Consider this scenario -- you're plugging away at your 9 to 5 job for months working on a project that is going to increase revenues for the company and improve efficiency. After jumping through all of the political hurdles, getting a buy in from the stakeholders on the job, you move forward to implement your process and recommend a policy change. After eighteen months in development, your boss pats you on the head and says: "That's a good idea, but we have other items on the agenda -- we're going to shelve this until some time in the future. Just hang tight, okay?"
I believe that it wouldn't take long for an employee in that situation to grow a little disillusioned and disgruntled. Certainly they would be less likely to take initiative, productivity would probably slow to a crawl. Who knows, maybe that guy might spend the first hour of every day writing blogs about the wrestling business? (Hmm ... could that happen?).
I have written and coached upcoming wrestlers frequently about the importance of etiquette and respect, but I haven't really explored the same topic from the promoter's perspective yet. While it is paramount to the success of individual wrestlers to respect and appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of the promoters that they work for, it is equally vital that promoters extend that same respect and appreciation to the talent.
Professional wrestlers take a significant amount of abuse -
Physically: In the ring, sacrificing their long term health for the sake of your audiences. Their appeal to your audience is what sells tickets, and those guys that can really perform are the guys that you want repeatedly on your events.
Socially:
Wrestlers aren't afforded the same respect of athletes at the same level in other sports. While North America universally recognizes the greatness of a Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky or Tiger Woods -- only wrestling fans appreciate that Ric Flair rolls in that same circle for as sports elite. Consider that Flair has competed in more matches than all three of those athletes combined have played professional games, that his career has lasted longer than all three of those legendary careers combined ... wrestlers' sense of worth comes from within the business.
Mentally:
Nobody really considers the anguish that career-driven wrestlers experience when they are doing everything possible and still can't seem to break into the real money in this business. This is only further aggravated by a system (in the WWE at least) where the recruiters now aren't even wrestling folks -- they are from other industries and they don't understand the value of the dues that indy guys are paying with long trips, little pay, and relentless pursuit of the elusive guaranteed contract.
During my career, I have worked for some really great promoters. Unfortunately, I have also worked for some guys that were complete assholes. However, you take the good with the bad ... But if I could give one piece of advice to the business men that are promoting wrestling -- please appreciate your talent.
I have been in locker rooms where the talent is so complacent about the product that they really don't care. They show up an hour late, they haven't bothered to keep themselves in any kind of shape, they approach their matches with the sense that they have a spot as long as they show up, the money is the shits, and their efforts aren't really acknowledged. They just kind've go through the motions.
On the other hand, I have been in locker rooms with crews of guys who are so energized and enthusiastic about what they're doing that the excitement is contagious when you walk in the room and you just feel hungry to tear the house down.
Why the contrast?
Talent, in any workplace needs to feel that they are appreciated and vital to the organization. Whether they have a specific function which supports the overall operation, or whether its just their attitude and effort that contribute to the company's success. Appreciation can be shown in a number of ways:
1. Say thank you:
Duh ... this seems a little too easy, right? However, I don't think that you would be shocked to learn how few promoters actually remember to thank the talent for the work that they have done and the effort that they have put forth. You would be surprised to know what effect a sincere and direct thank you will have on someone.
2. Compensation:
Money doesn't buy happiness, but it does weigh in to some degree on the level of appreciation. A wrestler might be working without a guarantee, but a rough idea about what to expect at pay time. Sometimes a little extra in the envelope is greatly appreciated. Even if you have a guy that is on a guarantee, if business is good and that talent has gone above and beyond expectation, acknowledging that with a few extra bucks will encourage a repeat of that same effort in the future. After all, if you have a whole crew of guys going above and beyond every night, how easy does that make life for you?
3. Public acknowledgement:
I have seen this done very well, I have also seen this done half-assed. When you are addressing your crew at the end of the night, acknowledge the wrestlers or the match that blew you away. It helps other guys on the undercard strive to reach that level, or guys in the main event realize that maybe they should step it up a little -- that their spot isn't a given. When following up with the media (mainstream or wrestling outlets) make sure to give credit to those guys in the ring who best represent the spirit of your business, and whose efforts bell to bell should warrant fan attention.
4. Be a student:
Particularly when you are working with guys that have more time and experience than yourself in the business, don't dictate to them what you want. Approach it diplomatically and give them an opportunity to contribute. Sometimes, their wisdom and experience can help add a new element to your show. This show of respect is also well appreciated, and you'll find that once you've opened that door, you might have encouraged that talent to look at other areas where you can improve -- or better use/direct your undercard talent or your business. Caution: Be prepared for brutal honesty and accept that. Once you dispute it, or dismiss that talent's opinion, you'll never get any feedback of value again. You'll just hear a lot of "Everything's great, I'm having a good time."
5. Respect the talent's business:
As you would hope for the wrestlers to buy into your vision for your company, also consider that the business needs and interests of your talent might be quite different. After all, most didn't break into the wrestling business with aspirations to work for "indy XYZ", they have a specific goal in mind. What can you do to help them work toward their goal? Keep in mind that their success is beneficial to you and your future business. For example: "WWE superstar (insert name here) started their career here/learned the ropes here/was here before he was famous.
6. Keep your ear to the ground:
Related to respecting the talent's business and career goals, keep an eye on the industry and make sure you know what's going on with your talent. Not everyone is a shameless self-promoter like Vance Nevada. Where are they regularly appearing? What titles do they hold? Who are they feuding with? Are there opportunities for cross-promotion? You'll find that talent is flattered when they see that you're paying attention to what is going on with their careers.
7. Go above and beyond:
As wrestlers, you have an idea in your head about what talent can do to demonstrate their commitment to your brand "above and beyond" expectation. What can you do for your talent to reciprocate that respect? How can you set yourself apart from other promoters that these wrestlers are working with? What is going to make these guys say - "This guy is far and away the best guy that I have ever worked with!" After all, wrestling is a pretty tight knit community and wrestlers talk to each other. What are they saying about you and your product? Are you attracting the best talent possible?
8. The perks:
You book talent and you make agreements related to pay, transportation and accomodation. But what are the little extras? Do you have a local gym that offers a free drop in for visiting/regular talent? Do you have a sponsor restaurant or bar that offers a discount for wrestlers on the dates of your event? What arrangement do you have in place to help your talent promote their merchandise and earn a little extra to help the cause? These are all things to think about, as it demonstrates your attention to detail, and your commitment to support that wrestler in their career.
9. Discipline protocol:
When a talent has fallen short of expectation, DO NOT make an example of them in front of the locker room. Particularly when you are dealing with developing talent, this can be damaging. You want to address problems individually and correct behaviours. How would you feel if a talent on your card decided to belittle you in front of your roster? What impact does that have on your effectiveness as a leader with your crew? Talent performance is as individual as their business agreement with you -- as individual as what they bring to the table to contribute to your show. Treat it that way.
10. Be true to your word:
If you look back over the past century of wrestling in western Canada (Mandatory self promotion: Read the upcoming book WRESTLING IN THE CANADIAN WEST) history is filled with promotions being fractured and impacted by a rival interest on the heels of talent feeling that a promoter went against his word. If you expect a talent to commit to you, ensure to live up to your commitments with that talent. Nothing reaks of disrespect than changing directions midstream without explanation.
11. Be inclusive:
Don't just think about the stars of the show, remember to acknowledge the work of your referees, announcers, support staff at the sound booth, merchandise stand, and the volunteers that help promote the show, sell tickets and support you directly and indirectly. Think about how many times someone may have said to you: "I hope you remember me when you hit big." Nobody respects a guy who steps on people on their way up. Remember -- you'll run into the same folks on the way down.
These are just a few things that spring readily to mind. I am sure if I thought on it some more or sat down over a few beers with other lifers in the business that we'd think of some more pieces of advice -- mostly culled from negative experiences in our careers. Promoters: please take these tips to heart, as they can help you to effectively manage and motivate your talent. Wrestlers: Take note of efforts like these by promoters with whom you're doing business. Who's going the extra mile for you? Who is working to earn your loyalty and respect?
Let's get cracking on re-building this business from the ground up.
Vance Nevada