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I believe I have read most if not all of your posts but I didn't pick up on the fact that you don't have any gigs at all right now.  I can't imagine anything worse than a business that has no business.  I've been there and you certainly have all my sympathy.  Generating new business is my least favorite, and for me the hardest, part of the entertainment business.  

Going forward it sounds like you've learned a few good lessons.  Don't underestimate the value of that (even though it hurts like crazy).  Smart people make mistakes, but only once.  Build on what you've learned and it will make you stronger.

So don't let it get you down.  Get out there and do what needs to be done to rustle up some new business.  Find out all of the places that have karaoke in your area and visit the owners.  Let them know what you have to offer and how what you do may differ from the competition—you need a point of differentiation—and show them how your show will benefit them.  I have been known to do a "freebie" once in a while just to get my foot in the door.  There's nothing wrong with that.  

Personally, I wouldn't poach on a friend's show.  But I would ask everyone I know for suggestions.  And don't hesitate to ask for the busniness; the worst that will happen it that they will say no.  Until you ask for the business it's a "no" anyway because you're not playing there.

My duo is very luck because we have a manager.  She's an old friend of mine, an experienced sales pro, who suggested that we let her do this.  It's a hobby but she really likes us and that's her motivation.  

Her method is very simple and direct and it works like a charm, mostly because she knows what she's doing and is very good at it.  Time after time she has walked into a bar, asked for the owner and when she meets him she sticks out her hand and says, "Hi, I'm Jayne.  I'm here to talk to you about a fantastic band that you and your patrons are going to love!"  Most of the time she walks out of the place with a signed contract.  

Not everyone can do that, but you can work out a variation that works for you.

Good luck!

Larry

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"Life is too short for diet soda and lite beer"

ONLY ONCE !! Stronger indeed !! Thanks for the encouragement  :hi5:

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Kelley
Star Sounds Karaoke & Mobile Recording Studio


[shadow=black][scroll]You have to respect your audience. Without them, you're essentially standing alone, singing to yourself....KD Lang[/scroll][/shadow]

Oh Larry,  You had to go and say this in a philosophical thread, didn't you  LMAO


If that's the case,  what about "forgiveness" ?   "Giving a second chance" ?   A GF or spouse making a mistake, yet learning from it, and becoming a faithful life partner from that point on as a result ?    WHEN do we, and when do we not take certain risks ?    Is it correct to assume ALL don't learn from their mistakes ?   This is what I struggle with,  Black and WHite....  Don't tell me I'm correct in being this rigid  

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Man,... You're deep !!!  LOL

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Kelley
Star Sounds Karaoke & Mobile Recording Studio


[shadow=black][scroll]You have to respect your audience. Without them, you're essentially standing alone, singing to yourself....KD Lang[/scroll][/shadow]

IOW.. Would it be wrong for Kelley to hire this brother back under all circumstances ?   Probably not !  Chances are his demon's are still his demon's... but people DO at times learn, and reform their past behaviour too... THis is where it get's tough for me...

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

I wouldn't recommend it.

That is where the difference is between professional and personal relationship. Bringing him back could lead to another nail in the coffin of their relationship.

Business relationships don't allow for as much grey area as personal relationships and for good reason. Family ties are hard enough. Business ties are hard enough as well. When the two are combined as mentioned or implied before, the two can kill a relationship.

I couldn't hire a relative ever. They would see a side of that they might not like. I am hardly tolerant enough of my relatives as it is.

I know...  I take pill's for it  :(

You could've maybe thrown me off by not using any philosophical terms in your heading, there's a chance (althought slim),  I'd have missed it

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Me too buddy.

Kap,

Interesting point.  

People, the smart ones, do learn from their mistakes.  In fact I recommend mistakes as a great way to achieve both knowledge and wisdom.

Second chances?  Why not?  And even third ones sometimes.  If you are advocating Kelley giving the brother a second chance I can't fault you.  My reading of what she wrote gave me the impression that this guy has had quite a few chances and yet learned about "cause and effect".  I may have been reading something into what was written that wasn't there.

I think we all struggle with knowing when to give someone another chance and when to say, "I believe I've learned all I need to know."  I wish I had a great answer for you but I don't.

Like I think most of us are, I am a "seeker" when it comes to truth and wisdom.  I've learned that black and white exist at the very extremes of the truth spectrum and that the vast middle area is filled with shades of gray.  

But here's something that I do believe is the truth (and you get this for free, you lucky dog); my advice may well be worth what it costs—and that's something worth considering before you accept it.

Shame on you for turning on my philosophical mode.  I often get preachy and it's very hard to turn off again.  I thought I had given this up for Lent.  Looks like another mistake on my part.

Larry

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"Life is too short for diet soda and lite beer"

Ok really ,... my brother knows how much this hurts me what hes doing and as many times as weve asked him not to be at our gigs he does it anyways. He doesnt just HAVE demons He IS a demon No really he hasnt learned ANYTHING but how to get under our skin. So wouldnt even consider hiring him back. In fact a week or so ago when he asked for his job back he went to my husband not me b/c he knew what I would say , he asked my husband how much a** do I have to kiss to come back?  I asked my husband if he told him not enough But he didnt.He politly told him that we both agreed that we didnt want to go down that road again. Which was probably the more professional way to do it.

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Kelley
Star Sounds Karaoke & Mobile Recording Studio


[shadow=black][scroll]You have to respect your audience. Without them, you're essentially standing alone, singing to yourself....KD Lang[/scroll][/shadow]

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Kelley
Star Sounds Karaoke & Mobile Recording Studio


[shadow=black][scroll]You have to respect your audience. Without them, you're essentially standing alone, singing to yourself....KD Lang[/scroll][/shadow]

Excellent points Chuck.




You are absolutely correct.   In this particular case it would likely be taking an unnecessary risk...Odd's are given his age, and all the chances they DID give him...rehiriing him would be a foolish move...  Great point Larry...

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Just remember there's a difference between "full" and "full of it".  

Larry

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"Life is too short for diet soda and lite beer"

"crafty" manipulative people like this drive me BONKERS !   I avoid them at ALL cost now.

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

Are the two mutually exclusive ?

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

To answer a rhetorical question and starting the answer with a preposition, I think not.

 LMAO

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Kelley
Star Sounds Karaoke & Mobile Recording Studio


[shadow=black][scroll]You have to respect your audience. Without them, you're essentially standing alone, singing to yourself....KD Lang[/scroll][/shadow]

You guys are too funny !!!  LMAO  LMAO

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Kelley
Star Sounds Karaoke & Mobile Recording Studio


[shadow=black][scroll]You have to respect your audience. Without them, you're essentially standing alone, singing to yourself....KD Lang[/scroll][/shadow]

Glad we could help.

We'll be here all week. Don't forget to tip the bartenders and waitresses.

We try really hard!  

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"Life is too short for diet soda and lite beer"