Karaoke Forums

Hey All,

I am seriously considering starting a karaoke hosting company and I am curious about the best way to get my first show.

So far I am starting by making a spreadsheet of all the local bars, restaurants, coffee houses and bowling alleys in the area.

I am curious if it's better to just call each one, ask them if they are currently doing karaoke, if not then ask for the name of the person in charge of hiring entertainment.  Either call them or make an appointment and go pitch the show.

I don't want to burn a bunch of karaoke bridges and try and price cut to get gigs where there is already a hosting company that they like.  I might consider giving away the first show free to get in the door.

How did you start?  Any words of advice?

Thanks!

Tim

How I started is a long story, so I won't get into it now.  But I was given my first gig initially, the club liked the show they hired me permanently & added 2 more nights.  Then a couple other clubs came in & saw the show & hired me for a couple more nights - working 5 nights within a 1 month period from starting without looking, this is not the norm when just starting out, I got lucky.

Honestly wouldn't do a free show, once you get a rep for that you will be deemed either cheap entertainment or screw yourself for any kind of possible money raise.  You could go in with a set price, then negotiate a starting price for say 4-6 weeks with an intent/promise agreement from the bar which after that you either get your price (provided the clientelle are coming & the ringout is good - if not then you can renegotiate or determine that karaoke may not be right for that club) or you walk!  & then follow through.

Never solicit a place that already has karaoke - especially if it's already good show.  It automatically gives you a bad rep.  & it's nicer to work WITH other companies than against them.  If a bar calls you looking to replace, then I personally see it as fair game & would set up a meeting.

I would get a promo pack put together, an about you with on your letterhead, maybe with a scaled down version of your book/selection (mine had no number & 3 column print to condense to a manageable size), maybe an overview of your equipment (not that most bars care, but some still might), any kind of print ad's ideas, web advertising, website if any (MySpace is pretty popular free choice to begin) & how you will promote the show to attract customers.

Just a few ideas.

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Without knowing your area my inclination would be to casually enter prospective venues afternoonish and unformally talk to the bartender mngr or owner if availible. Be honest and present your ideas Find out which owners are receptive or have been thinking about it. Get a list of established karaoke bars and visit them and see whats working or non. In other words scope the territory.

Those that are receptive ask them their goals and what their ideas on karaoke are. Become friends with them. Be yourself. When you get an idea what the market is then formulate pitches and goals that will work in that area. Get your ducks in a row then hit the bushes. GOOD LUCK

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Work for another company and develop your skills. If people like you as a host it will be easier to sell yourself to bars.

Starting on your own...

Hire a very good design firm to make very good looking expensive brochures. Mail one to every bar within 25 miles of your home.

I think it is very important to understand the people you are trying to market your service to.  Some bar owners are in the bar business to make money and others are in it because they like hanging out in bars.  Those who are in it for the money already have a thriving business usually because of location or some other accident of happenstance, these people you have to sell on the increasse business that karaoke will bring.  If you are a wicked and evil person like me and don't mind displacing another KJ, you find the worst karaoke show in town and take his gig.  You have to know your field and have an understanding of acoustics.  If you find someone who just likes being in the bar business, get to be their friend.  They will ask you what you do.  You say you're a KJ but don't give them a sales pitch, let them talk themselves into it.

Above all, be honest and be yourself.

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Okay, who took my pants?

See if your area has a small entertainment weekly or newsletter and put an advert in there. The Milwaukee area has several and the biggest is "Shepards Express" that covers all the area entertainment venues plus left wing political rants, but these are the type that cover the entertainment in the given area and the bar scene as well.