What are the best practices for building strong relationships with venues and promoters?

1 Know your value

Before you approach a venue or a promoter, you need to know what you can offer them and what you expect in return. Do some research on the market, the audience, the competition, and the costs of your production. Prepare a clear and realistic proposal that showcases your vision, your goals, your budget, and your track record. Highlight the benefits of working with you, such as your reputation, your network, your creativity, or your niche.

2 Be flexible and respectful

Once you have a potential venue or promoter interested in your show, you need to be ready to negotiate the terms of the agreement. This may include the dates, the fees, the splits, the technical requirements, the marketing strategies, and the cancellation policies. Be flexible and respectful in your negotiations, and try to find a win-win solution that meets both parties' needs and expectations. Don't be afraid to ask questions, clarify details, and suggest alternatives. But also don't be too pushy, demanding, or unrealistic.

3 Communicate regularly and honestly

After you sign the contract, you need to maintain a good communication with your venue or promoter throughout the production process. Communicate regularly and honestly about your progress, your challenges, your changes, and your feedback. Use the preferred channels and methods of your venue or promoter, whether it's email, phone, or face-to-face meetings. Keep them updated on your ticket sales, your press coverage, your audience feedback, and your contingency plans. Listen to their input, concerns, and suggestions, and address them promptly and professionally.

5 Deliver on your promises

Finally, you need to deliver on your promises and meet your obligations to your venue or promoter. This means that you need to stick to your agreed schedule, budget, quality, and performance standards. You need to follow the rules and regulations of the venue, and respect their staff and equipment. You need to handle any issues or problems that arise with professionalism and integrity. And you need to evaluate and report on the outcomes and impacts of your show. By delivering on your promises, you can build trust, reputation, and loyalty with your venue or promoter.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?