Zuki's been doing this just a few years...guys like you, Gary and myself have been doing this for 10-15-20+ years...

I agree completely about a website. It takes a relatively small investment these days to set up a nice, functional one that can really pay off.

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Bill in Dayton

A Website in today's computer world is a must today Bill as you already know ...especially for the times people don't know you or what you do as a musician & your services. It acts as your personal worldwide Business card & just another great tool in your musical arsenal.....it has benefited me is so many way through the years.

Good Luck

Donny,

Where or what 'other' venues do you play?

Can you drop me her name and phone number? I want more gear

Gene-

Another thing to be prepared for is the "RDG" other wise known as the Resident Death Grip...

Every so often, you'll be shaking hands with people after your gig and someone, usually a woman, doesn't want to let go.

Sometimes you can slide her hand off of yours, sometimes you have to peel off her fingers one by one.

Another technique that I've used is to say "Hey, can you touch your nose with your finger?" 9 out of 10 times, they let go...




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Bill in Dayton

The good news is that the worst of this job is still better than any other job!

[This message has been edited by Lucky2Bhere (edited 08-08-2008).]

The trick is becoming one of the top 1-2 top notch acts, eh?

I agree, the turnover in AD's is getting faster and faster. I see so many young ones coming in and then being gone by the time I come back in 2-3 months, its almost commonplace...



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Bill in Dayton

Lucky,

Yes, things have really changed during the past year, especially with budgets and AD's being changed every couple months. Fortunately, there seems to be more, new facilities being built in this part of the world than anyone can imagine, all of which are potentially new clients.

I've already begin working on my 2009 bookings, and as of this morning, 48 jobs are on the books for 2009--including NYE. Today's job is a new location for me, and I'm relatively sure they'll book once a month for 2009. Same goes for tomorrow's job, which is at an upscale retirement community where I perform every month--they said to bring my 2009 calander. THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR TO BEGIN BOOKING 2009--NOT NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER. By then, most of the entertainment for 2009 will already be booked and the only thing left is the scraps.

The biggest problem in this part of the nation is there are folks that play for little or nothing, and the ADs hire them based upon price--NOT TALENT! Some can't sing, some can't play, and most cannot do either very well. Unfortunaely, they still nibble away at the ADs overall budget, which leaves very little for their top performers.

Zuki is right in saying you have to constantly market yourself and your product. This is just one of many important aspects of being successful in this business. When Donny walked into the new facility and made contact with the AD he was utilizing one of the most effective marketing tools available--direct contact. He then utilized his sales ability, provided the AD with instant access to view his product, and was fortunate enough to get in on the ground floor.

Gotta go to work,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Gary,

You and most of the others here have your fingers right on the pulse. We’re a unique breed, those of us who play these places regularly, and we know how different these jobs are from the standard dance gigs.

[This message has been edited by Lucky2Bhere (edited 08-08-2008).]

Lucky,

I pretty much agree with everything you said. The place I performed today was a first performance, one that came my way because a good friend is very ill and could not do the job. The AD had never heard of me, but she went on the recommendations of my friend. At the end of the job, which went about 20 minutes over the allotted time, she said "I'll call you tomorrow morning and book you for some additional dates if that's OK with you." I love those kind of responses and I'm fairly confident she will have me there on a monthly basis. Plus, I gots lots of handshakes, hugs and kisses from all the ladies attending, both young and old. GOD I LOVE MY JOB!

Gary

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Travlin' Easy