Karaoke Forums

I am a huge proponent of relationship building when it comes to my venues. I insist on meeting and getting to know the owners. I make every attempt to meet face-to-face with the owner(s) every 3-4 weeks. I go to every venue (11 of them) every weekend and roughly half of them twice every weekend. I get to know staff and patrons and I make sure the hosts do the same. I make sure the hosts know how to get a hold of the right people at the bars if there is ever an issue and I follow-up when there is one. I make sure the owners and staff know they can call me 24/7 if there is anything we need to address.

I am a firm believer that this dedication to service is the largest contributing factor to my success.

Last night, an owner called me to tell me they noticed that a check they had written back in July had not cleared yet. Since my bank allows me to scan check and upload them for deposits, I still had the original as well as the scanned copy. I confirmed with the owner that I would check into it the next day and let them know.

Sure enough, I find out today I never uploaded the check in question. I called the owner to let them know and asked permission to submit today which she happily agreed to saying, "You work hard to make us happy and take care of us. You deserve to get paid what you are owed."

I don't know many bar owners that will fess up to something like this. I can't help but think that my dedication to maintaining communications with them had something to do with it. Even though I would have eventually caught the mistake myself, I am thrilled that the venue thought well enough of what we do to let us know first.

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-Chris

That's why you are so successful.

I too spend a lot of time and energy making sure that my gigs are not only successful but thriving. Here is this weeks Facebook post by the bar's owners:

Wednesday~ Karaoke 7 - 10 pm....Room has been fully booked since Saturday, only a few seats at the bar left. Thank You faithful Karaoke crowd!

This is last weeks Facebook post by the bar's owners:

Wednesday Karaoke is fully booked again! Please remember that you can place your rsvp online as well and you Will receive a confirmation phone call/email as to whether you have a table. I apologize ahead of time for those who were not able to seated in the past and in the future, season really fills the room. Thank You!

And this is from 3 weeks ago:

Wednesday Karaoke has been fully reserved since Monday, wow! There is still space at the bar however. Roger & Margo, have a great show tonight!


Are there others here that have to have reservations to get a seat? Here is a picture from last week. We have about a 110 seat capacity.

I so wish I had your problem. I did have a full house last Saturday. It not the norm.

I also commend your attention to executive service. I prioritize communication with owners and management by checking in with them either the day before or the day of each event. Usually via social network, but also by phone or in person when or if a situation arises. I can usually tell if a show will be profitable by how much of that energy comes back to me through owner/mgmt involvement.

I'm sure I could dig up a picture, but this past Monday we had a full-house 160 cap. with a 60 deep line out the door in Aspen. No reservations and the seats are usually moved aside for dancing. The manager asked me to come early next week because they booked a large (45-60) dinner party that specified they were anticipating karaoke after dinner. I predict a riot!

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Never the same show twice!

Yea, this is great to know that the business is still thriving with people who take this kind of job seriously. And I gotta say, if you are getting a percentage of the bar and/or the door, you guys are looking god $$ wise. Especially if you can get more than one night like this. I need to get more older people into my venue. I'm only 3 weeks in, with tonight being the 4th.

Long Live Karaoke

The beauty of "older people" is they arrive early, spend money, never fight, don't destroy any equipment, have no need for new music, and go home early and happy........ and are very faithful.

Funny you mention this, mrmarog. One of my hosts called me last night to ask me how to deal with a group of singers at one of our shows. A group of 5 retirees (all men) have been regulars at the show since day one. They have become increasingly rude to her, argumentative about how we manage the rotation, and grab mics to sing along with people unannounced. Oh.....they are water drinkers too.

This is a very isolated and odd situation and it honestly surprises me because I agree that the older crowd is generally a lot more respectful.

I am going in this Saturday to speak to all of the folks involved and set them straight.

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-Chris

That one made me laugh Chris. It reminded me of last Friday night when this "Big Hair" from Texas waited until I left the stage for a moment and when I turned around she had one of my mics and was standing next the singer trying to "help". The mic was turned off and the channel was muted on my mixer, but that didn't stop her. I did. I also had her 86'd.

I will not tolerate "helpers" or "stage interlopers" at all. If the person who signed up to sing didn't ask you to join them, DON'T. If the person who signed up to sing, does not sing or passes the mic to someone else, the song fades and we move on.

I also make it a point to review any actions like this (mine or the patron's) with mgmt, so if there is any blow-back, they are aware of what took place.

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Never the same show twice!

Agree 100%. Mic grabbing and stage jumping "helpers" have to be nipped in the bud immediately...the first time. Or else you risk endorsing it through inaction.