If you’re gearing up for your first corporate gig, you’re in for a fantastic experience. Corporate events are a unique place where you can showcase your skills and leave a lasting impression. We’re here to guide you through the dos and don’ts of corporate gigs and help you attract more corporate events in the future.
What types of corporate gigs can I get?
Corporate event planners are the third-largest client set who use GigSalad to book their events. We see leads for everything from product launches to Christmas parties to team-building virtual events for remote workers.
The world of corporate event planning is a huge industry, and you don’t want to miss out on these opportunities. They generally have a bigger budget but also have higher expectations. Here are a few examples of event types for common corporate gigs:
🎷 Corporate band gigs: Happy hours, dinners, trade show after-parties, holiday parties, and awards ceremonies.
🎤 Corporate comedy gigs: Retirement parties, company retreats, virtual events, and company picnics.
🎵 Corporate DJ gigs: Launch parties, grand openings, fundraisers, and sporting events.
How to attract corporate event planners
The professionals who book performers for their company events are looking for certain things, so be sure you’ve optimized your profile to attract them. They may be trying to impress a boss, host a group of new clients, or simply put on an unforgettable holiday party for their fellow employees. You can help make their vision a reality!
Improve your profile
Your GigSalad PromoKit is the perfect place to showcase your talent. Use high-quality images, videos, and a detailed overview to catch the attention of potential clients. Double-check that you’ve added categories related to corporate gigs that are relevant to your service. This might include:
- Corporate entertainment
- Corporate comedian
- Corporate magician
- Trade show magician
- Business motivational speaker
- Team building event
📸 Read this: Create a Media Kit That Will Get You Gigs
Tailor your offerings
Customize your offerings for corporate clients. Develop special packages or add-ons that cater to their specific needs, whether it’s background music for a conference or a comedy show for a company party. Create some saved messages or saved quotes so you can respond to GigSalad leads with 1-click. After all, corporate planners are movers and shakers and appreciate prompt replies.
Showcase your past gigs
If you’ve performed at corporate events before, highlight those experiences in your profile. Share photos, testimonials, and any noteworthy achievements. Corporate planners are more likely to book you if they see that you’ve performed for other big companies or large events. Be sure to request reviews from past clients to showcase on your profile.
⭐ Read this: The Importance of Verified Reviews
Know where to find them
Aside from having an online presence, it’s important to get some face time with local companies too. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with event planners on social media. Building relationships can open doors to corporate gigs in the future. Your local Chamber of Commerce or other small business associations are great places to find networking events and activities.
Present yourself as a professional
When it comes to corporate gigs, professionalism is the name of the game. While that’s important at every type of event, it’s especially crucial when you’re at a company function. We have some essential tips to ensure you shine in the corporate spotlight and get repeat business.
Dress to impress
Corporate events often require a polished appearance, so dress in a manner that aligns with the event’s formality. Whether you’re a musician, juggler, comedian, or photographer, a well-groomed look goes a long way. When in doubt, stick with a business casual outfit like slacks and a neutral button-down shirt.
👔 Pro tip: Ask the client if they have a particular dress code, theme, or color scheme in mind so you can fit in with the crowd.
Be punctual
Arrive early to set up your equipment and do a sound check. Being punctual shows your commitment and reliability, traits highly valued in the corporate world. Allow plenty of travel time to arrive at and navigate the venue. Large venues often have designated entrances for vendors, so be sure to gather all of the details ahead of the event date.
Discuss parking, validation, entry codes, and other small details with the client so there is no confusion when you arrive. They’re busy running an event and may be unable to immediately take your call if there’s an issue.
📱 Pro tip: Once you’ve arrived, send your client a quick text to let them know you’re setting up and will be ready to go. They’ll appreciate knowing everything is on track!
Know your client
Corporate audiences have diverse tastes. Be flexible and prepared to adjust your performance to cater to the crowd’s preferences. If you’re a musician or DJ, a setlist with a mix of classics and contemporary hits is usually a safe bet. Visual artists may want to double-check their costumes or aspects of the act to ensure nothing is too revealing or polarizing.
Set expectations with your clients so they aren’t surprised when you leave the stage to take a break or change into a new costume. They may not realize what your set normally entails, so be sure to clearly state those in the “services to be provided” section of your booking agreement.
A quick list of dos and don’ts
Whether it’s your first big gig or you have performed for years, it’s always good to think about the basic dos and don’ts at a corporate event.
Do:
✔️ Be polite: Interact with event organizers and attendees in a courteous and friendly manner. Your demeanor off-stage matters just as much as your performance on stage.
✔️ Improve your sound quality: Invest in top-notch sound equipment. Crystal-clear audio is essential for corporate events, where every word and note should be heard without a hitch.
✔️ Read the room: Pay attention to the atmosphere and mood of the event. If it’s a formal gala, keep your banter sophisticated. For a more relaxed corporate event, inject humor and spontaneity.
Don’t:
❌ Bring up controversial topics: Steer clear of sensitive subjects or controversial humor. Corporate gigs are not the place to make waves or offend anyone.
❌ Overstay your welcome: Stick to the agreed-upon performance duration. Going over your allotted time can disrupt the event schedule and leave a negative impression. Bonus: if you book your gigs on GigSalad, you can avoid chasing down the client for final payment at the end of the event.
❌ Oversell yourself: While it’s great to promote your work, don’t turn your performance into a sales pitch. Let your talent speak for itself, but have business cards handy for those who ask.
Your first corporate gig can be a game-changer for your career. By using GigSalad to attract corporate event planners, presenting yourself professionally, and following the dos and don’ts, you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting impression in the corporate world. So, go out there and rock that corporate gig with confidence! 🎉
GigSalad works, but don’t just take our word for it!
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Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.