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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
I joined my local Chamber of Commerce as a new business it cost $100 for the first year. I did so because the staff sold me on the fact that they hire from within for entertainment and had an event coming up soon. Long story short - I have not been offered a paid gig. I have read others that say that they find little interest from most of the other members as everyone is trying to self promote. I admit to not being active as of yet, so I cannot comment on the value. I still have hopes of being hired at some point (hopefully Christmas time. Then I will get paid and perform in front of those able to hire me for company parties.
Thanks for starting the discussion. There has been advice I will benefit from. |
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misterillusion Special user Roseville, California 748 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-08-11 13:18, curtgunz wrote: The Chamber has booked me for Chamber events and just one of those events paid for my entire year's membership. Other gigs have been from other chamber members and visitors to chamber meetings. I go to the monthly chamber breakfast and do a little magic and a lot of networking. I also go to chamber luncheons and other events to network. The cost is very low and my return on my investment is much higher than when I used to advertise in yellow pages, magazines, etc. I no longer do any advertising. I just do networking and referrals. Yes, I do a lot of corporate work this way and did a three hour bank grand opening this past Tuesday which was quite profitable not only for my fee, but three contacts I made there for future shows. One suggestion, though.....I visited three different local chambers of commerce in my area before I selected the one I am currently in. Like any business there are good chambers of commerce and there are BETTER chambers of commerce. Don't just blindly join any chamber without checking it out first. Charlie |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
The Chamber or local Rotory clubs will depend on make up of those spacific groups as to if they are benificial.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
One more important factor and it has been hinted at but let me say it also.
I have never once worked for free intentionally. (I have bid a job prior to looking into airfare and it worked out that way!) I just don't do it. Now that being said it is only a personal preference. It may very well be at a certain point in the career being able to work regular for regular audiences is worth the trade off of no pay. It is better than performing for your plants! It might be that it is worth the time for you to do this to get experience for yourself. Again I have never done this but for some in the right circumstance things may hash out as it being a good thing. I would never make pronouncements about this sort of thing being right or wrong, as they are right or wrong for each of us individually. Good luck with it.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Curt;
If they will promote you by advertising your business everyday by a poster at the restaurant with your business card, or flyer; or participate in a package deal encompassing the customer hiring you and buying the party food from them, or some other joint marketing program that you get direct benefit from your two hours marketing yourself at the restaurant may be worth a partnership that type. This is a quick answer that needs to be refined to work for both of you to succeed. |
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Curt;
If all else fails, you can find out when the manager of the restaurant will be attending an event at a local hotel, crash the event at the end of the evening; bring a friend with a camera to get testimonials, do some fancy swami magic tricks, find the manager of the restaurant at the event and talk him into hiring you for his restaurant. I have been told that this is the best way to get hired for a gig. |
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SpellbinderEntertainment Inner circle West Coast 3519 Posts |
Chamber’s of Commerce, Business Groups, Social/Fraternal Organizations, Visitor’s Bureaus, are primarily good for joining, IF you push them and they invite you to their networking/member functions to perform a ten-minute “teaser” demonstration of what you do.
Then collect cards like crazy after you showcase your few minutes. Don’t just hand out cards though, the focus has to be to get their cards and follow up in a few days. Otherwise I don’t see much point in spending a whole lot on being a member. My two-cents, Walt |
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
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On 2011-08-12 12:37, Howie Diddot wrote: LOL! Then offer to rent out the Chick-Fil-A and promote your own Family Night. |
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
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On 2011-08-12 12:52, Mindpro wrote: Mindpro; Do you think they will do that? LOL |
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
In my past experiences, joining the local Chamber of Commerce only helps fund the local Chamber of Commerce.
Joining the Rotary club helps in making contacts, but will not increase your business |
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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
If a performer accepts the concept of performing for free on a particular night, I think they should carefully think about who they perform for to get the best return. It may not be the Restaurant you first approach or for that matter a restaurant at all. While I have not tried this, perhaps approaching a little league football field where tons of players and cheerleaders congregate nightly for practice would appreciate a 10 - 15 minute performance after practice one night (obviously scheduled in advance) and you may reach a larger target audience in a shorter amount of time. I would be interested in other suggestions that are somewhat outside the box - that have worked for anyone. I like the suggestions on this post that frame up what the establishment must do to provide the performer support in lieu of money. With that idea in mind I may rethink the possibility of a free performance (But not commit to a free weekly gig to the same establishment. I think that would get old quick.)
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
I would think if the game was exciting and the teams and fans are all pumped up and sweaty, it would be difficult to calm them down enough to sit and watch a magic show at the end of a game.
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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
Little League teams in my area practice Monday thru Friday evening in August and twice a week after Labor Day. My thought refered to a practice day - not a game. It could be arranged on a day of a light practice as there is usually a social aspect to these leagues. Football was mentioned as it is currently in season, but any sport where a great number of kids congregate would fit as well.
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