Have you ever noticed how some entertainers whine they don’t have any shows? I see it on social media all the time.
That’s a huge no-no! I outlined how it can hurt you in my Improving Your Vent Brand lecture from the 2017 Vent Haven ConVENTion.
If your shows are slow, there is a reason.
Chances are, you aren’t marketing your act hard enough.
Businesses don’t just open their doors and get flooded with customers. Before you say marketing a show is different, I want to point out there are similarities.
Not everyone is going to need an entertainer. But enough do that people earn a living this way. You just need to get in front of them at the right time.
Today I’m going to propose a simple challenge.
It is easy to do and can help you get more gigs. But only if you follow through.
I want you to add two people to your booking contacts list every day for a year.
That is a total of 14 people a week.
You could set aside a time one day each week to do all 14. Or you could break them up however you like.
The key is it MUST become a habit.
Who will you add?
How will you get these names?
Start by asking yourself what kind of shows you want to do.
Here are some ideas to help you get started …
- Schools,
- Senior Centers,
- Restaurants,
Civic Clubs,- Women’s Clubs,
- Museums,
- Churches,
- Art Centers,
- Historical Societies,
- Libraries,
- Festivals,
- Fairs,
- Colleges,
- Parks & Recreations Depts.,
- Cities,
- Associations,
- Day Cares,
- Campgrounds,
- Summer Camps
and the list could continue.
Select one market for now and focus on it.
Each day you jump on the Internet and search for the potential clients in your area.
Sometimes it will be easy. Their names and emails will be right on the website. You can just copy down the information and venue on your list.
Other times it will require a bit more work. You will need to call to find out who handles special events entertainment. You need the name and email address of whoever decides what entertainment to book.
Once you have that information …
Now you need to write a short introductory email tailored to their venue.
This isn’t a sales letter!
The initial email is just to touch base and introduce yourself. Try to get a conversation going. Ask questions:
- what types of things work well for your audiences?
- how far ahead do you like to book performers?
- how many times of year do you do special events?
Focus on them – not you!
Hopefully they will respond and provide some information that can help you schedule when to reach out again!
Next you add them to your email list.
Unless they specifically say we are not interested, add them to your list so you can stay in touch with them in the future.
You will NOT SPAM anyone. That can get you in serious trouble. We will talk more about contact points in future articles.
The Habit
As I said earlier, it must become a habit. This 2 contact a day/14 contacts a week challenge requires discipline.
At times it will feel like you are getting nowhere.
Other times you may be surprised with a booking.
But here is the upside – at the end of a year, you will have over 700 new contacts on your list, who book talent in the market you want to work.
Since it is a habit, you will continue. In two years you will have over 1400 people on your list. And it will continue to grow.
All in baby steps.
You can handle adding 14 people a week. Even with days off, a sick day or two and a vacation.
In fact, you can also outsource this list. (Although I advise you to start so you know what is involved.)
There are websites such as Upwork, Guru.com and HireMyMom.com. There you can hire all kinds freelancers to work on any number of tasks. The rates can start as low as $3/hour and up.
Try using a freelancer for a test list. Check their work and if you like it, hire them for more. If not, you are only out a couple of dollars.
Worried about the expense?
Picture having contact with 1400 talent buyers. If only 1% hire you, that is 14 shows you wouldn’t have had! This literally pays for itself and continues to produce returns.
How does that sound to you?
Your database is your single most valuable asset. Staying in touch with clients will help you build a busy schedule and create a strong income.
No matter if you are full time or part time, you can handle this challenge.
So get started today …
Let me know your thoughts on this subject. Are you inspired? Tell us what action you plan to take. Your motivation can help others get off the fence. Just comment below …
