How to Get Bookings

This article is for new callers. A future article will explore bookings for experienced callers.

Be Empathetic

When we call, we must think like a caller. When we seek bookings, we must think like a "caller-booker" (person or committee who hires callers).

Be Findable

The caller-booker must to be able to easily contact you!  Each caller-booker has favorite method(s) of contact. Make business cards which list all your methods of contact (email, phone, facebook, fax, twitter, website, snail-mail, etc.).

Be Effective

Some callers leave business cards on the check-in or flyer table, hoping that a caller-booker will pick up a card. Some callers hand a business card to a club member with the request, "please give this to your caller-booker". To maximize your chances, use the personal touch: personally give your business card directly to the caller-booker.

Be Persistent

If you don't know who a club's caller-booker is, ask someone. If the person you ask doesn't know, ask the club president. After you find out who the caller-booker is, approach him/her with a genuine smile and offer your business card. You can even mention who pointed you in the right direction: "Hi, your club president told me to speak with you!".

Be Memorable

Try to make the interaction sincere yet memorable. If humor fits your style, use it to make yourself memorable. For
example:

- "If you need a Good Dance done Cheap ... and you're flexible about it being a "Good Dance", then let's talk!".
- "The next time you book callers, you can save yourself a ton of time and effort by calling me first. I'm brand-new, therefore I surely have the date available!".
- "This is a great opportunity to book Tomorrow's Caller at Today's Price!".

If your style is more serious, develop a few reasons why the caller-booker should book you. Example:

- "Future square dancers need experienced callers. The only way to have experienced callers in the future is to book them for dances today. Let's build a better future together."

Be Appreciative

Caller-bookers are volunteers. Their work can be difficult and thankless. Make sure to thank the caller-booker for his/her volunteer service. You can mention the great job the caller-booker has done, i.e. you always enjoy the callers at this club. Make it clear that even if the caller-booker does NOT book you, you still appreciate his/her volunteer effort.

Be Musical

You knew the ad was hiding somewhere in here, right? :) Before you get all these new bookings, you'll surely want some great Chinook music to please your adoring fans. Just think: you could actually become the first caller to own every song in the entire catalog. :) At ChinookRecords.com, you get easy and secure checkout, instant download of MP3s, and the lowest price anywhere. We're two dollars cheaper than some sites! Use the savings to get snazzy business cards for yourself. :) Even if you don't buy a thing, visit the site anyway, where you can listen to hundreds of sample audio clips for free. You might even pick up new ideas to use at your next booking.

Be Helpful

It can be awkward to ask for a booking. You may want to offer a favor in return, such as "If you ever have a last-minute cancellation and you need to find a substitute caller in a hurry, please contact me, even on short notice. I'm eager to help!".

Be a Closer

Ask for the booking. If you find it difficult to ask for the sale, just get over it. :) One effective closing technique is to assume that you will be booked, so let's iron out the details. For example, ask, "How do you usually contact callers for bookings? By Email? Phone? Facebook?". When the caller-booker replies, enthusiastically express that you'll be waiting for that call / email / tweet / PM, etc. You can even ask, "Would it make your life easier if I contact you? When's a good time for you?".

Be Realistic

A 100% success rate is improbable. But you will definitely have some kind of success rate. The more bookings you try to get, the more you'll get. Sometimes it takes repeated attempts, over time, to finally get the booking.

Be Danceable

A guest tip is a great opportunity to get hired. Dancers sometimes find it difficult to dance to a new voice or a different calling style. In addition, new callers generally try to "prove" their skill by using choreo which is too difficult. Keep them dancing! A guest tip where people actually dance is far more impressive than a tip where everyone stands around perplexed.

Be Repeatable

Getting hired is wonderful. Getting hired back (for a repeat engagement) is fabulous! Sometimes the caller-booker will hire you back while the event is still happening. If nobody brings up the topic of a repeat booking during the dance, make sure that you bring it up. A great time is when a club officer says that you "did a great job". You can then suggest that it's a dandy idea to set up a future date.

Be Easy To Book

Caller-bookers have a hard job. They need to figure out (today) which caller dancers will enjoy (months or years from now). Think like a caller-booker, make their job easier, and enjoy more bookings.