Karaoke Forums

A Local shopper paper or a bar paper (rag that bars tend to advertise in) or alternative newspapers are better for ads than the main daily newspaper. A local KJ just put in simple ads with the words: FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT, CONSIDER KARAOKE! , Along with his phone number. He even had table tents made for his bar gigs with that ad. It worked for him very well.

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to thank everyone for their educated advice and opinions on getting "bar gigs". I've hosted several private karaoke parties and a couple of county fairs "Fair Idol" in the area but never at a club, etc.

I've really enjoyed meeting all the local pub owners and managers and think I might even have a couple of prospects. I felt pretty confident talking with these folks and think part of the reason was because of you guys and your infinite wisdom.

THanks again................

infinite wisdom may be pushing it, at least in my case. BUT I have learned a LOT about what not to do by watching others. also some of what to do.
My ad in the local bar paper is worth its weight in gold. I would say I get a call on it every 2 months or so. I don't think Ive gotten called and not booked from the call yet. some times its only one show, Most times it's many. either way I did not have to go looking for them.

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the voices arent real, but they have some good ideas

Most bars either HAVE or HAD karaoke as a form of entertainment. One of the questions I always ask on interviews is ..What didn't you like about the Karaoke you have or had? . You will be surprised of some of the "little" things that piss some owners and managers off. If you correct them you have a FOOT in the door.

Always carry when soliciting new gigs.
PROFESIONAL BUSINESS CARDS
NEW PRISTINE BOOK OF SONGS
ANY FLYERS OR PROMO ITEMS YOU'VE CREATED.


NEVER work for free..If you give the impression that you NEED the gig that bad you have set yourself down the wrong path...... If you believe that you are worth MORE than the next guy ...so will the owners. ( as long as you are competetive priced)

The way I aquired my last regular gig worked quite well! My partner and I went in, ordered a couple drinks, and felt out the situation first. We learned this particular place used to have karaoke but no longer did. We asked to speak to the bar manager and he came and spoke to us. Both of us basically told him about what we do, the way we run our show, our equipment/sound, and previous experience. A lot of it has to do with the confidence you show and having a good attitude in general. At that point I told the bar manager, "I really think we could bring business to your bar, and to show you what I mean, we could try it out on a one night trial, say $100? And if you want to hire us, we will discuss rates from there." He accepted and we played that first night. It was busy and very successful! He even paid us extra that night, which was a first for me in that situation! He hired us for our asking price and now that bar is our favorite one to work for.

disorientedproductions.....I love your statement here and is very much the way that I try to set up new gigs. The issue that I run into is that I never get to the point of saying that I'd be able to trial them for a cheaper price...the very 1st question that they all ask is...what do you charge?!?! Which a lot of times, depending on what their reaction is to what I say......leads the conversation down a different direction. MrD

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[highlight=midnightblue]MrD - KJ/DJ Specialist
Visit MrD on facebook - mrdsentertainment
& on myspace - larrynance[/highlight]

I tried Babs suggestion when they asked about a lower trial price -- I said, no, we get our normal rate. But if you advertise in the paper for a $100.00 drawing at midnight, we will pay for that out of our fee. We will see how it goes...

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

I can definitely agree with the business card comment. As an entertainer myself it was one of the best things I could do. Don't just get the cheapest ones possible, actually take the time and make a professional card. People appreciate little things like that sometimes.

Wow mcky ! I am flattered. I'll be anxious to see what they say. I think it is a great way to compromise. I really hate the idea of anyone having to take less money to get their foot in the door. It usually means they'll have you work for less a couple weeks than go with the next guy. You make all the compromise and get stiffed in the end. At least this way they are compromising also.

I think it should always be last resort to get your foot in the door by lowering prices, but sometimes the competition is so stiff you have no choice. Good Luck ! Of course I'd love to see this work for you.

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[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]