Negotiating w/ Grrrissa!

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If you haven’t heard of Carissa Squadroni, aka Grrrissa, just wait!  It won’t be long until this badass chick will be known all over the U.S.!  Yea, she’s a gorgeous woman but looks aren’t all this girl has!  She’s a mother, booking agent, event coordinator, promoter, bartender, cosmetologist, musician, entrepreneur, model…..(taking a breath), body piercer, AND she owns her own production company,  Heavy Rebel Productions.   Whew!  If she hasn’t done it yet, I’m sure she will!

She’s from Mishawaka, Indiana, which is right outside of South Bend, Indiana.  (If you still don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s where Notre Dame is.  ...Ahhh haaa, I bet you got it now!)  Anyhoo, she’s always working on some kind of event, whether it’s promoting or planning the whole da*&n thing!  So, I decided she’s the perfect local professional to talk to.  Check out our convo!

Me:  “Carissa, I know you work with a lot of bands, whether it’s locally or nationally.  Do you have any problems with the artists when it comes to negotiating prices for the performances?  Also, what are your positional bargaining tactics?”

Carissa:  “I occasionally have problems but it varies depending on the show and certain situations. When I'm booking, normally, at the bar we usually do a $500 guarantee.  Sometimes they also want food and drinks. Local bands don’t charge as much because they don't have a large following of people that come out, so I'll usually go by a certain percentage of the drawer for that.  For my larger events I charge a cover at the door and the bands split it then I get a percentage of the bar sales. It really varies on the band and such. Usually I will only negotiate if I know the band will bring a lot of people in.  If not, then I won’t have anything to do with them.  When I deal with national acts, I usually only book the ones I can afford and know I will at least break even because I don’t have a lot of money to put down on a deposit. If I really want a band that I cant afford, then on occasion, I'll find a check writer. When booking, I usually ask if they have a guarantee and go from there. I tell them what we can offer depending on the business they bring in, but like I said, for national bands it’s a little different (much harder) process. They don't negotiate well.   Others are cool about it because they’re just looking for extra shows as they’re passing through here to go to another one.”

Me:  “Ok, so working with local bands seems to be easier.  Have you negotiated a deal with a local band that has benefitted you both?”

Carissa:  “The scene around here isn't that great.  Not many people come out to shows.  It’s getting better but it’s still a bit over saturated.  So, in this business, it mostly depends on business whether both parties are benefitted.  Anytime I negotiate a fair percentage of the drawer seems to be best for both parties but usually lower for the bands.  If we do a cover at the door, they get to keep the door, and that’s usually the best bet. My best strategy is acting like we're superior.  As in we really don’t need ‘em knowing they need and want to get playtime.  With that, they'll usually start off with the lowest price, then if they bring in a lot of business ill throw ‘em some extra.”

Me:  “Okay, okay.  I like your style.  Either take it or leave it!  HA!  All right, one more question and I’ll leave you back to your busy, busy life.  What type of personality usually comes out when you are negotiating to make a good deal?”

Carissa:  “I'm a little too fair to be an extremely great business woman because generosity doesn’t work too well but I’m happy with doing the best I can so both parties are happy! In the end it works better for the bar.”

Me:  “Yea, unfortunately being nice and fair doesn’t usually get people far in the business world, but lucky for you, you are doing great!  Thank you for your time!”

Ladies and Gentlemen, that was Carissa aka Grrrissa! 

To keep up with this lovely lady, you can check out her website, Heavy Rebel Productions, or add her on Facebook (Grrrissa).  She’s pretty entertaining on Facebook too.  

 Thanks Carissa!

 

Make sure to check out her latest event, Rebelween!