In the past fifteen years I have tried every promotion tool that I can imagine.
However like many other entertainers this slow economy is slowing my business.
I am now looking into your imaginations to help boost my/our Holiday Season Bookings.... I am also celebrating my 15th anniversary as a full timer.
I am in the Yellow pages, have a web site, photo postcards and business cards, nice
glossy brochures, I recently had promo DVD made. I do mailings for specific things at
their booking times, and I belong to the Festival and Events Association. I also get a lot of exposure at my restaurant work. When will this economy pick up???
Any advice or ideas???

Get back in touch with your past clients either by mail or telephone.

Here's a telephone strategy for your corporate clients:

Each night for a few weeks telephone ten past clients between 7:00 -7:30 PM when you know they won't be in their offices. Leave a voice mail that goes something like,

" Hi, this is Jewls the Clown calling. I'm a little embarrassed that I haven't kept in touch since we worked together a few years ago, but I wanted to let you that I'm currently booking my new holiday show and I would love to work with your company again. If you are still involved in planning company events you can get more information on my website at..... or cal me at..... best wishes for a happy holiday season."

Jim...

STOP-IT! - - Just Stop it right Now!

You're giving away all the really great pro secrets! (Hehehehehehe)

I also like to offer a "free gift" if they respond in some fashion. It up's the response rate and they feel more "liked" which means you chance of gaining favorable bookings is much greater!

As usual... you are a veritable fountain of useful information!

I remain at your service and in His service,
Deano

Oh, by the way...
What ever you guys do... DON'T buy Jim's book, "Success In Magic!" unless you want ALL the really great secrets of the super successful and more gigs you can stand! (Hehehehehe...)

You guys are too much. Thanks for the great ideas.

A good old fasion Rolodex. Forget the electronic stuff! Keep the name and number in a rolodex of all of your clients and professional contacts then randomly select and call one of them every day. The entertainment industry is a place where you have to constantly let people know you are alive. Also do a lot of volunteering. People who put together volunteer and charity events are conected whith the people who attend them. Those are the people with the money to spend on you! Being there and showing what you have to them in person is the best way to get them on your client list. Then keep repeating step one.

A rolodex is fine but a really good quality database is much better. Easier to opperate and keep track of and excellent way to run reports on any of the data you enter.

I have used both Jim's and Dean's suggestions of answering machine messages and free gifts, both work very well to get return calls from past clients.

Also please don't fall into "the economy is bad" trap... Lots of entertainers are having a banner year.

What really is happening is a shift in markets, just like vaudeville passed to the wayside, lots of markets that were interested in just 'entertainment' are now wanting more. You used to be able to make a great living in schools with just a fun show, now it is essential to be educational first, fun second, the same with child care centers.

Many venues ie: fairs, festivals, schools are looking for solution providers who can bring their programs/shows to the event, cost free to them.

This takes extra effort on your part, to find sponsors interested in exposer at the venues you work.

Many restaurants are cutting budgets and entertainment at most establisments is on the bottom of the list, unless you can show tangible proof of your value.

These are not the answers you want to here I'm sure, but entertainers didn't want to here that Vaudeville "was dead", either.

Just some thoughts... Rick

Take it to the streets. I mean go out and do some streetmagic. Entertain and amaze people for free and mention that you are going to perform...pla-pla-pla...It works and this kind of promo is also very cheap, because it doesn't cost anything for you.

I did it once and after that I had to perform four times same night, only one was planned.

They sold out all four shows. It was great, really great!

Must, that is great if what you're presenting to the audience is a street-style show. I would not want to perform a street-style show if what I am trying to sell to my clients is a family-oriented style b-day party show. These shows would be vastly different and I would be marketing the wrong way.

Also, many places require premits for street performers. So always look into that before performing anywhere within city limits.

Rick,

It's not that I don't like your answers I just don't agree with them. You are very presumptuous! My restaurant gig is fine, my festivals all have their own staff to write grants and secure sponsors. The schools in our area will not let sponsored acts in, not even Ronald McDonald.

I guess I don't know a single entertainer or business that isn't falling into the economy is bad trap. It is reality my friend.

The economy is beginning to improve. The market is up over 30% off the March lows. Consumer confidence is beginning to move to the upside. Work your system, and they will respond.

Kingry,

That is the best news I have heard all day! I'll work it!

Jewls

I am looking for some crazy off-beat ideas from you original thinkers! Lets brainstorm!

I've been trying something new (for myself) PowerPoint CDs about me and my show.

With the built-in templates and the latest edition of PowerPoint, I have been able to crank out a reasonable promotion disk that seems to impress bookers, agents and other interested parties.

Just a thought.

And use Neat-O's labelling system with a low-cost color inkjet printer and you have something really professional—if you have any design sense, that is!

Just a thought or two,

Lee Darrow, C.Ht.

Lee,

I love it, a friend just put together a promo CD and DVD format for me as well. It's amazing what you can do. It came out looking very professional and is so much easier and cheaper to ship and everyone has a computer in their office.

Keep the ideas rolling!!!