.
Google defines Trustworthiness clear and concisely.
trust·wor·thi·ness
/ˈtrəs(t)ˌwərT͟Hēnəs/
noun: trustworthiness
the ability to be relied on as honest or truthful.
“he has to prove his trustworthiness to you”
There’s a chance of what is possibly one of the most creative types in the world to be ever changing and adjusting things. This should not flow over into a choreographer’s communication though! It’s absolutely fine and in fact beneficial in their actual work just not when it comes to what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it, and how well you say you’ll do it. This also coincides with making sure contractual agreements are upheld in terms of cost and payments. A fickle choreographer or one who throws monkey wrenches in plans, is not punctual, or seems to always have an excuse for why something couldn’t happen is not the professional choreographer we are attempting to describe.
Two factors that can be related to an individual’s professionalism are Appearance and Reputation.
These two factors are described in the same section because of their comparable elements. One deals in the concrete while the other is abstract, but both have repercussions as to how one is judged by others.
judg·ment
/ˈjəjmənt/
noun: judgement
an opinion or conclusion.
“they make subjective judgments about children’s skills”
Why is what others think about a choreographer important? While many are raised hearing comments like “Don’t worry what others think about you” the truth is when young athletes are involved reputation and appearances matter most. Take the metaphor of food appearance for example. If something looks odd, poorly put together, or disheveled, the likelihood of you eating it go down. In terms of personal appearance. Dressing and grooming appropriately shows that one respects themselves. It shows off the bat that a person is trying to put their best foot forward. Reputation is more important than appearance because parent’s, present customers, and potential customers of your business want to feel comfortable, safe, and in good hands when they are in your building or entrusting you with their children.
Appearances do matter. If what you see and what you hear are good things, then you are one step closer to the professionalism you are seeking.
Finally, your choreographer should exceed expectations routine-wise. This doesn’t necessarily mean to be the best choreographer in the world. Or even to have phenomenal work. It’s all about perception.
ex·pec·ta·tion
/ˌekspekˈtāSH(ə)n/
noun
a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.
“reality had not lived up to expectations”
Even if there’s an average choreographer who is being upfront about their mediocrity in the marketing and communication of their work then there is an opportunity to still be a professional. There are non-verbal and abstract ways of communicating correct or incorrect messages. For example, a highly priced service gives the impression that that service is high quality. So, before any communication has taken place directly, expectations are high. Managing expectations is the name of the game for professionalism. Never overpromise and under deliver. It is a surefire way to customer dissatisfaction!
In terms of professionalism which of these is most important to you?
Our short answer is that they ALL should be! Any combination of these 3 areas without a 4th can be detrimental to the bottom line of your business, and the relationship with your customers!
Of course there’s something we’re missing when it comes to professionalism, but maybe you can help us with commenting below!
ALSO if you would like more information on what an amazing choreographer should offer, check out our previous blog.
Dream Choreo 