Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Gigs happen OFFLINE!

One of the things I hope storytellers and other performers do not forget is that GIGS happen OFFLINE.  

 There is so much advice flowing around right now about "online presence", "building a platform", "using social media for business" that it is easy to get caught up in the mistaken idea that you do not need to work offline to fill your calendar.

I doubt that any of the social media gurus really are saying that social media can take the place of good old common sense and hard work to build a business.  Their intent is to make you better at those aspects of building your business. You absolutely need to remember two KEYS to success:

First - PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLE!  You are your best marketing tool.  Prospective customers need to hear your voice, talk with you, see that you are interested and interesting.

Second - the internet is INBOUND and works only if a customer is looking for something.  You also have to do OUTBOUND marketing and go after customers.  You need to identify opportunities, make contact, have a call to action in all your marketing pieces and ASK FOR BUSINESS.

As you know, one of my favorite methods is postcard marketing.  It is not just sending out a shotgun blast of un-targeted postcards.  It takes time and a little research to find those opportunities.

So, take the time to draw a 30, 60 and 90 mile circle around your home base.  Start in the 30 mile circle and find the possible venues.  Think outside the box, make lists and make contact.

You might surprise yourself and get a gig.

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