Stop Negotiating For Them

Stop negotiating for them and make every negotiation unique.

“I’m sure they’re already booked.”
When was the last time you said that?

Or how about, “They probably can’t afford it.”
I hear that one all the time.

Or, “my friend told me they only pay “X” so they surely won’t pay me more.”

How often do you stop yourself from making a booking call because, in your mind, you’ve already done the negotiating for them? You’ve already given them a small budget and you’ve already determined that they are booked.

We’ll the facts may be that they are booked and that they do have a small budget. BUT, that might be right now. The last time I spoke to a bazillion artists, most are in this for the long haul, not just for this moment.

You owe it to your future to make the call and make a connection for the long-term not just one time. Find out what is really going on and what kind of budget they really do have.

Even if, when you call, you discover that indeed, they are booked now. Why not discuss the next time you are coming into the area or find out what else they do?

Ask when they begin booking the next season or the next month. Let’s not play for just this time. Always focus on the future. Connect with that booking prospect now, it will serve you well for later.

You also never know when they may have a cancellation. I can’t tell you how many times a call today led to an unexpected call back for a fill-in date. Why? I made the call despite my inner voice saying that they are probably already booked.

This week, check that inner voice and make a list of lies you tell yourself before making booking calls just so you avoid making the call. Do you often negotiate for the other party without being aware of it?

Isn’t it time you stop negotiating for them and start negotiating with them?

Once you have your list, put it somewhere you will see it when making your booking calls. Remind yourself to move past the lies and make your calls anyway.

You never know what gems of gigs you will find or budgets
bursting at the seams, when you get out of your own way and stop negotiating for them.

Do you find yourself making up scenarios that prevent you from making contact? What have you done to move past that and put yourself on track to connect anyway?

Leave me a comment on the blog.

I can’t wait to hear about your success.

Thanks to Carol Ehrlich, for this week’s Biz Booster 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 curfew.co.uk

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