Thread: A Client's Perspective

We often talk about the minimum requirements for becoming a professional dancer. I'm beginning to think the list should include attempting to hire live entertainment at least once before you launch your own performance career!

As part of my day job, I'm planning a high-profile event that will include ethnic (not Middle Eastern) dancers and musicians. The experience has definitely been a case study in how *not* to provide excellent customer service. So far my bad experiences have included:

1. Sending e-mails that go unanswered for weeks.

2. Not receiving a firm quote for a performance.

3. Having to practically beg for an invoice.

4. Despite multiple clear requests, not receiving paperwork without which my organization WILL NOT PAY the invoice. (I work for a public university, and we cannot pay anyone unless they register as a vendor and provide a tax ID number.)

The result? I'm seriously on edge about how the performances will go because my pre-event experience has done nothing to inspire confidence. And I'm in the unfortunate position of having very few options in this area for these types of performers. I will have several other occasions throughout the year that require performers, but, even if the upcoming event ends up going well, I will think long and hard before hiring these particular groups because of the difficulties I've encountered so far.

So, dancers, please think about these things as you're dealing with your own clients! Being responsive to requests and questions and providing clear information (including quotes!) will put your clients at ease. And if you make their job a little less stressful, you're much more likely to get repeat business.

Thought provoking. Great post. I look forward to reading other responses. Lauren, Anala . . . anxiously waiting for your input.

As an event organizer, I often feel like I'm herding cats. I totally agree that the experience of hiring live performers would go a long way to teach "professionals" how to behave.

I feel lucky that my event has grown to the size that I can be somewhat picky about choosing who I want to work with. But I spent the first 5 years chasing performers and teachers. I now have a series of "hoops" that people have to jump. If they want to teach/perform at my event, they have to actually fill out an application by a deadline. If they can't do that much, then I don't even have to consider them.

I fully sympathize with having limited access to performers and your entire situation. It's truly astonishing how few people have their stuff together.

This does remind me that it's probably time to file for a tax id number and stop using my SS# on my invoices.

I totallly agree! I have been on the "other side" a few times myself, once at my own wedding (where the lovely Mariyah performed!) and once for my birthday party, when I hired hula dancers. It's very eye-opening to see what other performers do and how it makes you feel in terms of comfort and reassurance. Of course, working with Mariyah was a breeze, but I also had confidence because I already knew her. I didn't know the hula dancers from a hole in the wall, though. Thankfully, they were super responsible, fast with emails, and very helpful. It was a great experience and I hope that that's how my own clients feel when booking me.

Originally Posted by danielabellydance

... once at my own wedding (where the lovely Mariyah performed!) ...

Off topic, but: Lucky you!