I had the opportunity to help my son with a small project way outside my areas of expertise. (It was the design and manufacture of a custom patch). I looked at a lot of websites that promised a lot, but ended up reaching out to a recommended local company who had helped my son’s organization and was deemed legendary.
What he is is a true professional. And it reminded me of what a professional brings to the table.
A professional sees the big picture, and puts your project into a much larger context than you can see. I, an amateur, had some good ideas about design, and my son, a patch aficionado, had some good ideas about look. The professional essentially said, “I see what you’re going for,” and made a couple of small suggestions that elevated the look. He guided my son and I through the process kindly and swiftly, and he was positive and encouraging along the way.
This is exactly what I try to bring to the table as a musician – kindness, astute suggestions, and the ability to put anyone’s project into a larger context.
That’s what being a professional means to me.