Part two of this question is simple. How do you develop your storytelling programs? Do you just pick out some stories, memorize the bones and start trying to get gigs? Do you tell stories particular to your ethnic group? Did you choose the types of stories for a particular reason?
More importantly, do people want to hear the stories you have chosen? I know this flies in the face of some "purists" who might think any story is important to tell. The reality is if no one wants to hear the stories you have chosen NO ONE would hire you! If you choose to tell "The longest and most boring story ever told"... well, you might not get much business. Find what people want to hear and you will have a much better chance of getting gigs. That is a reality.
There is a way to balance this, do what you are passionate about and what folks will pay for. First of all, take time to talk with people about potential programs. Ask about your ideas. Get a group of tellers and decision makers at venues you target and ask them what they think. Perhaps not about specific stories but about a program in general. Ask if you can bend their ear for a while and sit down in person or even on the phone and review your ideas.
Then LISTEN! Seek advice and take good advice to heart. Also, if you have a program in your brochure that no one ever asks for - TAKE IT OUT!
Last but not least, change up your offerings on a regular basis. Develop a new program and promote it heavily! When you get a gig from the new program you can them mention other tried and true programs that might also be of interest!
More importantly, do people want to hear the stories you have chosen? I know this flies in the face of some "purists" who might think any story is important to tell. The reality is if no one wants to hear the stories you have chosen NO ONE would hire you! If you choose to tell "The longest and most boring story ever told"... well, you might not get much business. Find what people want to hear and you will have a much better chance of getting gigs. That is a reality.
There is a way to balance this, do what you are passionate about and what folks will pay for. First of all, take time to talk with people about potential programs. Ask about your ideas. Get a group of tellers and decision makers at venues you target and ask them what they think. Perhaps not about specific stories but about a program in general. Ask if you can bend their ear for a while and sit down in person or even on the phone and review your ideas.
Then LISTEN! Seek advice and take good advice to heart. Also, if you have a program in your brochure that no one ever asks for - TAKE IT OUT!
Last but not least, change up your offerings on a regular basis. Develop a new program and promote it heavily! When you get a gig from the new program you can them mention other tried and true programs that might also be of interest!
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