Don't Be Afraid to Call About Gigs, etc.

When it comes to cold-calling for gigs, it can be quite nerve-racking. However, you shouldn't be afraid! Yeah, yeah. I know it sucks feeling like a salesman, but like it or not, if you want to get anywhere in the music business then you'll have to be one.

The first step to getting yourself to feel up to calling on these venues is to logically dismiss your fears. Cold-calling is easily one of the best ways to find a gig, especially in the beginning stages of your band/musical act.

First of all, I want to go over some of most peoples apprehensions about cold calling.

1. I Don't Want to Bother People - This is probably my biggest problem. The truth is, that the venues you call MAY be interested. If they're not, they'll tell you, and it's not a big deal. Life will go on. If they are, not only is it a gig, it's a chance to showcase your talent. You never know who may be in the audience. It could be someone from another bar, someone who runs a big festival, etc.

2. What About the Places That are "Too Big" For us - Don't worry about that. Find out if the venue is appropriate for your type of music, and then give it your all. The payout in the end, once again, is much much larger than the loss of being denied. "You never know until you try" is VERY relevant in this occasion.

3. I'm bad on the phone/I don't know what to say - If this is the case, the best thing to do is write down exactly what you plan to open with. Even make up scenarios in your mind and plan on how you would respond to them, if you have to. This is something I do a lot before I dial the number, and it works out very well.



Keep it professional sounding. Work on your sales pitch, and when you tell them your style of music, stay at 1 or 2 types. DO NOT go on a tangent about how your band is "kinda like, metal, but with a little mix of psychedelic rock, a touch of indie and jazz." Most people don't care and will probably think you're flaky.

Always stick to your word. This is valid in any situation. If you tell them you'll be in later with a promo, BE IN LATER. If you tell them you'll send out a CD ASAP. Send that CD. Don't fall into the "lazy musician" stereotype.


Hope that helps. 'Til next time!

Keith

Check out this online singing system!

About Being Your Own Music Manager.

Everyone who has devoted extensive time and money to becoming a musician obviously wants something good to come of it. This blog will not only provide young and developing musicians with the basic information they need to manage themselves and book their own gigs, but also updates on the new techniques I'm learning.

It seems as though everyone tells you that you need to find a manager, however, in reality it is not feasible to start with one.

Learning how to manage yourself will...

- Keep you from getting taken advantage of.
- Keep you in control of your creativity, identity, money and business.
- Increase your knowledge of business, marketing and sales in a way that can benefit you beyond the music business.


Remember that hard work pays off. To me, it seems that the music business, more than most, is about what you put into it, not just getting lucky.

'Til next time
Keith