A Yes Man, Is The Best Man

Yes sir, three bags full sir.
'Y-E-S'...
I think that's most people's favourite word because honestly who wants to be told no?

'You feeling my new mixtape?'

'Nah, you know....' (Cue the awkward silence.)

'Is this picture good enough to post on the 'gram?'

'Not really you know'. (Again, awkward silence...)

To be fair so many of us will ask a question expecting someone to say yes lol. I've come across a lot of texts that emphasise the importance of learning to say no for the sake of your peace of mind or dignity but what happens when you're in an industry or trying to break into an industry where it's who you know, not what you know. The said industry, being the creative industry of course. An industry which can often feel like a popularity contest and saying no may have you falling down the ranks.

It doesn't take long to realise that there's a lot of yes-men in the industry and once you're in a position of status and have a certain amount of influence the yes-men will flock to you.

The question is, will I too become a yes-man one day if I really want to make it? Boy, I hope not. But when opportunities seem to be going to the same people and you see the same faces at the same events, it has me wondering.

Now I'm not being bitter nor a hater , never that lol. And I know networking has always been essential in this industry even before the emergence of social media. But I guess social media has emphasised how cliquey this industry is and I guess it's easy to feel like the only way to succeed is if you're part of it, as people are quick to bring their friends in - meaning talent is just not enough.

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