National Storytelling Network Forum

holly · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 1:00 pm Post subject: Expanding Clients

Another NSN Member question...

Does anyone have any advice on how to expand my client core?

TexasMel · Newbie Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Texas

I find that the best way to promote something is to teach it. As we all know, everyone can be taught to tell some sort of story (even a short joke!) I'm sure there are a number of organizations that you could approach with your basic services in such a way that would offer you a chance to expand.

One example: If you are a member of a temple, church, or synagogue, offer a free class once or twice a year on "how to make your religious stories come alive" ("how to make the Bible come alive with stories" or "how to make the Koran come alive with stories", etc.) Take business cards or small brochures with you about your storytelling services (include email, phone number, and any website you have) and make them available to the people who come.

List any unusual services that you might have experience with (such as story collecting from elders or storytelling for kids in hospitals, or collecting family stories to tell at anniversaries and other parties (at a 50th wedding anniversary celebration I saw one storyteller who dressed in costume and retold in some very funny ways stories that others had told them about the couple.)

If you have a local chapter of Toastmasters, you might want to talk to them about coming to speak at one of their meetings.

I'm not sure where your focus is, so I won't get too specific. I hope this is enough to spark some ideas!

SeanBuvala · Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 10:47 pm Post subject: Re: Expanding Clients

holly wrote:

Does anyone have any advice on how to expand my client core?

There is a lot of good marketing advice out there, but in the beginning and in those down times between gigs, the best thing is to "hit the pavement," knock on the doors of the schools, libraries and churches you'd want to work at and say "hi." Drop off your press/media kit and follow up with a thank you note for their time.

Shake them trees!

_________________
K. Sean Buvala
http://www.seantells.com
http://www.fulltimestorytelling.com
http://www.storytellingproducts.com

ljohnson · Newbie Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 11 Location: Illinois

SeanBuvala wrote:

There is a lot of good marketing advice out there, but in the beginning and in those down times between gigs, the best thing is to "hit the pavement," knock on the doors of the schools, libraries and churches you'd want to work at and say "hi." Drop off your press/media kit and follow up with a thank you note for their time.

Shake them trees!

I have to disagree with this. When I was working in the Library field, performers who "knocked on doors" or just "dropped off their stuff" were eyed askance, their PR packets taken gingerly and dropped into the circular file. There are official directories, showcases, listings that the pros use, find out what works in your area.

And in these days of heightened security, walking uninvited into a public school is not a course of action that will endear you to the administration.

my two cents, for what it's worth,
Leanne

_________________
Leanne Johnson, Storyteller
http://www.storytelling.org/Leanne
http://www.myspace.com/leannetells (story samples, blog, online calendar)

Stellar · Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 11:07 pm Post subject: Re: Expanding Clients

ljohnson wrote:

I have to disagree with this. When I was working in the Library field, performers who "knocked on doors" or just "dropped off their stuff" were eyed askance, their PR packets taken gingerly and dropped into the circular file. There are official directories, showcases, listings that the pros use, find out what works in your area.

And in these days of heightened security, walking uninvited into a public school is not a course of action that will endear you to the administration.

my two cents, for what it's worth,
Leanne

That's certainly something to keep in mind. *nods*

I am currently finding that arts funding is being cut all over! I'm looking to add more gigs into my schedule now that a grant has ended.

In the past I found cold calling and word of mouth to work well. I am looking for those lists you mentioned. I found one for libraries in the area but not for schools. I've looked. If anyone has any hints, I'd love to hear them!

Thanks,

_________________
Lisa Hicks, The Stellar Storyteller

http://lisahicksstoryteller.bravehost.com/index.html
http://www.myspace.com/lisahicksstoryteller
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=791655159

Stubby · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Fairfax, Vt

One possibility for expanding clients is Rotary Clubs. They look for speakers for each of their weekly meetings. It is an excellent opportunity to showcase your talent for a group of business people (who are also parents and grandparents). You generally have 30 minutes to tell. There is no pay involved but it does provide excellent networking possibilities.
It is gratifying to tell to a group of business people who are dressed and ready for work, who suddenly find themselves transported by a good story! It can be a helpful way to remind busy adults of the time when they used to lie on the grass , stare up at the sky and imagine..

_________________
Wonder-Full?

Stellar · Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 1:07 pm Post subject: Re: Expanding Clients

Stubby wrote:

One possibility for expanding clients is Rotary Clubs. They look for speakers for each of their weekly meetings. It is an excellent opportunity to showcase your talent for a group of business people (who are also parents and grandparents). You generally have 30 minutes to tell. There is no pay involved but it does provide excellent networking possibilities.
It is gratifying to tell to a group of business people who are dressed and ready for work, who suddenly find themselves transported by a good story! It can be a helpful way to remind busy adults of the time when they used to lie on the grass , stare up at the sky and imagine..

What a great idea! Thanks! I'll look into doing that!

Stellar

_________________
Lisa Hicks, The Stellar Storyteller

http://lisahicksstoryteller.bravehost.com/index.html
http://www.myspace.com/lisahicksstoryteller
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=791655159