4 Things You Should NEVER Do When Trying to Secure a Gig

While I’ve already shared guides about getting gigs and things you should be doing when trying to get your band booked, I haven't yet shared those things you should avoid doing at all costs. Saying the right things to event organizers won't count for anything if you also make mistakes that will make them not want to work with you any more.

With that in mind, here are four big mistakes that will stop you getting gigs. If you don't want to limit your gigging to headlining in your bedroom, be sure to avoid the following for a more successful gigging career.

If you're looking to get gigs, as well as understand what you should be doing, it's also important to know what kind of things could jeopardize your chances of getting those all important shows. Once you know that, you'll know what to avoid.

Here are 4 things you should avoid at all costs.

But first, if it's your aim to do music professionally, you'll want to check out our free ebook while it's still available:

Free eBook: Discover how real independent musicians like you are making $4,077 - $22,573+ monthly via Youtube, let me know where to send the details:

Name*

Email*

Subscribe

1. Make It All About You

OK, so the number one mistake you can make when trying to secure a gig is making your proposal all about you. In fact, this is the worst things you can do in your music career, period, regardless of what kind of opportunity you're pursuing!

The thing is, when event organizers decide who they're going to book to perform at their next event, they don't take into consideration that you told them you're really talented, or even that you're getting good feedback on the internet. Their main concern is putting on a good event for their (usually) paying customers. They want to put on a successful event, one that will make them look good.

So when you're approaching someone about a possible gig, remember to let them know how you'll benefit them. If you can draw in a crowd, let them know. If you've can get them additional exposure via your established channels, let them know. These are the sort of things which can secure your gig.

2. Appear Unprofessional

Another big no-no is to handle things in an unprofessional manner. Again, these people have businesses to run. Because of that, most of them expect to have a professional business relationship with you so their job is made easier.

If you show up late to a meeting with them, are difficult to work with, or send in demos which sound like they've been recorded in your bedroom, this doesn't give a very good impression of you. Furthermore, they are all things which will most likely mean you don't get the show you were going after.

3. Make It Difficult to Contact You

There's nothing worse then trying to get hold of someone for a business opportunity, only to run into voice mails, dead numbers, and email addresses with seemingly no one on the other side. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to contact you, so if they do offer you a gig, you can confirm and accept it ASAP.

Be sure the number and email address you give in your communications are correct, and that you check on them regularly.

4. Arrive at Your Gig Late/Don't Perform Well

This point assumes you've already got yourself a gig with a event organizer who has the ability to potentially book you for more shows in the future. Once you have the gig, the last thing you want to do is give a bad impression of yourself on the big day.

Ways you can do this include turning up late, not performing well that night (drinking before shows can do this to you, as can not being prepared) and generally being difficult to deal with.

It's much easier to get more shows once you're in the good books of a organizer or promoter, so once you're in that position, be sure to not unnecessarily mess that up.

Anything Else You Should Avoid When Getting Gigs?

So what do you think, what are the other things you should avoid when trying to get shows to play? I'd love to hear your view, so drop a comment below for all to see. And please share this guide if you feel it's useful. 🙂