How to get GIGS... that pay Real Money

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Thank-you to the hundreds of attendees that registered and attended the "How to get Gigs that pay Real Money" seminar. It was scorching hot in downtown Toronto, this past weekend but cool inside the Earth and Sciences Auditorium at U of T for an incredible learning and networking seminar offered free to musicians.

A HUGE thank-you to our very talented panel who openly shared their industry experience and knowledge with the group. They spoke of The Market, Packaging, Networking, and Promotion.

A very special thanks to our sponsor for the day - GigSalad.

Our panellists included:

• Mark Steiner (GigSalad)
• Roni Feldman (Roni Feldman & Associates)
• Mia Hackett (Azalea)
• Benjamin Hackett (Azalea)

The panel was moderated by Canadian Musician publisher, Jim Norris.

Throughout the day, we gave away some INSANE door prizes, more than $5000 worth of products. We would like to give a HUGE shout out to those companies for their continuous support for events like the "How to get Gigs that pay Real Money" seminar.

We would like to thank Todd Therrien (Solotech) for making us all sound great with his hard work. He was a pleasure to meet - proficient and professional. Thanks Todd!!

We would also like to thank the staff and security for the Earth Sciences Auditorium. What a hidden gem in venues you have on your hands. Beautifully designed and located on the quintest of streets.

Some of great advice coming out of the Seminar certainly includes;

The Market

• Types of gigs - Look for the beyond clubs - Prospect other types venues and corporate event planners.
• Prospecting - "Follow-up leads to future clients.
• What do they pay?, Demands...find your niche and set your prices, but be flexible to the client's needs. Are you a full band that can also offers a 3-piece or even solo set.

The Package

• Repertoire - Sit down and really think about it. Know what you are best at and hon in on that skill - but know what esle you can offer.
• Image - Know your client...know the event...and know the crowd. Don't wear a suit an tie to a beach party event and don't wear short and a t-shirt to a corporate event!
• Professionalism - Once you are hired - you are NOT a guest. You are there to work, respect that.

Getting the Gigs

• Contracts - Do your due diligence with contracts and suppliers, if your client doesn't give you the information ---make sure you ask the right questions. Know what you needs will be , what will be supplied and what you need to bring.
• Riders - Keep riders simple, requests should not cost more then performance fee.
• Follow up....FOLLOW-UP...FOLLOW-UP, Your next gig could come from follow-up. When the gig is done, follow up for a reference and recommendation.

Marketing

• Website - Create a PROFESSIONAL home for yourself and your brand that reflects your image and music- make sure potential client can find you
• Social Media - Don't get involved in too many networks if you don't have the time to manage them--Pick the largest sites and do them well.
• Networking - All panellists agree...Networking is the key. Get out there and network at every opportunity. You don't know where it might lead you.