If you want to get gigs, then you are going to have to do some
schmoozing with club owners, bar owners and people of that
nature. This means you are going to have to appear as
professional and convincing as possible. You are going to have
to come prepared with all the gear you need to successfully
market yourself so you can book gigs and get paid.

First impressions are the most important thing in this biz. If
you want to book gigs then you need to bring the following
things with you to a meeting: a resume, a demo, a business card
(with a link to your site), a poster or flyer, price and a
confidant attitude. And most importantly, dress for success. You
don’t have to wear a tux, just look presentable. You might even
want to bring your instruments in case they want a short live
audition, you never know.

Hopefully you will get the gig and it will end right there but
you may not get hired right away. If this is you then you need
to have a little persistence. Stop in every week or so and see
if they have anything for you. Ask them if anyone has canceled
and if there is a spot that needs to be filled. But beware,
there is a fine line between persistence and stalking so be
careful you are not doing the latter. Remember, the squeaky
wheel gets the grease.

There are other places to play besides bars and clubs. Get
creative! What about coffee shops, music stores, high school
dances, book stores, restaurants, parks, festivals, fairs, or
private parties? The same rules apply when meeting with the
people that are related to these events and places. If you can’t
find gigs at these places, ask them to refer you to someplace
you can book gigs. If you present yourself professionally then
they will respect you, even if they don’t have a spot for you.

One thing you can try to do is convince the owners or whoever
you are meeting with that you can draw a crowd. Don’t promise
this if you can’t make it happen. And if you promise this, then
you need to make it happen. I am sure you have friends, family,
acquaintances and co-workers that you can convince to come see
you. It is even better if you have a solid group of fans going
that will show up as well.

All of these tips will help you get gigs. Market yourself
because no one else is going to do it. Remember, you can be your
best asset or your worst enemy. Don’t go to a meeting unprepared
and don’t stalk the people you have meeting with. If you want to
get gigs then presenting yourself as a professional, top quality
musician the eventually people will be knocking at your door for
a change.