Oh, The Glamourous Life!

Dear Constant Reader,

One of the great things about events like BurlyCon and The Expo is that my stock of tips gets replenished!

This week’s tip comes via Siren Santina and her class on merch.

Take credit/debit cards at your merch table.

Now I’m a cold hard cash sort of gal, but so many people rely on the magic plastic these days. You don’t want to miss out on a sale!

It’s gotten very easy to accept cards these days, you just need a card reader and a smart phone. Lots of places offer CC services (Square, PayPal, Amazon, &c. I just heard Etsy got in on the racket). Do your research and find one whose terms & fees work for you. At B.A.B.E. we use Square, which Brigitte just loves*.

Set a minimum price for using cards, because the processors do take their cut. That way you don’t lose all your profit to fees on a small item and if the patron really wants that item which is under your minimum, they’ll end up buying more.

* She loves the selling part. I don’t think she cares what happens after she swipes that card.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Here’s your tip.

Stage names are not necessarily the same as Facebook handles. Confirm the correct name before using in publicity or press.

Because Facebook hates pseudonyms, burlesque performers often have to change the spelling of the names or break them oddly or add extraneous names, such as…

Always confirm the preferred spelling, spacing, punctuation, and capitalization with the performer her/himself or by checking their website (of course they have a non-Facebook website; they read that tip).

P.S. In case you were wondering, it’s “The Boston Babydolls”, not “Boston Baby Dolls”.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Time for a tip! This piece of advice comes from Mr. Scratch, from whom I have learned many valuable things about business and communication.

Send handwritten thank you notes.

You should always send thank you notes — to a producer who booked you, to a photographer who shot you, &c. — and obviously a quick email serves that purpose. However, people are always delighted to received an actual something in the mail; it so rarely happens these days. And it shows you took the time and care to hand-write a note, address it, stamp it, and mail it. Plus, most people don’t want to toss something like that in the trash, so your note will linger, reminding them of you.

It’s also a great excuse to have a library of appropriate stationary and cards. Just look at Lili St. Cyr’s personalized stationary! If you had letterhead like this, wouldn’t you want to send letters?

Dear Constant Reader,

Vote for The Boston Babydolls for “Best Theatre Group” and B.A.B.E. for “Best Dance Classes“!

Buy your tickets to The Teaseday Club on July 9th in my name!

Here’s your tip:

Have a website. A FaceBook Page doesn’t count.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. You should have:
* a little bit about yourself, a couple of pictures, maybe a link to a video
* a calendar so your fans know when and where you’re performing
* a way to contact you, so bookers can get in touch and hire you for shows
* your own domain, so you’re easy to find

There are a number of easy-to-use, free or cheap services out there. Personally, I use Bandzoogle, Doteasy, and WordPress. I am very much not a tech person, so if I can do it, so can you!

Dear Constant Reader,

Have business cards. And always carry them.

I like cards printed on uncoated stock, so one can scrawl a note on the back. A lovely thing about cards is that they require you to have a business card case, and there are many wonderful designs out there. Personally, I keep mine in a German cigarette case.

This year Scratch gave all the Babydolls a year-end bonus of personalized business cards:

Dear Constant Reader,

Be responsible and responsive.

If someone contacts you about a gig, get back to them in a timely fashion. If you don’t want the work, say so (politely, of course). It’s rude to leave someone hanging.