Business
Networking - Entertainer Style
People have written books,
had conferences, and spent a lot of time talking about the importance
of business networking. Nevertheless, entertainers overlook this
subject. We look to do business networking for new accounts; insistently
we look for the person who hires entertainment. We could spend a
lot of time and money doing this type of search. This is why we
have professional entertainment agencies. They do all the legwork
for us.
When I refer to business
networking, I am talking about making contacts with other entertainers.
I'm always looking for another good entertainer, someone I can work
with in the future, or pass work on. I look at all entertainment
from jugglers, magicians, stilt walkers, fire-eaters, bands, balloonist,
and anybody else making money while performing.
These are the people
I try to do business networking with. I make sure I give them my
business card and make sure I can get one of theirs. I am still
amazed on how many people do not carry stacks of their own business
cards.
When I do get a job
that requires additional help, the first place I turn to is my new
friends. I give them a call to see if they can help. It is a 50-50
chance that they have the time and date available, but at least
I gave them a call. Making this gesture strengthens the friendship.
I recently
was hired by an agent, which required me to hire two balloon entertainers
for the Chicago Rush home games (February
2 Press Release). I could have booked myself and a friend for
all the jobs, but that is not my style. Instead, I called two entertainers
that I regularly work with Rick & Dave and two new entertainers
Pam & Tony.
Pam is
a local entertainer who has her own entertainment company and Tony
is an upcoming Chicagoland entertainer. By spreading the work out,
I have given my "network", business. Whom do you think
they will call when they have extra business? This is what networking
is about, spreading the wealth. By doing this, I now have four entertainers
who will call me this year to pass on work.
I have had
one entertainer who has not been able to pass work on to me directly,
but he has recommended me to a couple of his personal agents. These
are contacts that I would have taken a long time to get involved
with, but now I am on first name bases with them.
Therefore,
the key to business networking is to share the wealth, pass on work
to other entertainers and they will pass work on to you. That's
good business networking, entertainment style.
Copyright
DEO Consulting, Inc 2004
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