The Hollywood No

“Absolutely. You’d be a perfect fit.”

“That sounds great. Send me your information.”

“Yes, we should talk more about that.”

If you’re creating a life for yourself as an entertainer or artist, you’re going to hear these phrases. I call it the Hollywood No: a “yes” that isn’t one.

Sometimes the person saying it means it. Sometimes they genuinely intend to call and then get busy and forget. Maybe they want to respond positively to keep the spark alive. Or maybe they just don’t want to admit that you’re not right for the job. No one likes having uncomfortable conversations.

And you don’t necessarily need to know which one it is. All you have to do is respond pleasantly, say, “That sounds great,” and move on.

What you never want to do is make someone uncomfortable or force them to give you an answer they aren’t ready to give. If a potential booker says, “We’ll give you a call,” and you respond with, “Are you really going to call, or are you just telling me that?” you might think you’re being efficient by being direct, but you’ve actually put that person on the spot. Now they have to make a decision in an uncomfortable moment. The easiest thing for them may be to simply say, “Of course,” just to end the conversation. And then, when you leave, they may never call you.

It’s not enough to be talented. You have to understand the politics.

And this is one of those things no one is likely to sit down with you and explain. Entertainment has politics. Not necessarily bad politics, just human politics. In this business, everyone is trying to present themselves as competent, successful, confident, and in control. The venue manager wants their boss to think they booked the right person. The event planner wants the suits to trust that everything is handled. The agent wants their client to be happy. Most of these folks are simply trying to do their jobs well, and they’re hoping you’ll help them do it.

So be that help. One of the most valuable skills you can develop as an entertainer is the ability to float through any situation with a smile. Give people what they need, make their job easier, and never let them see you sweat.

Your job is to make everyone look and feel good, and to be an asset.

That’s what you’re selling.

A great act isn’t enough. Neither is a great look or a great reel. You have to be the whole package, and part of that package is knowing how to conduct yourself professionally. Tact matters. Timing matters. Knowing when to follow up and when to leave it alone matters.

Now, sometimes the answer really is a plain old “No.” Same rules apply. Handle it professionally and leave the door open.

Because a “no” today doesn’t necessarily mean “no” forever. People change jobs. Venues change management. Budgets change. Events appear. Other performers become unavailable. The person who can’t hire you today might need exactly what you offer six months from now.

When that moment comes, you want them to remember you as the person who was talented, professional, pleasant, and easy to work with. Entertainment is a long game. You don’t build a career by getting every person to say yes. You build it by becoming the kind of person people are happy to say yes to when the right opportunity comes along.

And if you get some nos along the way, don’t stress. It happens. Don’t take it personally, and don’t burn the bridge because you didn’t get the gig.

Just keep generating leads, keep improving your material, keep building relationships, and keep going.

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This is the kind of story I tell in Off Course On Purpose — get the book here.