Back when I was on the road, I did what most of us do. I packed my weekends with shows. Friday and Saturday were the big money makers.
But between travel days and downtime, I was leaving money on the table every single week.
That is, until I realized how powerful weekday gigs could be. Especially corporate and private events.
I remember booking a Tuesday night women’s entrepreneur networking dinner while I was in town for a weekend church concert. It was a short set. No pressure to sell tickets. A low-key, appreciative audience. And it paid more than most of the weekend shows I had scheduled.
Not only that, but I ended up connecting with a few women in the audience who later hired me for their own company events. That one midweek gig opened doors I couldn’t have planned for.
I recently interviewed Channing and McKenzie from EVA, and we were totally on the same page. EVA is a platform that connects artists with corporate and private bookings, and the way they’ve set it up is brilliant.
You don’t have to do awkward rate negotiations or wonder what to charge. The event planner sets the budget up front. You just decide if it works for you and submit a quote. Easy.
Now for your local musicians who aren't currently touring...
If you’re focused on building a career close to home, this strategy is actually even better for you.
Imagine booking a Wednesday afternoon luncheon or a Thursday evening networking event just 30 minutes from home. You play a short set, get paid more than your last bar gig, and you’re home for dinner.
You keep your weekends open for family time, higher-paying festivals, or just to rest and recharge. This is how you build balance into your career without sacrificing income.
These types of gigs feed your bank account with solid revenue. And they're also great for putting you in front of new audiences who might join your list or follow your work.
After all, these are business people, so they understand the value of networking and won't be offended when you ask for the connection.
One of the things I really appreciate about these gigs is how simple they are to pull off.
Shorter sets, often earlier in the day, and in many cases the client provides the sound. There’s none of that 1 am teardown and driving home exhausted. It’s a smoother, smarter way to earn.
Head over to www.bookwitheva.com and set up your profile. This could be your key to better-paying, lower-stress bookings that fit beautifully into your life and goals.
You really can build a music career that works for your music and your life.
Always in your corner,
<3 Bree