Bands that over-do it using Facebook for initiating venue connections

[jvjacob]

Have a general question about Bands approaching venue managers/owners to secure gigs using Facebook.

While it seems perfectly OK for bands to add fans by simply suggesting a page to whomever....it seems there would be a limit to that regarding the actual Venue Managers/Owners who actually do the booking. Does anyone out there see anything wrong with a band member sending a Band Page suggestion to a manager or owner so they'll "Like" them? I'd think that idea or continually sending event invites of existing gigs (different venue than the reciever) to those folks would not go over very well.

I've still found making cold calls to make a band available for open mic nights, personal appearances at venues to discuss with the owner/manager whether they wanted to book would be a much better situation all the way around. Has anyone ever had any luck with simply sending a band page (without any face to face or phone conversation of any sort) and had someone contact the band?

What are your thoughts?

[Exploiter8]

Everyone's time is valuable. If they can check out a band while relaxing at home, with no BS involved, then I think it's more than okay. Let the owner decide on the next step.


X8

[stflbn]

If the venue is going to check out the bands Facebook regarding fan interest and interaction and such, then why is it unacceptable to expect a venue to be active and responsive to facebook also?

[John Webb]

Facebook is an inexpensive way for bands to make video and audio available. All venues I've approached ask for a CD, press kit etc and ask where we have played.
Some ask if we have a fan base. Facebook can be a source for all of this information.

[jvjacob]

It's not the using Facebook as the issue so much - giving a band's Facebook page or other social sites after some conversation seems perfectly fine. My concern is more related to an owner/manager perceiving a band who doen't make the time to visit their venue, and at least have some conversation on the booking topic - and risking the possibility of the band being considered lazy and making it difficult to get in. The area I'm in is extremely competitive, with a huge number of high caliber bands locally.

[ZubenElGenubi]

My experience is pretty limited, as my band is just starting to get regular bookings, but I view FB, ReverbNation, and our own website as virtual press kits which help support my initial phone calls, emails and face-to-face interaction with club owners.

I think it works well, as it gives them an opportunity to follow up and see if my talking points are backed up (ex. music quality, fan support). We've secured three shows in just this way...out of three face-to-face meetings.

I'm not sure how well this works in the opposite direction; seems a little disconnected, IMO.

[scottbass]

IMHO Facebook is a supporting source of information, not the main vehicle of contact. I personally know of NO bar owners who would book a band just on the basis of receiving an email and a Facebook link. Every new booking any of my bands has gotten has required one or more face-to-face meetings and a physical, had-it-to-them press kit. And of course the band's website, Facebook, Reverbnation, etc. URL's are prominent all over the physical press kit, CD sleeve, business cards, press photos, etc.