Earlier in the year I was working on a tour of Pennsylvania and the northernmost part of Ohio along Lake Erie. I had a good gig midweek and wanted to use that as an anchor gig to build around. As part of my regular marketing process for a short tour I sent out postcards to possible venues in the area. As the weeks went by I scheduled several other gigs for that tour.
They I received a call from an activity director at one of the venues I had sent a postcard to. We had a pleasant discussion and I offered her a decent discount since I would already be in the area. She thanked me and told me the amount was still too high for her budget. What she could offer was just not enough to tie up a date I still had plenty of opportunity to fill.
A day later she called back with an offer I couldn't refuse!
She reminded me of our conversation and how much she had to offer... and then mentioned they had a guest suite. She asked of I would consider the initial amount plus two nights accommodations in the guest suite plus all meals for three days in exchange for a gig?
DUH! Of course I would. I was able to save the cost of two nights lodging in a motel at a range in that area of $75 - $125 per night (At the lower end that would be $150 plus taxes - probably another $15). Food for three days would cost anywhere from $60 to $100 (I usually budget $25, so my budget would be $75 for three days) Her offer didn't cost them anything extra but saved me at least $225. That added to the fee she could afford made it a decent opportunity!
As I have traveled in the past I have often had evening gigs scheduled but nothing during the day. More than once I have traded lunch with a civic group for a program. The added benefit is that I can give the attendees my information and get gigs from that presentation.
Other barter opportunities have presented themselves over the years also. Lodging, meals services and even goods have been bartered for a program. It takes some creative thinking and going out of the box, but it can work and provide things you need, services AND additional gigs along the way.
They I received a call from an activity director at one of the venues I had sent a postcard to. We had a pleasant discussion and I offered her a decent discount since I would already be in the area. She thanked me and told me the amount was still too high for her budget. What she could offer was just not enough to tie up a date I still had plenty of opportunity to fill.
A day later she called back with an offer I couldn't refuse!
She reminded me of our conversation and how much she had to offer... and then mentioned they had a guest suite. She asked of I would consider the initial amount plus two nights accommodations in the guest suite plus all meals for three days in exchange for a gig?
DUH! Of course I would. I was able to save the cost of two nights lodging in a motel at a range in that area of $75 - $125 per night (At the lower end that would be $150 plus taxes - probably another $15). Food for three days would cost anywhere from $60 to $100 (I usually budget $25, so my budget would be $75 for three days) Her offer didn't cost them anything extra but saved me at least $225. That added to the fee she could afford made it a decent opportunity!
As I have traveled in the past I have often had evening gigs scheduled but nothing during the day. More than once I have traded lunch with a civic group for a program. The added benefit is that I can give the attendees my information and get gigs from that presentation.
Other barter opportunities have presented themselves over the years also. Lodging, meals services and even goods have been bartered for a program. It takes some creative thinking and going out of the box, but it can work and provide things you need, services AND additional gigs along the way.
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