Interesting question, Glenn...

I went back and looked at my 2006 bookings, and 34 of my 424 total bookings fit your general description of "Cream of the Crop (CotC) " gigs...So, about 8% were of this variety. Roughly just under three gigs per month were of this type, on average.

One thing that immediately jumped out at me was that every one of those premier gigs came to me because of another gig or account that I already had. These CotC gigs were refferals from animal clubs, nursing homes, senior centers, shopping malls. Usually via word of mouth. One gig was booked site unseen directly from my website. I had zero agency gigs last year.

I use my full set-up for 95% of all my gigs and it seems to pay off bigtime. The lady in accounting at the nursing home who is getting married next Summer, the cook in the kitchen of the Moose who knows someone in his prayer group at church needs music for their retirement party, etc, etc, etc...

Another source of jobs I've hitched my wagon to are two well known, reputable charities. (American Heart Association and the Althzeimers Association) I donate my time 1-2 times a year for fundraisers for each organization. In turn, they show their appreciation to me by hiring me at a slightly discounted rate to perform at their major fundraising events which are usually black tie affairs. The exposure I get and ensuing business that follows is very consistant each year. Another thing that helps is that I'm easy to work with, unlike the previous keyboard player who was tempermental and not THAT good.

Its kind of like a seed. I keep the freebies to a minimum. Usually 3-4 shows a year if that. The benefit from establishing relationships with this target market don't always sprout immediately, but enough of the do every year that I think my way is a way that works.

Regards-

Bill in Dayton



[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 01-12-2007).]