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Originally Posted by Dopamine  I really want to "make it" as a mixer. I have a nice studio, but simply need more steady practice mixing.
At this point I am finding it very difficult to attract new clients. I've tried marketing on Craig's List, using Myspace connections, approaching live bands, etc. Most of the more serious acts expect a "name" mixer. The less serious ones just don't have the budget.
Just wondering if there are any guys that have found a good business plan in 2008 to attract new clients. I've tried raising my rates, and I've tried lowering it (even offering free or "don't pay until you're 100% happy" deals).
My goal is humble: get an average of (2) mixes per week.
I feel as though I have excellent human relation and phone skills, so that's not the problem. I generally refer people to my website which has some samples of my mixes.
Not sure what else to do, but I desperately want this to work.
ANY ADVICE GREATLY APPRECIATED. |
It's gonna be tough. Really tough. My opinion, all the craigslist stuff and myspace stuff is just done and finished. There are billions of them, all lumped into the beginner category. Usually offering nothing more than the band could do themselves. Artists with whom I work say they are sick and tired of a bunch of young people running up to them and pushing cards on them and trying to work with them. Giving the same speech to everyone does nothing. In my little Pennsylvania town there are dozens of 18-22 year-olds with tight black jeans, white belts and a witty t-shirt following bands around begging them to record at their "studio". I could imagine how it is in bigger markets.
Want to do it for real? Try this...
Find a band in your area you like. Really like. Go to EVERY show. Become friends. Buy them beer. Hang out. Offer to run sound at their practice and bring beer. Be friendly. Unless they are total a$$holes, they will let you at least do *something* for them in audio. Work your butt off making it beyond perfect. Stay in touch with them. Find band number 2. reapeat. Before you know it, you have a great reputation, and a great demo reel of work.
Or use craigslist and myspace.