Thread: New restaurant for gigs?

OK, deep breath!

My area once had a single restaurant with dancers, but it closed. Now there is a new Mediterranean one. I am thinking of approaching them to ask if they would be interested in having dancers there.

ANY ideas/suggestions/information about how to do this so that I get a 'yes' answer would be fabulous. I'd really like to have something going here on a continuous basis.

Go in there to eat. Get to know the owner/management. Feel them out as to whether they are open to dancers. Then give them your card and your spiel. This need not be a long, drawn-out process, but if you know them a little, it will be easier to talk to them about having dancing.

DON"T offer a deal to start out with - you'll never get a raise. Decide what is a fair price, and be willing to stick with it.

Hi Tamra,

How does one get to know the management if you are only there to eat? And how long would I need to do that for? Any advice is helpful! I'd really like this to happen in my area.

Originally Posted by BreaMorgiane

Hi Tamra,

How does one get to know the management if you are only there to eat? And how long would I need to do that for? Any advice is helpful! I'd really like this to happen in my area.

If the food is good, ask for the manager and compliment the food (or the service, or the ambiance). Chit-chat a little about the new place. If they are playing Arabic music, you may mention it, especially if you like the song. My suggestion would be to go in during an off-peak time when a manager or owner may be there, but not be swamped.

If you don't know, you could ask where the manager/owner is from - a lot of times that will open up a dialogue. Shoot, you could even ask if they have considered having dancers there, just to guage the reaction. If you can get a little bit of conversation going, you'll find an appropriate time to bring up the subject of belly dance, and the fact that you are a dancer and would like to offer your services.

It's also a good idea to check out the place at different times on different days/evenings to see how busy they are, and what kind of crowd they are attracting.

Hi! Thanks for the suggestions. You are saying that I should not mention that I'm a dancer in the first conversation?

Originally Posted by BreaMorgiane

Hi! Thanks for the suggestions. You are saying that I should not mention that I'm a dancer in the first conversation?

Maybe bring up dancing, and then if there's a positive or neutral reaction to that, you can mention that you are a dancer.

Some people are more conservative than others. If they are against the idea of dancing, then it's best if you don't even go there, at least IMO.

Relationships! People have to know, like and trust you before they will buy from you or hire you. Starting up a conversation like Tamra suggested is probably the best way. Keep it nice and casual. And don't wait! If you want the gig, get that relationship started before someone else does.

Oh, one more thing. There's something in sales called "reciprocity" ...people will be more open to your suggestions if you've given them something first. That sounds cheesy and manipulative, but it's just the way the human brain works. Nothing wrong with knowing and using it ..l;, So, if you can find something of value to give the manager/owner/whoever that shifts things in your favor right away.

What that "gift" is could be nothing more than a sincere compliment after eating there a few times. It could be bringing in a bunch of your friends after work on a slow night. It could be help finding a great waitress or suggesting a community event the restaurant might want to be part of...be creative. You're not trying to bribe the person, just opening the mind a little so he's more receptive to your suggestions later on.

Best of luck!!
Mira

If you follow TamraHenna's advice, make sure you dress up a little when you go there. Do your hair, throw on a little makeup (not show makeup, but nice going out makeup) and wear a cute outfit. I hate to sound shallow, but it does help to look attractive and put-together when planting a seed in someone's head about dancing there....

Originally Posted by SummerSahar

If you follow TamraHenna's advice, make sure you dress up a little when you go there. Do your hair, throw on a little makeup (not show makeup, but nice going out makeup) and wear a cute outfit. I hate to sound shallow, but it does help to look attractive and put-together when planting a seed in someone's head about dancing there....

There's nothing shallow about it. You'd dress nicely and do your makeup for a job interview, and that's exactly what this is.

(And once you get the job, it doesn't hurt to arrive dressed nicely, if you change on-site.)

Hi,

I always do that (dress up and put on makeup) for any bellydance-related thing, even workshops I attend. Thanks for all the stellar advice everyone!