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rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
Hi guys,
I've never had this happen before, so I was wondering if it has happened to any of you. I recently did a corporate show for a group at a casino about 300 miles from my home. In my pricing, I was clear that travel costs would increase the cost of the show to them, but they were fine with it. I did the show, and though I didn't get a great feeling from the group while I performed, after the show feedback (including an after-show survey mailed back from the client) gave positive reviews. A couple of days ago, I was contacted by Nike about working a Christmas party for them. They asked me to hold the date for them, but wanted some references before they commited. I sent my standard references to them and included the casino group I had just done. I then got an e-mail from Nike saying they have decided against hiring me because of a bad reference. It turned out that the casino group said they were very disappointed with the show, would not recommend hiring me and would never consider having me back. I was quite surprised because their feedback to me was very very positive. Of course I've taken them out of my referal material, but I'm now feeling I need to do some damage control. I'm sorry they didn't like my show, but now they've told another client and I'm sure that client will talk with others. What do you guys think? Thanks, Richard |
Bill Nuvo Inner circle 3094 Posts or 2742 Posts |
Is it legal to give a bad reference? This is conjecture, but I heard you can give good references or decline but give a bad reference.
RT, I had something like that happen to me once. The one thing I did do was contact the person who was dissapointed (even thought the audience loved me) and asked them their true thoughts as I am looking to improve my service and that any comments good or bad are appreciated. What I found out was about perception that day. They hired me as a clown and expected a traditional clown and not the style I was doing. There was nothing wrong with the show or audience enjoyment, it was simply my fault for not informing her of exactly what she was getting. I thanked her for her input and told her I would do that for future clients and have done so ever since. This client was more interested in the appearance of things than standard or quality. Some people are like that. Some people too don't like to badmouth people or give critiques to the person in question. Some people are uncomfortable with it. I would personally dig deeper to find out if you could improve the situation so you don't dissappoint a client (even though you can't please everone). |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Some don't like you. Life goes on
What possible damage control can you put in place? Don't use them as a reference that is all you can do. NOT EVERYONE WILL LIKE YOU! Get used to it. Do enough shows and you will find more and more people don't like you. It is a numbers game. Just move on. the world won't end. They are not going to go out of their way to call people and say "don't use him". They have forgotten about it, so should you.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
gsidhe Inner circle Michigan 1725 Posts |
Did you ask if you could use them as a reference before you used them as one? That can sometimes sour a person for you as well. They don't want to be bothered with helping you promote your business.
You might want to consider letters of reference as opposed to phone numbers. That way, you have them on file, and if you do several different types of shows, you can send out references that apply to the type of show you are being booked for. A lot of people prefer this, as they get to help out an entertainer they enjoyed, and they won't have to be troubled with it again. Some of them will include their phone number in the letter, but generally they can stand on their own. Make sure the letter is signed, then you can scan it and send it by mail or e-mail. If the writer agrees, you can even post it on your website. As far as damage control goes- It's pretty much out of your hands. Try to find out exactly what they did not like about your show so you can fix it, but if they give you any resistance at all, let it go. It would only make things worse to press for the information. I do know what it is like to have people not like my shows. I've had protestors. Signs and everything. they may have even had a chant... Not because of me, but because they hated one of my shows. Performance art-controversial stuff. Nothing overtly sexual mind you, nothing perverse, but political. They really really hated us. So...I won't use the letters of protest they sent as references. Let it go, and switch to letters. 1 bad gig will pass, and it will all work out for the best. Gwyd |
cgscpa Elite user Ashton, MD 447 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-11-17 13:55, mrbilldentertainer wrote: Generally, it's not illegal to give a bad reference as long as the bad reference is not defamatory. I have my own company and one of the hardest thing I had to learn was to except that I will loose clients, sometimes because it is not a good fit or simply they found someone else they like better. Now I just consider it part of being in business although I do all I can to minimize it and use references that I've have had a long-term relationship with. A wise client once told me that there are no mistakes, just learning opportunities. Learn from this and you will be better in the long run for it. |
Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
I don't think Richard is all that upset that the group didn't like him. I'm sure he already realizes that not everybody will like him all the time. He's confused about the conflicting messages he got - positive feedback from the client, but then a negative review from the same client when contacted by Nike.
I think it's probably a good idea to check with the client before using them as a reference, for the reasons Gwyd already mentioned. It's possible they may have got him confused with someone else. Ron |
rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
I think that may be the main lesson I will take away from this - get permission first. Generally, I send a letter after the show asking for feedback. I think, in the future I'll add a check box saying something like "May I share your thoughts with future clients?"
Thanks for the input everyone! |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Some folks just are being kind to you when given a simple questionnare. It happens. They figure you gave them a questionnare to fill out so they fill it out and think by doing so they are being kind to you etc. This is not always the case, but it does happen.
This is why on my own evaluation form I flat out ask permission if 1) I can quote them and 2) If I may use them as a reference. They can say yes or no and give a comment back to me if they like. I never ever use a reference that has not given me full permission first. It is just to dangerous to do it otherwise. I also know that I want to respect my clients and I think by asking them, shows that respect I have for them. I personally would not say anything about "sharing thoughts with others" etc. as that too can be misunderstood and taken different ways. I find the best method is simply asking them flat out. "May I use you as a reference in the future?" This is clear and states exactly what you want from them and they can choose one way or the other. Another thing that sometimes happens at shows is that the person filling out your form may be a totally different person then the person the new prospect ends up calling. This can and does happen. For this reason, I ask for permission to use them as a reference and when they say yes, I write them back personally to tell them thank you and what number and information should I use for them to be reached if any prospects would like to talk to them. By doing so, I once again am showing that I care about them and their privacy and I am making sure they are cool with everything. Just some thoughts and ideas. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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