Environment!

Ever hear of Disney? Me too. But that’s not the point.

They’re good at what they do. Probably the be best. Which is also the problem.

Back when I was getting my Associates I applied for the Disney Internship Program. I was impressed. They’re better than anyone else and, once you hit that mark, how do you improve?

Be Our Guest

They don’t have customers. Anywhere. Unless you’re stealing from them. Instead they have Guests. You are a guest of the resorts, hotels, even the Disney store. Need something? They won’t pass you off to the hotel management. The person you ask will stick with you, regardless of the problem, and do everything in their power to solve it. Even if it’s not their department.

They don’t have employees either. Rather they have Cast Members. Everyone there is playing a role; each designed to uniquely add to your experience.

The Little Things

I could go on (and on) but I won’t. The point is that the best of the best work the smallest of details. So let’s get nitty gritty with a quick 7.

1. Use an air purifier. Sure it makes noise, but you can turn that off. Mine is hooked to one of those light switches that connects to an outlet. First time I’ve ever had a use for one of those.
2. Air. Not just pure air but movement. Studios get hot. Get a fan that looks good. Very good. You lose credibility when you have an ugly box fan. Last time we had fun letting the drummer use it when he played a good set.
3. Put up pictures of influential artists akin to those you’re recording. Note that I said influential. Not popular. No Britney. Your goal is to subtly inspire and perhaps start a conversation. Not sure who to put up? Ask some of your clients about their muse. I suppose the pictures don’t even have to be an artist. Could be a bowl of fruit. Or something.
4. Smell. Get an air freshener. And, you know, bathe. Please.
5. Light. People like a good amount of light. It makes them feel better. Avoid using florescents if you can. Find something natural looking, with some yellow in it. And put on a dimmer, for when you need to adjust the mood.
6. Keep it Clean.
7. Find yourself a 4 y/o (legally please) and walk them through. Let them play a little. You’ll find that your awareness of your space will shift when a kid’s around, mostly for fear of their safety. Once you get past worrying about childproofing, let your eyes float over the room. Pay attention to details. Write stuff down the moment the kid leaves.

Trust me, there are a thousand things you can do with a room without losing sound quality. Do them. Be Disney. Make money. It’s the little things that win American Idol.

Add more ideas below.

Articles In This Series

Refreshments (Part 1)

Environment (Part 2)

Surprise (Part 3)