Are You The Act They Remember?

Are you the act they remember and want to book again?

It’s not always the show that makes a lasting impression. Sure, you wowed them on stage, they loved you-BUT…

The show is only one piece of the puzzle. In order to complete the whole picture, you must also add a few more important pieces—perhaps even more important than the actual show.

It starts way back when you booked the gig and how you dealt with the booker. If you did all you could to develop a great relationship from the start, then you are off and running.

The next step is all about how you manage the advance process and deal with the tech people, the PR folks and any other staff necessary to make sure the gig will come off smoothly.

As you move on to arrival, unloading and sound check, your attitude and cooperation will influence how the staff and volunteers feel about you.

Are You Accessible?

Putting on your best show is a must and certainly plays a huge role in how well everyone remembers you. But, the icing on the cake, often is, how you interact with the audience and staff during intermission and after the show.

Are you accessible? Do you invite the audience to meet you at the merchandise table, yes invite them, not just ask them to buy your stuff, but invite them to come talk, say hello? You’ll make more sales when it is put that way.

Now, I know you traveled to get to the venue, you’ve set up, you’ve performed a couple of sets and you are beat. And here is the moment that can make all the difference between being invited back or not. Do you pack your stuff, get paid and head for the door? If you run after the show without doing a little schmoozing, that will have a lasting effect on how they feel about you and the whole experience. Remember, the staff and volunteers have worked to plan this event for months. When it comes time to plan their next season, who do you think they’ll be more excited to ask back, assuming the show sold well in both cases—someone who hung out a bit or someone who took off?

You don’t have to party with them, you simply must show them some courtesy and appreciation for all they’ve done to present you. I’ve been on both sides of this, as an agent and as a presenter. I’ve had my acts requested year after year. Not only did they do a great show, but they were kind, accessible and appreciative. They spent a little extra time with those who worked hard on their behalf. As a presenter working with volunteers, any act that cut out after a show, didn’t have a chance of coming back. Staff and volunteers felt unimportant and unappreciated.

So, the next gig you play, pay attention to the schmooze factor and leave yourself some extra time to show your appreciation. It will win you some new fans and just might get you another gig.

How do you handle after-the-gig situations?

Leave me a comment below.

I can’t wait to hear about your success.

Thanks to Carol Ehrlich for this week’s graphic image.
Check out her work at v360.com

Now, Thanks to the Band Curfew from the UK for providing the Biz Booster theme Music, Future Dance.
Check them out at www.curfew.co.uk

And for more career boosting tips, articles, books, resources, tele-seminars and online courses, visit me at Performingbiz.com

I’m Jeri Goldstein