Yes, You HAVE To Provide A Stage!

In real life I wouldn't expect a performer to come over in the afternoon and build the stage they are to perform on in the evening, would you?

There are certain things that as a venue owner is expected to provide, for example, a STAGE!!!! Now a stage can be a simple one prim riser with a texture on it, a frying pan with green eggs and ham, a piece of plywood held up by milk crates or a very elaborate set up with stage lights and fog machine. Just something to put a mic stand on and give the artist a place to perform from. It should NOT have to be listed on the confirmation card or in booking info that a musician NEEDS a stage! This stuff is common sense not rocket science.

Another thing that a venue owner is expected to provide is at least some promotion. Including listing the correct date and time and accurate info in SL Events. Sometimes people make mistakes or SL is being buggy... it happens. If an error is made, either by the venue owner or because SL is being buggy, just fix it as soon as it comes to your attention but definitely FIX IT!!!!

If you want to have live music, then promote it. Join groups in SL that you can send notices to about live music. Post in social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Second Friends, Google+, etc. Send notices to your own group... send early notices... get the word out there. Also, send friends conferences to let your friends that love and support you know what you are doing. Do you really want to pay a performer and not do everything you can to promote what is happening at YOUR venue??

Do not use outdated material about the artist. Make sure you have the most up to date bio and promo pictures.  The musician's manager should have provided you with these things ahead of time, however, if you are not sure that what you have is current then just ask. You don't look stupid for asking but you would look stupid using outdated information.

Have I mentioned yet that owning a venue is a business and should be treated as such? Well, I'm saying it now. When you open a venue in Second Life, tips only or paying, it is a BUSINESS!!! If you want your business to succeed you have to have to have a plan. If you have no clue how to manage, promote, plan or any of the very basics, maybe you should reconsider opening a venue right now. Instead, learn how it's done first. Get a job working for a good venue as a host and learn. Take the time to educate yourself.

When considering whether to open a venue or not, you should take a look at how well run venues like Key West, Boom Pony, Ground Zero, The Source, The Rock Store/Whisky a Go Go, Sweet Whispers or others. They have it together!

I could keep going but I think this is enough of a rant for now because I guess it is plain to see how pissed off I am over the events of last night. I know that Seth, my business partner and musician I manage, is also writing on the topic of venues. You should also go read his blog which has more valuable information in it. Link to Seth's Blog HERE.

Through our company, Tracer|Birman Agency,  we also offer training for venue owners and managers. If you get through all the advice written in our blogs and want more advanced information from people who have a combined experience in the SL music industry of over 9 years, please feel free to email us at : results@tracerbirman.com