Dear fellow singers:
I am a classically trained singer. I knew it would be hard to start a singing career, especially for a late starter like me. Networking and promoting myself are always tough for me. I didn’t know any of the “self-promoting” or the “networking-with-others” tips, and I found myself stuck in a dead end with nowhere to turn. When I saw that Classical Singer magazine was going to have a series of marketing workshops, I said to myself; “This is for ME!”
“Knowledge is power.”
“The more you know, the better you can survive in the business.”
These principles were some of the many reasons I wanted to attend the workshop. I read some negative comments from other singers, however (none of whom had actually attended the workshop). When I compared both the negative and the positive points of attending the workshop, then compared that to my situation, I knew that I needed someone to guide me through this process: how to negotiate, how to get what I was worth, and how to close a deal.
After the workshop, I immediately started my “house file,” fixed my résumé and bio, and was just waiting for my new demo to be done. Now, I’m creating a ‘”Feedback Recital,” using the techniques I learned to promote shows and performances, and build my network at the same time!
I’m practicing what I learned from the workshop. I even applied some of the technique to help my brother’s company! Incredible!
The third day after the workshop, I got a phone call from a lady in California trying to book me for an event on Christmas. I’ve never negotiated any fees before, not even with opera companies—I just took what they gave me. I immediately contacted my eConsultant, Mark Stoddard, and asked him how I should close the deal and get the job. He not only helped me with the negotiation ideas, he even wrote a sample letter and a sample contract for me!
I sent the letter to California, using Mr. Stoddard’s technique to get more money—and they agreed! Then I sent them the simple contract that Mr. Stoddard had created for me. They mailed it back with the deposit—and the deal is CLOSED!
I couldn’t believe it! I thought I was worth only a quarter of the fee I’m earning! This definitely is boosting my confidence as a starting soloist! Not only did it help increase my income, but it also told me “I’m worth it!”
My dream is to sing in “A” houses one day, but before I can achieve my dream, I have to become a working singer. This information is a wonderful start, even though it is only the beginning for me.
Sincerely,
Isabel Liu
