FIRST, I would recommend that we RE-READ Walt’s post, then maybe a few others who get-it and find out more of what they know…

SECOND, although MORE hard work is fine and my guess is that there are those who could USE a bit of this (work/action) in their business regardless of the circumstances, though , neither Walt or myself or most of the guys that get-it here are suggesting the you only work harder… we are ‘specifically’ suggesting the you work SMARTER, or better said: Differently!

I guarantee that if you continue to do what you did prior to the shift in the economy you will get LESS of a return and a result BECAUSE, as we have stated over and over again in almost every such post and discussion, THINGS ARE DIFFERENT! (Duh… we all know this!)

So the thing is to do things (Smarter) differently that you did in the past as we have pointed out like WHAT-IF you could HELP people get more of what THEY want, need and desire in this economy, there would be no such thing as a lack of work! What if you could help people find MONEY in this time of economic awareness… I can.

Heck I DO! ...and SO CAN YOU! (Quite easaly too!)

Funny how there is no shortage of work and money regardless of this economy for me and the guys that get it?

Now either you can “insist” that work sucks and the economy is crappy (which is may be… fine!) BUT how does THAT support your family and give you, and your audience the real “SOLUTIONS” that everyone NEEDS in this economy??? You can be ‘right’ or you can be rich! It’s up to YOU.

How much more clear can we be?

The money IS “out-there!” …if you don’t see it, it is because you are looking the wrong place. As we have said, the ‘cheese’ has MOVED, so FIND it and get to work!

OR you can be ‘right’… it’s up to you!

Thinking of YOU and Your Success!

I am at your service and in HIS Service,
Dean (Off to Helping Others Succeed) in Reno
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Donald
You mean that you don't get it, or you'de like to probe, and dissect my words to make me sound silly? How I drum up new business is well known.

I don't get the idea of working harder for the same number of shows. You're the one that said it.

I never said that working hard was a bad thing. I've been putting in more effort this year (my choice, not because I have to), and seeing more results.

- Donald

I'm not surprised when you say that you don't get it. I have simply taken my game up a couple of notches.

Some of the most successful business people / salesmen are those who are genuinely interested in understanding others, and who ask questions to help themselves understand.

- Donald

P.S. I still like ya', Al, even if you don't want to explain further.

I'm so glad you feel that way because I'm writing a book, and filming a DVD entitled marketing for beginners, and you can reserve an autographed copy now. I'm about to send an advanced copy to Danny Doyle to review.

I ain't autographin nuttin.

First you'd have to convince me that your way works. I've read too much evidence convincing me to the contrary.

- Donald

I'm so glad you asked that question Donald. I will tell you the title of my book is "work harder while working smarter". Now Donald for the small price of $100 you can reserve an advanced copy now, and the work book is free to all those who purchase the advanced copy.

Sorry. I wish I could obtain a copy, but I am too busy at the moment taking direct action to find my own success. hehehe

Kyle

Yes, Al, we get that you don't like info marketing courses (as do some others). It's a dead horse -- quit beating it.

But what does that have to do with how you are making your own business work in the current times?

I read too many posts complaining about rough it is for you. Sounds to me like you need a massive wheel of cheese (to go with your whine / wine).

How does it help anyone? Is the whining even helping yourself?

- Donald <-- Not a member of the "poor 'ol me" club.

Guys this is getting a little ridiculous. We can agree to disagree and that is perfectly find. When disagreeing we can also act like adults and have a discussion about it.

There is nothing wrong with asking questions as that is how people learn. The answers we receive may not even be what we agree with or like. But we can always continue tolearn by asking those questions.

Kyle

Yes it was going all so well this topic and ONCE again it falls off. To bad!

Business is up for me. This past week alone I booked $2775 worth of shows (for this month and future months). Last week, I booked $1500 worth of shows (this is my weekly goal).

Here's what I'm doing. I am marketing to past customers and to people I want to work for.

I have several markets that I'm going after, because I want to work those markets, and because I do a good job serving those type of customers.

I'm remembering to market early, not last minute. But sometimes I also need to re-approach later on, because some make decisions later on. However, I also don't become a pest.

I'm calling first to chat with past customers, before mailing.

I use names on my letters whenever possible.

I'm not putting my rates in my mailings, because I tested that and it didn't work for me.

I still have my birthday show rates posted online, and that seems to work fine for me. I chose to put my birthday show rates online for very strategic reasons.

I'm not using coupons in my mailings, because I don't want to have customers become too dependent upon the concept of getting a performer at a discounted rate.

I'm focusing on giving exceptional customer service, and encouraging repeat business. I try to encourage the next show or next year's show, while they are on the high from this show.

I'm remembering to ask for testimonials.

I'm trying to crank up my mailings, so there is more awareness of me.

I also try to focus on one show in a mailing, if I have several shows that I offer to the same market (for example, schools). Although I mention the other shows, I don't necessarily try to sell them.

I'm remembering to be friendly when they call in to ask about shows. My job is be trustworthy and likeable. I don't focus on price being a big objection, and often it isn't.

I am focusing on where I want to go. And if something isn't working, I am learning lessons quickly and moving on.

I got an accountability partner and a mastermind group to support me (mutual arrangement).

- Donald

P.S. To be honest, I'm not totally sure how the other local entertainers are doing. I spoke with one a month ago, who told me his business was down. But I choose not to focus on their hardships, because I feel it's a bit of a personal choice. BTW, his business is also designed differently than mine.

Now that was a good post Donald. Thank you.

Really I think everyone is going to see a dip in business NO matter how hard you work. People "RIGHT NOW" are watching what they spend and how much. We went in a resturant last night that is ALWAYS 45-one hour wait ALWAYS and we walked right in and got a table at prime time.

Once the panic is over then things will level out I think. But I do think we have to work a lot harder and MUCH smarter to get the gig right now. Anytime hard times fall on the economy it typically sends "SOME" performers back to a real job if there is such a thing.

On a good note the gas prices are coming down FAST, which helps out BIG time since most of us drive. I sometimes drive 3-4 hours to get to my school shows and the gas prices are killing us. I blame a lot of economy problems on the energy. I spent double the amount this summer on gas than I did last year. yes I went up a bit on my prices but it was not enough to cover the high cost of gas.

Ken

Great posts guys. I really like what Ken posted (and some others as well) about working harder and working SMARTER. I think the key word really is working smarter.

You have to really evaluate and adapt during these changing times. You have to realize that maybe what you have been doing for a while now, may need to be changed a bit. You may realize a drop in one market may spark you to look for another market you can play that is not as effected by the economy.

This year I have also changed up the ways in which people can get to me and reach me. I have changed more towards online marketing and SEO and have seen a big increase in inquieries from my website.

I track everything as that is a key for me to really understand what isworking and what is not. Every contact that comes in, I know excactly where it came from and how they heard about me. This gets tracked and reviewed monthly.

Kyle

Ken I agree. I too think it’s the gas prices that cause the most problems. When gas prices go up, so does everything else; everybody from the bread man to the magic man has to raise prices. I heard Donald Trump say the same thing last week. He too blames it on the energy.

It’s on the way down oh, less than three dollars here now.

I do feel for those that lost thousands of dollars last week in their retirement plans. All due to losing trust in those that we thought we could trust. When you have people not trusting banks anymore, it's scary to everybody. May take a little while to win that trust back, but we all do seem to forget soon.

When times are tough, the tough get going. The key is to make it while you can, even if you do have to hide it in sacks or coffee cans.

Tom

Yeah, we have seen gas prices falling here as well although we are probably still around $3.10 on average here in the Philadelphia area. It has been dropping steadily over the past few weeks and hope to see it continue to do that. I had to adjust my prices to cover gas cost through out the year.

I still think that the hard times will be around for a while. It is bound to get better, but may take a while to do so. In the meantime, we still need to actively go out there and seek that success for ourselves. We still need to adapt to the situation.

Kyle

It is not the price of gas as much as it is the cost of food, lodging, and transportation. If those three expenses consume all of the family income that leaves nothing left for descretionary spending.

How I have combated this is I now have a much larger internet foot print, and there are many web sites where you can watch my demo video. This exposure has sold my services in other markets. I am not going to say any more on this subject for obvious reasons, but with my email, FAX machine, and telephone calls I'm bidding on jobs every morning before I go out to do my family chores.

Wow, I havn't "bid" on a job in 10 years LOL. Different styles each work wonders is my point Al, not a shot.

Yours is working for you. Which is all it is required to do! Also you are required to tell me if it can help me LOL. Ya know, "brotherhood" and all that.