Keeping bookings up entails several different tasks.

All the stuff written above certainly applies...I'll try and add some other things that they didn't go into.

Administrative areas... Basically searching for leads, possible venues, etc at all times. The jewelry store gig is a great example. Be organised in your communications. You should know, exactly from your records who to speak to at different venues, when you spoke with them last time, what was discussed, etc...If someone says call me back in 3 months...you should have a reminder somewhere that will prompt you to do so.

I have a file set up for my larger accounts...and I enter notes, reminders, requests, etc into each clients file after I perform there. It may be six weeks or so before I'm back there...but having that info detailed and available to me, I can review it on a Monday or Tuesday and walk into the club on Friday all ready to go. It has made a diference.

Search your area entertainment listings in your paper, weeklies, internet database listings, etc...Find out where other acts are performing and approach any that are a good fit. No one cares how you develop a new lead.

Agents are typically very low on the food chain and not worth your efforts.

Pro's comment about location is dead on. Dayton's night life is pretty lame...so most of my business comes from nursing homes, corproate/civic events and lots of private parties...I'm actually in Pittsburgh, PA this morning...I'm performing here all week...while I also visit my parents. (I grew up here) Its unreal how many more places there are around here to perform in compared to Dayton...

It almost makes me sick to think about, lol...

I have 3 girls (9-16)...and the wife is an RN is in the middle of her Masters to become a Nurse Practitioner, so to uproot everyone would be difficult. Not to mention potentially hazardous to my health, lol...

That said...My time in the 'Burgh this week is all about planting seeds for the future. I did 2 shows yesterday and they already want to know how they can book me again when I'm in the area...5 more by the time I head home. Over time, I'll develop a client base in Pittsburgh as well as the one already up & running in Dayton. The idea is my folks and sisters live here...so at worst-I can always book a few shows when I'm in town...at best, maybe the client lists grows to such a degree that at the time the kids are gone and Patty's got her Masters Degree, moving back wouldn't really be that hard...

Newsletters, schedules, websites, etc...are all good peices of the marketing puzzle...

Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 10-12-2004).]