Boost your bookings in a few easy steps!
There's a number of free or cheap things you can do if you have been performing for awhile and want to build up your bookings. Based on a decade in the business, I've put together five quick tips that should make you more ‘bookable’. And they are free or low cost. It’s all just to do with how much time and energy you have to spare.
Have an email address in your stage name
I don’t know how many times I miss responding to an artist because the email came from Sarah Jones not Sassy Valentine. Make sure your email address is set up in your stage name or business name. It's pretty easy to set up a GraceCherry@gmail address. It costs nothing and is low maintenance.
Why bother? Simply because other artists and producers may not know your non-stage name. And if you like to keep some privacy you may not want anyone to know this. From both sides, having an email account for your stage persona is important. And from an admin perspective it will save you time being able to keep your bookings, inquiries and purchases in the one space.
Note: In my opinion, a Facebook email address isn't enough. Take a few minutes and set up a proper email account.
Have a Signature
And no, I don't mean a signature act. (Although that's great too). When you set up your gmail account embed a signature at the bottom with your stage name, tagline (if you have one), email address and website/social media links. This is pretty straightforward in any 'normal' job. In burlesque it should be no different. It also ensures that you are signing off any correspondence with performers/producers/clients/costumiers with your stage name so that they know who you are.
Maintain your fan page
I know many performers that don't use a website anymore, or use these minimally. Given fickleness and trends for new forms of social media (Myspace anyone?), I've always enjoyed having a website as a steady form of traffic. If you are starting out a website is a bigger investment - either of money or time. I think a Facebook 'fan' page is the best affordable choice out there that will give you similar features. It enables people to message you, check out photos, videos and see your events. It's definitely the most versatile social media site.
Having a fan page can help set your personal social media life (i.e. your Jane Doe account where you add people as friends) away from your performing side. You can post your upcoming events, photos, inspiration and ideas on a fan page. It keeps a barrier between you and your stage persona. And it looks professional and enables media contacts, producers and performers to search for you.
And if you are establishing an online presences starting with Facebook is fantastic. I recommend using only the platforms you can maintain. Each medium is completely different in its communication and target audience. If you aren't performing full time and can't be tailoring messages on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/Pintrest/ Google + ......then don't. Have a great Facebook page and keep it updated regularly.
Be organised
Staying organised is the best piece of advice I've been given by other artists. There are small steps that are only an investment of your time that can make you more attractive as a performer and that can give you a great professional image. Consider:
Keeping a paper or virtual diary with your bookings and maintain it regularly;
Reply to your e-mails or messages promptly;
Set yourself rehearsal reminders;
Keep your music backed up on USB/CD/IPod or Iphone and have it with you at all your events;
Keep a charger, adapter and usb-ipod cable on you;
Take a back up stash of tit tape, safety pins and sewing kits.
If you put on a producers hat, think of how fantastic these small steps are. If you reply promptly, are prepared and have all of your equipment ready you are their absolute wet dream. And if you can show up backstage, share your space and be friendly to staff and artists .....well BRAVO.
Keep Your Time
I have a thing about lateness. As Scarlett Jezebel always says to me, lateness screams that if you think your time is more important than theirs. Be on time. If you are genuinely running behind, let your producer know as soon as possible. If you take home one message, it's that you should value the time that everyone (producers, venue staff, backstage staff, and your fellow artists) puts into an event.
One final thought? Put some effort into networking with your peers. If you are genuinely interested in performing, spend the time with other performers; going to events and learning about other people. This is not about 'kissing ass' (as we know I'm not into that). It's about building your own set of contacts in an industry. Get people to want to invest in your success as an artist. And this doesn't have to be in burlesque only - look at visual art shows, festivals, community events, circus and cabaret shows. There is a whole world of performance out there that can inspire you. But if you don't take the time to put yourself out there, no one will know who you are or feel invested in your success as a performer.