If you have performed in your school theater, choir, band, or talent shows, you may be a natural born entertainer. You may enjoy singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or some other fun activity that people enjoy watching. If this is the case, then you’ll enjoy becoming an entertainer for parties and events.
Entertainers have a great value to any party and can earn some good money. If you’ve been active in local community or school talent shows and the theater, then you already have the ability and the platform to sell your talents. Prepare professional business cards to hand out at the talent shows you are active in. People will be thrilled to be able to book a real honest to goodness entertainer who they have seen perform at an event. You already have an audience, so why not turn them into clients?
You’re in show business, so use your talent to create a business card that is clever and unique. You’ll want to include the obvious; what talent you perform along with your contact information. You don’t want to put your prices on your business card as this practice is considered unprofessional. Even though you’re in “show business” your professional side should be what the client sees off the stage.
If you aren’t sure what to charge as an entertainer for parties and events, do some simple investigating. Call people who are entertaining at parties and find out what they charge for various entertainment. Be open and honest and tell the person you called that you’re looking to get into the entertainment business in your local area and wondering what the basic fees are. Keep your fees competitive and reasonable, even offering a slight discount for first bookings. Most entertainers will be happy to welcome you to their world, mostly because they’re overbooked and can use the help! They will be delighted to give you suggestions and ideas to get your new business up and running.
If possible, participate in every talent show you can in order to get your name out there. You definitely also want to volunteer your talents at fundraising events, retirement homes, children’s hospitals, and the like. This type of exposure is invaluable as a means to get your name out in the public in a very positive way. Plus, it just feels right to share your talent!
Make cute and creative flyer’s to showcase your talent, your business, and your contact information. If you’re posting single flyers on bulletin boards around town, be sure to use tear off strips at the bottom with your name, number and talent so that people can take that with them and leave the flyer up for others. Replenish your flyer’s as needed to keep a steady flow of clients ringing your bell.
Advertising in the local paper is another great way to spread the word of your new business. Be creative! There are many ways to advertise. Don’t get stuck thinking that a classified ad is the only way to go. Don’t forget your own school paper and those other marketing areas such as menus and sports programs.
When you’re not performing at the parties, you’ll have a chance to mingle with the guests. Not only is it fun, but you’ll have another opportunity to sell your talent for another party. What a great way to mix business with pleasure.
You may have a group of friends who are similarly talented. Why not work together? Re-work your prices accordingly and plan your act together. It may be more fun to work as a team. Then, the team can do a little mingling and possibly gain even more bookings for events.
Remember, people go to parties and events to enjoy themselves and have a good time. You can make the parties and events more enjoyable with your talents so be sure to share them and have a great time.
photo credit: Evelyn Proimos
