Soul Proprietor: What I learned about public relations from Frank Zappa

Years ago, I was at Frank Zappa’s book signing. I went with two friends, one who was a somewhat-famous local musician. I had long been a Zappa fan so I was pretty excited.

As we came up to his table, that somehat-famous local musician friend pulled out an autographed picture of HIMSELF and gave it to Frank Zappa. I kid you not. I wanted to die on the spot.

I turned every shade of scarlet and as I gritted my teeth. Zappa looked at me, saw my discomfort, gave me a sly knowing grin and then proceeded to listen to this schmuck like he was the most interesting person in the world. He thanked him for the picture, autographed a few things and then sent him on his way.

Now it was my turn. Still mortified, I managed to mumble a few words out about how I liked his work. Frank Zappa, ever the gentleman, smiled warmly, shook my hand, thanked me for coming – and seemed to really mean every word. (By the way, pictures do not do him justice – he was incredibly gorgeous and sexy in person.) WOW.

Gracious.

Classy.

Genuine.

Now let’s look at this example. A few years back, I attended an event. I saw a woman who was “internet famous” and I happened to be a fan. I’m a friendly gal so I went over and introduced myself.

She touched my hand for a second and dropped it like I was a leper. She barely cracked a smile and quickly looked away like she couldn’t wait get out of there. She treated me like I was a creep.

Rude.

Classless.

Stuck up.

I stopped following her work from that point on.

When you are in business, you deal with the public. Some of those people might become your fans, even if your business is simply an upholstery biz. You may run into these fans on your daily errands, travels, or at an event – and sometimes, they’re going to be mighty excited to see you.

In chose cases, follow Zappa’s example and be grace in action. A simple hello, a thank you, looking people in the eye, being genuinely interested in them – that. Treat them like they matter. Because they do.

Not every encounter will be pleasant. On rare occasion you may happen upon someone who is creepy (or handing you an autographed picture of themselves – ugh). There is a way to handle this too without being cruel. In those cases, be as polite as you can but set your boundaries, move them along kindly, and exit quickly if needed.

Although the jackasses are out there, for the most part, people ARE decent and fans are fans. If you didn’t have fans or people that loved your work, you wouldn’t have a business.

Word to Zappa.

Blessings,

Theresa