I've been gone for four days, lots of stuff to catch up on, and this was the first that seemed of interest.

Though I hate to do this, I must respectfully disagree with with my mentor DNJ. A well made demo CD, at least for me, has been an excellent tool that has resulted in a very positive response. In fact, I DO NOT send out a package now without one included.

This is solely based upon my experience, and in my area, which may or may not reflect the response in other areas of the globe. A couple years ago, I mailed out what I believed was a very professional advertising package, one that included lots of solid, informational, promotional material. After waiting a week for the packages to arrive at the various locations, I began making the usual follow-up phone calls. The results were neglegible at best.

Six months later, the same package, pared down to some degree, but including a demo CD with a half-dozen upbeat songs, was mailed to the same locations. Approximately 30 packages were mailed, and before I had a chance to make the follow-up calls the response was overwhelming. Nearly 30 percent called me within three days after the package was mailed and asked for available dates. Subsequent phone calls produced another 25 to 30 percent positive responses with bookings for 2 or more jobs during the next few months.

DNJ is right, however, about doing your homework and thoroughly investigating any and all prospective venues in your immediate area, and in doing this, the computer is an extremely valuable tool. Also, look to the Yellow Pages for such things as retirement communities, assisted living centers, nursing homes, senior centers, etc.. From a single Senior Newspaper that is published 6 times a year I was able to get the names and addresses of more than 200 prospective clients, many of which I sent CDs to and now perform at on a regular basis.

As for the type of CD, this depeneds on the audience you intend to target. I have one for senior centers, another for assisted living centers, one for nursing homes and one for private parties. All of them are different, all are upbeat, all have about 6 full length songs, and they're constantly being updated and improved.

Additionally, I have heard of some individual performers that provide just a small snippet of various songs, but never make a Demo CD with full length songs. From my perspective, and from talking with many of my clients, the full length CD's seem to be passed around to other activities directors and individuals who play it in their car CD player while driving to and from their various places of employment. Most don't have time to listen to a CD at work, and nearly all have told me they get CDs from lots of performers, but rarely get full song CDs. Most said they forwarded the full song Cds to other ADs, while the partial song CDs were tossed in the trash after listening to a few snippets.

One last thing. All of my demo CDs have my phone number, Web Page and Email address imprinted on the label. You would be amazed at the number of folks that loose your business card, but retain your CD. As for thost business card CDs, the ones that will fit in a PC or CD player, but are the shape and size of a business card--forgetaboutit! No one I ever sent them to had a clue they were a CD, and they're expensive as hell.

Good luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy