I was talking with a friend the other day about a corporate program. A few minutes later, I mentioned booking a library show for June. He gave me a confused look and asked a question:
How could I be working both library shows and doing high paid corporate dates?
They are two different markets that require two different types of show. Yes, they are. And yes, they do.
The truth is, none of us are one dimensional. We have different tastes. If we only did one thing, life would be boring. Why not carry that over into your performances?
As a child, I started with shows for my peers. School talent shows, church programs, etc. As I matured, so did my audience. But I still enjoyed doing children’s programs.
If you do work for different types of clients, you must remember they can easily get confused. If someone is looking for a corporate entertainer and your web site is about kid shows, they won’t think you are right for their event.
Don’t advertise that you are available for all types of events.
My corporate clients see a corporate website that speaks directly to their concerns. My school assembly clients get a different website that addresses their needs. The same goes for librarians looking for a summer reading program.
Ideally, the markets should never cross. They are different shows for different audiences. But the flexibility of working multiple markets makes staying busy easier.
Questions or comments? Please ask in comments section or, IVS Members may visit the forum.
Tom ,
Thank you so much of what you are doing with the Maher studios and keeping it going in a unique way that still
Honors the founders. Thank you for your columns you write as well, and especially young ventriloquists who want to get
Started in the art which makes it easier than it was years ago.
Your column on Webb sites. How many Webb sites do you suggesting to keep up with? Sounds exhausting. There has got
To be an easier method to do what you are suggesting. You are right, the more you reach out to more audiences the better
You are but have to be careful you do not spread yourself to thin. Like the old saying in college when a person does not
Know what to major in “major in humanities it’s a little bit of everything but not enough of anything.”
Your friend, Ron Lighty
Ron,
Thank you for your support. For me, as a full time pro working different markets, it is important I keep things very separated. (Especially kid shows vs. corporate engagements.) Another option is to create specific pages on your current website that address a specific audience – i.e. – church shows, library shows, balloons, roving, senior centers, family shows, birthday parties, etc. Then, depending on your market you can send them to a specific page that speaks directly to their needs. Another option that elevates this a bit is to purchase different domain names – i.e. RonsChurchShow.com, RonsFamilyShow.com (don’t know if these exist or are taken.) The domains could then be pointed directly to that page. This domain name would be printed on your related marketing materials and provide a very professional appearance. Just some ideas. I agree you don’t want to spread yourself too thin. People should focus on the shows they enjoy!