How To Land International Clients With The Language Of Different Avatars
A Freelancers “Bounce-Back” Special
Based On True Stories by World-Renowned Producer From Singapore
Featuring Keynote Speaker:
Mr. Huang Kun Quan (KQ)
Award-Winning Media Producer
MediaCorp • Sony Animax • Disney • Marche Du Film – Festival de Cannes etc
Contributing Writer: Nicholas Ng
“Invitation To A Hollywood Media Production”
“HELLO HOLLYWOOD!” His heart screamed.
KQ was over the moon - he leapt off his chair, pumping his fists high in the air as the news sunk in. This was true recognition for what he does best over the years - media production.
The future appeared especially bright this time, & here was his chance to showcase his expertise – this time on an international level.
Imagine his newly-found confidence, as he pictured himself rubbing shoulders with world-renowned Movie Stars & having his work featured in movies, screened on an international level.
An absolute once-in-a-lifetime opportunity others could only dream of & fantasize about.
He considered himself lucky to land this opportunity, just before the world descended into chaos, caused by COVID19.
***
An award-winning Media Producer today, KQ is now highly sought-after by huge international media production companies for his expertise.
So how did KQ land these opportunities? What did he do? Let’s find out.
Understanding The Language Of Different Avatars
Language is communication which combines history, culture & identity. Being multi-lingual is what enhances our value to the world today.
But when we talk about being ‘multi-lingual’, we’re not just referring to being fluent in English or other native tongues.
Instead, we’re referring to speaking & switching between the language styles of different avatar with ease.
Notice the differences in language used, between:
• An Poet, who uses poetic language & speaks metaphorically.
• An Artist, who speaks in creative, artistic language.
• An Business Owner, who communicates speaks in ‘business’ language.
• A Designer, who expresses via graphics, videos & other forms of media.
Understanding the language of different avatars has helped KQ land new opportunities with world-renowned media producers in other countries such as the U.S. & China.
On one occasion, he was invited to Beijing as a keynote speaker - where he used the language of a Designer in sharing about his collaboration with Oscar Award-Winning Media Partner Pixamondo, in front of a 100,000-strong international audience.
His presentation was less structured, more creative, carefree & filled with possibilities – which received huge praise & high acclaim.
At this point, we probably have a Point of Contention here:
“Should We Be More Careful - OR More Carefree About Our Language?”
Here’s the truth (& you might not like it): It depends.
You see - we tend to be more careful with our language because our words might be perceived in the wrong way.
At the same time, some of us chose to be more carefree about it because we believe this reflects who we fundamentally are.
Both POVs are correct. But here’s what’s important: the language we use MUST fit the context & situation. Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
“Be Careful In Constructing What You Want To Say.
Then Be Carefree In Your Expression.”
Got it? Let that sink in for a bit.
When we structure our language & sentences correctly, we demonstrate fluency, which is important to building confidence, trust & credibility in the hearts of our prospects.
Next, be authentic as you express yourself. Build rapport as you observe body language cues etc & respond accordingly.
HOT TIP: Experiment with the language of different avatars. The outcomes might just surprise you!
Another critical question:
“What Is The Connection We Wish To Form?”
Some examples:
• Artist to Business Owner
• Team Leader to Team Mate
• Boss to Subordinate / Employee
• Supplier to Customer etc.
We want to use language which helps that moment of connection & not just ‘patronizing’ the conversation.
Understanding the type of connection we want, helps us choose the right language to use, so that we can make quality, profitable connections.
At the same time, we must be mindful not to restrict the language we use, to a certain style(s) or format.
Stay Open-Minded: Each time we form an opinion, it is important we remain open to other POVs.
Start using the language of different avatars, in work towards the connections you want.
Meeting Donnie Yen: A Time To Remember
Never in his wildest dreams did KQ imagine that one day, he would come face to face with Donnie Yen, best known for playing the suave Ip Man in the movies.
Imagine his excitement upon knowing that Donnie was willing to meet him to discuss a collaboration.
The setting was in a restaurant in Shenzhen, China.
KQ knew he had to choose a language which increased ‘human touch’ - & not deviate from it.
He hit upon an idea: to position himself as ‘Co-creator’ - a collaborative partner who wants to create something with Donnie. This puts himself on equal standing with people of higher status, & ensure they would not be ‘talking down’ to him.
In his presentation, KQ used the language of a poet, gaining soulful resonance - as Donnie listened intently.
While the collaboration did not proceed due to Donnie’s busy schedule, news of this conversation spread like wildfire in China’s movie industry.
Veteran producers got wind of this ‘Singaporean Kid’ who spoke with Donnie - & did not screw up.
Result: This kickstarted KQ’s career in China, as other veteran directors began seeking him out.
What do we learn from this: When communicating with people of higher status, positioning ourselves as “co-creator” & choosing the appropriate language, places us on equal footing with them. This facilitates communication & can land you new opportunities!
Discover Your Own ‘Supply Chain’ To Land More Business Opportunities
Simply, a ‘Supply Chain’ refers to the network between a company & its involved parties in producing & distributing products / services to clients.
In each project, knowing our role as a ‘Supplier’ helps us better understand how our part contributes to client’s interests.
At the same time, it is important to note that our roles in a ‘Supply Chain’ can change over time. We can be a client in for one project, & a ‘supplier’ in another.
In another one of his professional highlights, KQ got to contribute to the creative needs of HK Veteran Movie Comedian, Stephen Chow. This makes KQ a ‘client’ of the company (‘supplier’) which engaged him. But the roles were ‘reversed’ when KQ engaged the said ‘supplier’ for a separate project.
Notice that KQ was a ‘client’ in one project, & a ‘supplier’ in another.
So how do we go about discovering our Supply Chain? Some powerful questions to ask:
• “What is my positioning in the market - & and in the industry right NOW?”
• “Am I a good client? If no, what’s an example?”
• “Or am I a supplier? What’s an example of a supplier with leverage?”
• “What could be some problems, as I move along each Supply Chain? What are my answers?”
Use these answers to decide on the appropriate language to use – as you move along each stage of the Supply Chain. You’ll be surprised at how much business or referrals you can get!
CASE STUDY: How KQ Saved The Day
2017: As one of the main leaders for one of China’s largest movie productions, KQ found himself in a fix when one of the lead actors got into controversy & had to be banned from the movie.
This happened just as the movie was reaching completion. Things were looking so bleak that it didn’t seem like the movie was going to make it to the Box Office in China.
Investors were pulling out, & it seemed like all efforts for this production had gone down the drain.
But KQ had a plan. A profitable plan.
After analysing the situation thoroughly, he identified a holistic solution to salvage the situation & ensure the movie made it to the Box office as scheduled.
The solution was simply - to erase the original lead actor from the entire movie, & replace him with another professional actor.
Pretty challenging, he thought. But given his expertise, he knew it was possible - & he became the “Go-To” Supplier for this task.
To move forward with his plan, he had to convince investors & regain their confidence. Next, KQ found himself having to learn the language of Investors so he could better understand them e.g. using words such as ROI, Timeline etc. So that he could show that his plan would work.
He succeeded.
Using Language of a Researcher & Investor, he spoke with facts backed by strong past evidence & what to expect next. He won back the hearts of investors, & was given the go-ahead.
Outcome: The movie grossed a total of USD104 Million at the China Box Office.
Advice To Freelancers
To heighten chances of success, the language we choose, must depend on context. This sets the direction & - to a huge extent, the outcome.
On the language we use: be careful when constructing our position, & be “carefree” when expressing it. Use a heart-to-heart approach & be ready to switch language approaches as needed.
It’s ok to say “I don’t know”. When in doubt, always ask.
Next Steps: Start re-connecting with people who recognise our talent & worth.
That’s how you can land clients by using the Language of different avatars!
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