|
|
Do you know what your body shop business is worth?
Many smaller body shop owners have asked, “How do I appraise my body shop?” In the last month I have been asked to do two appraisals on body shops. The first appraisal was to assist in partnership dissolution; the second appraisal was for marriage...
If You Want People's Business, I Mean REALLY WANT People's Business, Do This
I've been planning to move for some time, but first I had to repair the foundation on my house (a common problem in south Texas) and also get a new roof because of hail damage (another common problem in south Texas. I finished getting those major...
Public Relations Productivity
Should it be measured in “publicity by the pound,” or by how well external audience behaviors help achieve the organization’s key objectives?
I opt for holding public relations responsible, first, for recognizing that people act on their...
Real Estate Lease Option Break Through!
One of today's most profitable real estate investing tactics is
using a combination of leases and options. Here's how it works:
You are an investor who buys and sells rental homes for profit.
There are many ways to negotiate the purchase of a...
Recessions Don't Last Forever!
Recessions Don’t Last Forever!
It could, but what if it doesn’t?
Will you be prepared?
Will those key external audiences of yours, whose behaviors REALLY affect you, look favorably at you and your business?
Because, once the...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HOW TO GET THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR PARTY, DINNER OR EVENT
As a professional entertainer with over 20 years experience entertaining at prestigious events in which my audiences have included Movie Stars, Celebrities, U.S. Presidents, Politicians, International Royalty and the Social Elite, I have had the opportunity to see what makes some of these "high end" events successful and others flops, and I would like to share this information with you.
First let me say that it interests me to see how much time money and effort is spent on arranging the food, the centerpieces and the location and how secondary the choice of entertainment seems to be. Let me state something important right now: THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN AFFECT THE SUCCESS OF YOUR PARTY, DINNER, CONVENTION, EVENT OR YOUR PERSONAL REPUTATION AS THE ENTERTAINMENT YOU CHOOSE -- so please make your choices carefully! To put it simply: Good entertainment will be remembered long after the food is gone. (Don't believe me? When was the last time you heard someone rave about a steak they had at an event three weeks ago?) For this reason, entertainment buying can be a daunting task. So just how do you find the right entertainment to make your event successful?
I will not go into detail about hiring bands or DJ's -- although many of the tips I will recommend here will apply to these entertainers as well. Generally, bands and DJ's are considered "dance and background" entertainment and although important, they will not affect the outcome of your event as much as a professional act or solo entertainer can. People can still have fun with an "adequate" Band or DJ. As long as they play appropriate and pleasant music at the right times, it will not seriously affect the outcome of the event. On the other hand, an "entertainer" who presents consistent and successful shows can literally have your audience laughing, cheering, beaming with compliments and talking about your event WEEKS LATER and that is what I want to guide you to find. So let's discuss how to find the best entertainer for your event.
There are two ways to find entertainment: One is to contact a reputable entertainment agency. The other is to hire an entertainer independently. You will find both entertainers and agents in the same way -- either by recommendation, yellow page advertising, entertainment directories, internet sites or by direct contact. Choosing to use an agent or hiring an act directly can be done with equal success if approached properly.
I have worked with entertainment agencies for many years and have nothing but praise for the reputable ones. A reputable agent has a list or "roster" of suitable entertainers. If you do not know what kind of entertainer you would like, a reputable agent can help direct you to the right performer. Be warned though that the agent will limit his suggestions to the roster of entertainers he or she represent -- which may or may not include the best or most appropriate entertainers. Because the agent handles more than one performer, he will only have a "rough idea" of what each entertainer can do and because of the vast number of entertainers he represents, it is not uncommon for him to unintentionally misrepresent what the act is capable of doing. If you select the right entertainment agency, an agency you can trust or have worked with successfully in the past, you will be able to choose from a variety of different types of entertainers which will be suitable for your event.
If you know or have at least an idea of what type of entertainment you want, hiring a solo entertainer or an act (consisting of more than one performer) can be advantageous. Being able to speak with the performer directly, he can tell you much more specific information about his act than an agent can. He can recommend specific routines for your particular audience and can let you know from experience where in your evening his entertainment would best fit. The entertainer can work closely with you to tailor the show to fit your particular event. Please be aware though that as a rule, if you saw a performer entertain at a previous event where he was contracted through an agent and you wish to hire him or her for your event, ethically, he must go through that agency unless he has agreed with that agent otherwise.
Whether you choose to go through an entertainment agency or through the act directly, ask to receive a COMPLETE PROMOTIONAL PACKET or at the very least a brochure. This should include any or all of the following: a photo (or photos), a biography, a list of credentials including places he or she has performed, a list of clients he or she has successfully entertained, a variety of newspaper reviews of their act and testimonials from past clients.
Look at all of these carefully, but be skeptical -- there are always acts and agents who lack integrity, and it is not uncommon in this business for them to list prestigious places the act has supposedly entertained when in truth they haven't. If in doubt, don't be afraid to question them about the places they say they have worked -- make sure they can back it up!
The most important item to ask for is a VIDEOTAPE of the act. This is where the act literally "speaks for itself". When you review the tape, watch it as if you yourself were in the audience and be sure to watch it more than once. If you are on a committee, watch it with others and discuss it. When viewing the tape, listen not only to the act, but to the audience's response. Be wary of tapes that are performed in a studio without an audience and of tapes that only show tiny "snippets" of the act assembled with slick editing. Seeing a series of clips containing only one punchline each is not as effective or important as watching a five minute routine with a laugh every 10 seconds!
Because entertainers and agents know that your time is valuable, it is common for a promotional videotape to not contain a "full show". It may consist of select routines which may or may not be shortened. This is acceptable, but you should be able to see some "meaty" routines with little or no editing so that you get a true feel for the act. Be critical -- remember, the success of your evening is depending on it!
I would not recommend considering acts that contain "blue" or "risque" material. Although the audience on the tape might be laughing, and although you might even think that it's funny, hiring an act with questionable material is bound to offend someone, and it can easily backfire on you and reflect badly on you, your company or organization.
Once you have found the entertainment you desire, you should sign a CONTRACT with them as soon as possible. The best
acts will book their yearly calendars quickly -- especially for dates around prime times of the year like the Holiday Season -- so don't delay! Asking the act or agent to merely "hold" a particular date is not enough -- without a signed contract they are not obligated to your engagement and are free to accept a "sure thing" should it come along. Remember, you are hiring the best -- others will be looking for the best as well!
The cost of an entertainer varies according to the quality, experience and notoriety of the performer. As a rule, the best performers will be more expensive -- as it should be. Don't make the mistake of hiring two inexpensive acts of lesser quality instead of one expensive act. Two adequate acts will never compare to one great act, and the money you spent two acts of lesser quality will have been wasted. This is simply an issue of quality, not quantity.
If for some reason the act is beyond your budget, be truthful and open to the act or agent and let them know what your budget is. They might be able to make concessions or suggest ways of saving you money -- perhaps presenting only a 20 minute show instead of a 30 minute show, or perhaps presenting an alternative act instead of the one they had originally planned. Other than small concessions though, don't expect them to reduce their price considerably. They know what they are worth and to maintain their reputation in the industry, they must maintain a consistent market price. To charge your group less than they charged their last group is simply bad business.
Once the act is contracted, make sure the entertainer or agent provides you with a list of PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS -- things that the act needs to make the show run smoothly. This may include things like a dressing area, the size of the stage or dance floor they will require to present the act properly, microphone or sound requirements, the time they will need in advance to set up the show, etc. Having this list of requirements in advance will save you from last minute surprises like "not knowing that the act required a cassette tape player", or that "the audience should not have been seated at the sides of the performer". This list tells you what is needed to make the act run smoothly. If you cannot meet one or more of these requirements, let the act or agent know as soon as possible so they can adjust the show accordingly.
Once the show requirements are provided for, you can be assured that the show will run smoothly, and you can relax knowing that you have the best professional entertainer in the right environment which will make your event an event to remember!
________________________________________________________
CHECKLIST:
Things you need to know in advance before contacting an entertainer or agency:
___ 1. The location of the event ___ 2. The number of people you expect to attend the event. ___ 3. What performance area will be available at the location? (dance floor, stage, etc.) ___ 4. Does the location provide a sound system and or lighting? ___ 5. Do you plan to have other entertainment at the event? ___ 6. What time would you like the performance to start? ___ 7. Are you planning to have award presentations or speeches?
Things to find out when speaking with a prospective entertainer or agency:
___ 1. How many years has the agency or entertainer been in business? ___ 2. What kind of experience does the entertainer have? ___ 3. What professional credentials or awards has the entertainer won? ___ 4. Is the entertainer available for your engagement? ___ 5. Ask to receive for your review: ___ A. A complete promotional packet of the entertainer ___ B. A promotional videotape ___ C. Testimonials from previous clients
When reviewing an entertainer on tape, consider:
1. How polished and professional is the performer? 2. How does the act look (consider the dress of the performer, and the props he or she is using) 3. Does the audience on the tape sound like they are being entertained? 3. If you were in that audience seeing that show, would you be entertained? 4. Does the entertainer's style compliment your company or company's ideals? 5. Is the tape complete enough to give you an idea of the act? (You don't want to see short "snippets" of the act)
Things to do once the entertainer has been selected:
___ 1. Send the performer directions to the event along with any program or event information along with the returned contract.
___ 2. Ask to receive a copy of any "Performance Requirements" and pass a copy of them along to the people handling the technical aspects of the show (lighting and sound people, hotel AV department, etc.)
___ 3. A final call a week or two before the event to go over last minute details is always helpful and appreciated -- especially when last minute changes have been made (like the addition of an "awards presentation", a "speech by the company President" etc.)
_____________________________________________________________
Harry Maurer is a professional entertainer who performs regularly in the showrooms of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. With over 20 years of experience, he provides comedy magical entertainment tailored to the needs of his corporate clientele. He resides in Houston and can be reached toll free at (877) 223-6291 or on the world-wide web at: hmmagic@aol.com.
If you are looking for great entertainment, please take a moment to visit The Comedy & Magic of Harry Maurer web site at:
www.hmmagic.com
The site describes the types of shows he presents, lists his professional credentials, provides a list of past clients, press reviews, testimonials from satisfied clients and displays his "online performance Calendar" so that you can instantly determine his availability -- everything you need conveniently located to let you know that he is your best entertainment choice.
Located on the site are also a variety of "online forms" where both entertainment agents or individuals can request promotional material or a quote for a particular event with no obligation!
If you have any additional questions or comments about this report or about The Comedy & Magic of Harry Maurer, we invite you to contact us by e-mail at: sales@hmmagic.com -- we'd love to hear from you!
_____________________________________________________________
About the Author
Award winning Comedian Magician Harry Maurer is an entertainer of US Presidents, Celebrities and International Royalty and he would like to do the same for you!
|
|
|
|
|
Finance - Leases-Leasing Ezine Articles |
EzineArticles.com allows ezine or email list publishers to upload or download free expert content that can be used within email newsletters or websites. |
ezinearticles.com |
  |
Finance: Leases Leasing Articles from EzineArticles.com |
http://ezinearticles.com/?cat=Finance:Leases-Leasing Free Content For Your Ezine or Website http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ Why use your ... |
ezinearticles.com |
  |
Leases Leasing - Money & Finance Articles |
Leases Leasing - Money & Finance Articles. Money & Finance | Accounting & Payroll | Bankruptcy | Business & Loans | Credit Tips | Currency-Trading ... |
www.article99.com |
  |
Finance » Leases Leasing » Absolute Article Directory |
Absolute Article Directory: Finance, Leases Leasing. |
www.absolutearticle.com |
  |
- Leases-Leasing |
By David Springer | On January 29, 2006 | In Leases-Leasing | Rated. Short on cash, but need equipment? Consider leasing what you need. ... |
www.articlebar.com |
  |
Leases Leasing |
You are here: Article Directory arrow Article Directory arrow Finance arrow Leases Leasing ... Leases Leasing. Articles ... |
www.rumorist.com |
  |
Long Term Car Rental Italy Auto Rentals Leases Leasing Rome Milan ... |
Long Term Car Rental Italy Auto Rentals Leases Leasing Rome Milan Florence One Way Paris London Frankfurt Madrid Lisbon. |
www.ideamerge.com |
  |
europe car rental leases leasing one way rentals long term renault ... |
pictured is the Renault Laguna Estate, With Renault tax-free, short-term auto leasing you get the exact, brand-new vehicle you reserve, plus unlimited miles ... |
www.ideamerge.com |
  |
Private Fleet - Finance, Insurance, novated leases, leasing, CHP ... |
New Car Broker Australia. Private Fleet sales discounts on your new car purchase, no haggle, no hassle saving $1000s off all new and used cars for private ... |
www.privatefleet.com.au |
  |
Projector Leases, Leasing Companies for LCD, DLP, LCOS projectors |
Projector leasing programs and services. Choose a company. |
www.projectorcentral.com |
  |
Category: leases-leasing |
Category... leases-leasing. Results 1 - 3 of 3. Search took 0.01 seconds. Page 1 of 1. Buy or Lease: Which Automobile Transaction is Better? ... |
www.articler.com |
  |
John Dellagnese & Associates: offices, officespace, lease, leases ... |
It takes two companies to bring you the premier Corporate Property Development group in Northeast Ohio: the talents of John Dellagnese and Associates ... |
www.dellagnese.com |
  |
John Dellagnese & Associates: offices, officespace, lease, leases ... |
Welcome to our Tenant Login Page. * Forgot your password or haven't received one yet? Email us tinah@dellagnese.com or call 330-668-4000 and we will reply ... |
www.dellagnese.com |
  |
The-Arts-Magazine.com - Leases-Leasing |
Home arrow Article Links arrow Finance arrow Leases-Leasing. Main Menu ... Mosets Tree. Leases-Leasing. Listings. There are 0 listings in this category. |
www.the-arts-magazine.com |
  |
OmegaMotors.com - Your Money - Leases - Leasing Overview |
Blue Book retail & trade-in value reports on used vehicles. Kelley features prices on used cars, trucks, street and dirt bikes, ATVs, scooters, ... |
www.omegamotors.com |
  |
Entertainment Guide - Leases-Leasing |
Sunday, 03 December 2006, Home arrow Article Resources arrow Finance arrow Leases-Leasing ... Mosets Tree. Leases-Leasing ... |
www.entertainment-resource-directory.com |
  |
- Leases-Leasing |
Mosets Tree. Leases-Leasing. Listings. There are 0 listings in this category. spacer.png, 0 kB. spacer.png, 0 kB. download joomla modules download joomla ... |
www.healthcare-resource-guide.com |
  |
FINANCEDEPARTMENT.COM- Finance, Mortgages, Leases, Leasing ... |
Finance, Mortgages, Leases, Leasing, Brokerage Houses, Mortgage Lending. |
www.financedepartment.com |
  |
vehicle leases leasing guide and facts |
vehicle leases leasing guide and facts. Under the federal Consumer Leasing Act, you, the consumer, have a right to information about the costs and terms of ... |
www.shopperfavorites.com |
  |
- Leases-Leasing |
spacer.png, 0 kB. spacer.png, 0 kB. Home arrow Article Resources arrow Finance arrow Leases-Leasing. Mosets Tree. Leases-Leasing ... |
www.cars-directory-guide.com |
  |
|