Donny......thanks for the advice but do you honestly believe that after 50+ years of playing full time that I don't already know that? And, besides, that's NOT the bottom line.....the bottom line is the "bottom line!" How cheap will you work?

But, again, thanks for the advice.

Thanks for spelling things out for me. You actually reminded me of why I burned out in the first place. All of those things to the point it wasn't about music anymore. It was about forever making contacts, never-ending business issues, being put under the microscope, communication difficulties, competing with volunteer entertainment and high school jazz bands who also play for nothing, and, most of all, the humiliation of it all.

I have to re-think this whole thing now. I DO have to get back to work and you DID give me some new ideas to think about, so thanks for that.

Mark

yes, we both agree on that.....very important.....the very first step. But up around where I live, you can just call the front desk and say "my wife wants to send a thank-you letter or a FAX to (or telephone) the Activities Director for the wonderful entertainment she provides for her mother in the place." The receptionist just about throws the information you need in your face when she hears that. Especially if you call at night when the part time receptionist is on.



yes again......I keep a computer database of every single place I come in contact with, so I've got a lot of my phone #'s and addresses already



you're on a roll....my third agreement with you. That would be the magic formula if only there were enough time. And I'm not just talking about a day.....I'm talking a lifetime. But nowadays, everything moves at a snail's pace.

Gary, there's no disputing that Elvis was the King of R&R and you're the King of Marketing. I just don't think those tactic are practical for these places around here. There IS no law and order in my neck of the woods.....it's a free-for-all. No rhyme or reason for how anyone operates in this tri-state area.

Bachus........that's a very good and practical idea on paper, but the odd thing (around here, at least) is when you offer a "free show" they think you're an amateur trying to get a start in show business.

BUT....that location where I had the difficulty with the AD that I just posted about. A friend had been telling me to call them for years......absolutely gorgeous place. So, finally I DID call them, volunteered to put on a show for nothing and I've been playing there regularly ever since. Other places look down their noses at anyone who asks if they can play for nothing.

Believe it or not, Tracy, you reminded me of a way "out of the nursing home bedlam" that I used to think about years ago. Never did it but maybe this time around. Hire someone to do your marketing for you so you can work on the music. You can pay them by the hour or by percentage.

I'm going to give that some serious thought. Thanks for mentioning it.

Donnie....of course you're right, but let's face it.....we're not 20 years old anymore. Where I live the fruit is there to be plucked off the trees...hundreds of opportunities...just not hundreds of hours to follow each one up

So I'm going through each of your replies carefully because I genuinely need to get back to playing. You guys already stimulated me with ideas and revelations of what I'm up against. Any other comments appreciated.

But it comes down to this. I'm aware that there are various ways to reach "employers." I should have said......

If you only have time to make one form of contact with an AD, how should it be? demo tape, flyer in the mail, flyer by FAX, a phone call, a "Gary-type" package, set up a personal meeting, etc? I'm trying to figure how to reach the most people in the way that is the most effective.

I'm also starting to think it's just plain a lost cause to start again at this age. Maybe I WILL become a florist and enjoy peace amongst the flowers instead!

I'd have to say in this day and age a website probably makes the most sense. Most of the ADs now are young and it would be a normal thing from their perspective. If there are some older ADs left they might prefer a flyer and a CD which is what we used to do.

As far as if to start again or not, it is a dilemma for sure. I have some nagging health problems keeping me out now, but ADs are one of the reasons I got out. An example-once an AD asked me if I could setup in a space that was against a wall near a high traffic area (kitchen) and was maybe three feet wide. Fortunately, my wife was with me and she talked to her and worked it out. I just walked away from her. So, I need to remind myself there were reasons I got out. When you are sitting at home doing nothing, it is easy to romanticize the good times (and there were some for sure) and forget the bad. If it was just you and the residents, all would be good.

Thought I would add this to the thread. This morning at 9AM I started calling all the senior venues I PREFER to play for - 112 of them. Out of 112 phone calls I actually spoke with only 17 people and booked gigs at all 17 of them - some of them multiples. Of the rest I either left a message, sent an email or both. So far, only 2 of the phone messages have been returned and I booked both.

It is now a matter of wait and see. That is how it works for me.

Deane

I am the Director of Sales & Marketing at Credit Law Solutions. The Credit Expert on GO COUNTRY RADIO 105 FM here in Los Angeles. I Have toured the Country doing music as well. I am really, really good at both. I am not the best schmoozer. But if I want bookings for either I have to do serious legwork on top of those who find me. I like you, really am not inclined to be in the rat race. But competition is fierce and I need to maximize myself. Yes I gotta promote myself as well as count on those who promote me. But I cannot sit back and wait on others.

If it ain't in us to do that, Houston we have a problem