"If people cant book better paying jobs that they really want & makes them happy doing, there is a reason......find that reason, fix that reason, do what ever it takes to enjoy this "Thing Of Ours" ...if ya got the product it can be done if you go about it the RIGHT way ....make it happen!!
there are many fish in the seas...
BUT DONT SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST!!


...I'm confused...what does that have to do with me?

*I have exactly 384 gigs booked for this year...When the last minute holiday rush is over, I expect to go over 400 performances this year.

*My client base is diversified to the point that no single client contributes more than 11.3% of my total revenues for the year. The second largest client accounts for only 8.3% of my total sales. This insulates me from suffering too much if any one client leaves for any reason.

*Total sales for the year project to be between $52k and 53k.

*When I worked in "corporate america" I made $55.5k/ yr. working upwards of 65-70 hours a week. On an average week over the last few years, I work between 35-45 hours max, with many of those hours here in my kitchen doing admin type work.

*While in coporate america, I left before my kids were up in the morning and didn't return home until they were back in bed. Now, I have major quality of life with my kids and my wife.

*My client list includes everything from Country Clubs, Weddings, Local/regional city/county P&R Depts., Hotels, Banquet centers, Animal clubs, retirement communites, churches, senior centers, private clubs, restaraunts, etc.

*My pricing is average to slightly above average in this market. I usually get $85-$120 per nursing home show, usually $125-$150 per club gig. Usually $150-$250 for private parties/civic shows...

*My rehire rate with clients is in the upper 80% range. That includes the one time only type gigs like weddings/anniversaries/etc. ...If I remove those, its over 85%...

Donnie, I respect the hell out of the business and rep you've earned over your career. I'm confused by your constant theme in response to my most recent post. The quote above...how does that apply to me I ask? I've grown my business for every year since 1997 when I took it full time. I haven't "settled" for just one type of client base...I've purposely gone after a variety of clients to protect my revenues. I have bookings through 2007 already...It seems to me that I work a good bit. If anything, the restaraunt gig I posted about in the first place is a testament to me NOT sitting on my laurels and exploring new ways to market my business. It's on a night that suits me, it's less than 4 miles from my home and requires no singing...$100.00/tips/dinner for three hours work is very fair for this area.

As others have pointed out, many things are relative in our business. I believe that. I think to paint what's settling or not settling requires too broad a brush for me. Perhaps there are performers higher up the food chain in your area that feel you're selling out? Would they be right? Probably not...you've found a certain niche that works efficiently for you and what's wrong with that?

...Not a thing.

As far as the kind of gigs you deem appropriate and what I deem appropriate, well, again its relative. One important fact to consider. I did some research on the internet to see how similar our areas might be.

According to census information from 1995...(that was the most recent year I could find for both areas)here's the size of the market we're dealing with:

South NJ Metro population-5.1 Million
Dayton Metro population-950 Thousand

South Metro NJ household income-$69,746/yr
Dayton Metro household income-$27,423/yr

...Your market is over FIVE TIMES what mine is. You have five times more country clubs, upscale venues, etc. You also have 5 times the competition, I suspect. Look at the household income numbers...Dayton is surrounded by FARMERS on all sides. Again, I respect what you've been able to do in your area. I hear you constantly putting down jobs that you don't feel pay enough...and if I were in your area, maybe my prices would be low...But here in the sleepy midwest of Southwestern Ohio, I think I have it pretty good.

...I feel I am passionate and driven with my music business. There is an artistic element to my business and there is a business side to my business.

...I'll bet the ranch that Donnie feels, rightfully, the same exact way. Seriously gang, the information we can benefit from with each other is staggering. Noone has been aided more than me from the members on this board. Donnie has personally always been a great source of suggestions and help. To me, he is one of the "old hands" on this board. However, anytime you're inclined to make a judgement call on another areas wages or gigs, remember, everyplace is unique to itself. Some things are similar...some things just aren't.

Bill in Dayton