I think there’s an aspect where entertainers don’t fully grasp the importance of networking and thus miss out on fully capitalizing on its benefits. It could be that people they try to network with have egos, territorial behavior, or personality conflicts, and these obstacles impede the effective collaboration process.
The focus goes from collaboration to competition. To survive, we feel we must seek out new business networks, acquire new clients directly, or underbid/outwork the competition.
Where Entertainers Fail at Networking
Yet, where I feel entertainers fail to network properly is with other entertainers. I’m always looking for another good entertainer, someone I can work with in the future or pass work on when a client is looking for a reliable entertainer.
As a networking opportunity, I look at all entertainment, including jugglers, magicians, stilt walkers, fire-eaters, bands, balloonists, and anybody else making money while performing.
What makes for a “Safe” Networking Partner
- Loyalty—Entertainers should refrain from undercutting or openly selling their services to clients when my company contracts them to act as vendors for an event.
- Professionalism – As my company’s representatives, entertainers must ensure that their appearance, customer interaction, and skills reflect positively on the company brand.
- Business Etiquette encompasses promptly returning phone calls, diligently following up, and providing information, facilitating smooth collaboration between parties.
You would think loyalty, professionalism, and business etiquette are simple requirements from a logical business situation. Yet we all know people who fail, if not in one but all three areas. Because of this, we do not include them in our network or recommend these individuals/companies.
Become “That” Person People Want in Their Network
When I get a job requiring additional help, my network is the first place I turn to. I call them to see if they can help. There is a 50-50 chance they have the time and date available, but at least I called them. Making this gesture and building a relationship strengthens the business friendship.
Traits you should acquire:
- Return calls promptly.
- Communicate clearly.
- Know your limits and avoid overextending.
- Stay easy-going without creating drama.
- Offer support when needed.
- Collaborate by referring clients.
- Share connection with other reliable entertainers.
- Independently manage event coordination – no hand-holding.
Targeting the Low-Hanging Opportunities
The low-hanging opportunities are there, and once you know who, when, where, and why they hold these events, your network friends will fill you in on the pricing structure. Yes, libraries, schools, and park districts have budgets, and you can easily under/overprice your service.
When researching an industry, I turn to my network of entertainers for information. I know my network will guide me in the right direction.
How to Build a Good Entertainment Network
- Connect and open lines of communication with local artists.
- Refer work to their business when possible.
- Pay their rate or more.
- Hold yourself to the highest standards when working with their clients.
In business, we network with people we trust and support and who share our values. You will acquire new skills, make better connections, and improve your pay by constantly building a stronger network.
Improving Your Network
Seek advice and ask for a referral from a trusted entertainer whom they would use. This has been the fastest and most reliable option for me.
Don’t restrict yourself to one industry. For instance, a magician colleague may have worked with emerging entertainers, perfect for your balloon job. Newcomers often lack a robust network and minimal contact with seasoned professionals
I attempted to find entertainers on social media but discovered they either didn’t provide contact information or only offered an email form. This lack of a phone number is frustrating because I need to book an act promptly, not hours later, when the client has moved on to another entertainment option.
This is why I always make sure my social media sites provide a phone number, as my thinking is:
- The volume of calls is fewer than one a day.
- When I call a business, I like to make a human connection when hiring a service person. However, buying a product can be fully automated.
- The #1 reason is the caller’s level of motivation. Do these people think I’m their only option, or do they have a list of other options to solve their entertainment needs?
If you are attending industry events, social gatherings, or events, look to network with other entertainers. Make sure you exchange business cards and spend that extra time researching and learning about their business, clients, pricing, and the entertainers they collaborate with regularly.
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