Please Help

NTC · #1 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007, 05:57 PM

I've been clowning for birthday parties, and other celebrations involving children for about 3 years now. Happily, my reputation has grown, and I am constantly busy due to word of mouth recommendation.

My problem is I just feel burned out. I do between 3 and 5 parties a weekend, this is not a hobby, it's my job, so I don't work during the week unless you count raising 5 children and doing all the house work and cooking work!!!! I genuinely like working with kids. I just feel burned out and I don't understand why. I work more now, than at the beginning, but for the past few weeks it's really becoming a chore.

Has anyone else experienced this? It's really not something that people who don't work as clowns can understand, so my husband and friends can't really relate. I sometimes think it's being unrelentingly friendly and nice for so long is what takes it's toll.

I'm in a different time zone from most of you, so will check in tomorrow, thanks in advance,
NTC

Fitzwilly · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2007, 09:30 PM

I think most of us experience this at one time or another. Are you connected with any other clowns in your area? Have you been learning any new skills? Is your show pretty much the same every time or have you been working on a new show or two? Learning something new and/or teaching the craft to someone else has a way of revilalizing you.

misspriss · #3 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 11:00 AM

Why do you think I subscribe to clown forums like this? It works. But it takes participation on our part as well to get what we need.

NTC · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 04:09 PM

Thanks for replying. Unfortunately, there are no other clowns about to chat to. A couple of people do facepainting and storytelling, and there are a couple of magicians, but we would all be directly competing for the same (small) market, so I don't know how friendly they would be.

I do regularly upgrade and change my magic routines, I have to as I see a lot of the same children at different parties/events.

Now that I think of it though, the juggling part could do with a face lift. Maybe I'll work on that. And also, I think I'm going to cut back on bookings for the summer. Or try. I find it hard to say no to people. I'm just a wuss really.

Fitzwilly · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 11:57 PM

Even though you may be competing for the same market to some extent in other ways your might actually be a bigger asset to each other. I am thinking of a network of entertainers. Say you don't do staight storytelling (or you are booked) if you had developed a working relationship with the others you could refer that storyteller (for a small fee) and then if she refers a gig to you she would get a small fee. Also if there is someone in the community trying to take advantage of you, you would be able to warn the others. Not exactly a black list, just a "be cautious" list. There is even a chance that working together you might be able to generate more interest in live entertainment at events. Lately I have teamed up with a couple of other entertainers in my area where local programs (mini festivals, fund raisers, and the like) are looking for free or nearly free entertainment. I sound the people out about publicity, flyers, banners, Radio or TV news remotes, any chance that I can get my name out. By working together we are able to create more "attmosphere," that fun feeling, which means a greater chance of an interview for one of us and maybe both. At any rate it gets the public thinking about you, or at least live entertainment, and since they saw you and picked up your card...
Oh, I almost forgot. Instead of telling people "No" just raise your rates. Those that want you to have their money will still give it to you. Therefore you should end up with about the same amount of cash and also work a little less.

NTC · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 10:49 AM

I'm going to give that some thought, Fitzwilly, because people are always asking if I can recommend someone else when I have to turn them down.

I've been considering raising my rates too. But what do you say, when the customer says 'Well last month you only charged my friend 100Euro, why should I pay more'. Remember, I'm a wuss.

Fitzwilly · #7 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 11:30 PM

Here is where phrases like "Special offer" "Introductory pricing" could come in. Another useful comment is something along the lines of "I was in the neighborhood and had a hole in my schedule." The price of fuel comes in handy over here. I'm not sure if your prices have been jumping like ours or whether yours are just high and staying high but traveling costs have to be considered. Also, here is an opportunity to add value to your services instead of cutting price. "Last month we had a special promotion for a one hour party with simple balloons and a basic magic show, but that promotion has ended. This month's special is a 75 minute appearance by NTC with a miraculous mixed-up magic show and mind blowing balloon sculptures for the children for only 115 Euros." Instead of lowering your price you are giving them an extra 15 minutes. Once you are there chances are you will end up staying slightly over an hour anyway, so make it work for you.

Tiffany · #8 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 05:11 PM

I raised my rates last year and yes I did have some repeat clients question me. But guess what- Gas prices have become outrageous, and that affects all of my supply costs. People really understand because they all have been affected by it. Even if it's by $25 - $50 more per show it will help- especially if you have a great reputation. I think what happens when clowning is our only job is that people including our families think we do nothing all week. But booking jobs, sending out contracts, preparing for jobs compiled with our other house duties does take a toll. Make sure you take "you" time. 5 shows every weekend is just too much. I am also finding out it is okay to say no. Next time they will call you earlier to book. And if it's a last minute job- always charge a premium for those to cover the extra stress.

NTC · #9 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 06:22 PM

I just did a reply and lost it.

Anyway, thanks again Fitzwilly for your advice. I will use those phrases, and fuel costs are rising here too, so that's handy!

You're right, Tiffany, 5 shows a week-end is too many, and I'm just going to have to learn to say no. I find it very stressful getting ready for a gig, and then finding my way there, on time, in the middle of nowhere more often than not. Especially, when one follows another, so you have to finish bang on time, get in the car and hightail it to the next party.

And tomorrow night I'll miss my kids' school concert, because I took a booking last October for a wedding party. More guilt.

Anyway, thanks guys for your advice, I really appreciate it.
NTC

Fitzwilly · #10 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 10:45 PM

A friend of mine (Carmen from CharmandHappy.com) recently bought a Tom Tom GPS navigation system for finding her parties. She is in Los Angles, California, and for years has had a couple of map books. The GPS is able to warn her when the road is getting close and had eliminated many u-turns from her trips. Not only that but since it has the locations of gas stations programed in she no longer gets off at the only exit without a station. This has saved her a lot of time and stress already and she has only had it a few weeks.