Have you ever wanted to turn Encore gigs into your main source of income, but don’t know how to get going?

Meet Mark Ellis, better known as m-Sax, who has achieved the seemingly impossible by securing a whopping 75 bookings (at the time of writing) on Encore in less than a year.

At our recent members’ Encore Drinks event, we picked Mark’s brain to see just how he did it.

If you’re an aspiring Encore member eager to replicate Mark’s success, read on for his top tips, or watch the full video below.

Introduction

At the start of the year, Mark, aka m-Sax, a seasoned saxophonist with 18 years of professional experience, decided to explore new avenues to elevate his musical journey and was recommended to join Encore by Jodie Yang-Cooper, a top-performing DJ on the platform.

Mark’s background as a jazz sax player equipped him with a solid foundation. However, it was his pivot to the Ibiza sax scene that catapulted him into the spotlight. As the dance music trend surged at weddings and corporate events, Sax has struck a chord with audiences. Mark’s savvy approach to Encore laid the groundwork for his meteoric success.

In less than a year, Mark has gone from zero bookings to an incredible 75, with 45 gigs scheduled for this year alone. The numbers are impressive, but what’s the secret behind this sensational story?

Mark’s Top Tips

Let’s delve into Mark’s tips:

1. Master Your Encore Profile 💻

• Crafting a compelling profile
  Early doors, Mark took the time to complete the Encore Academy. He followed the guidelines to create a profile that showcases his talents and resonates with potential clients.
• Cover note templates
  Mark employs various cover note templates tailored to different gig and customer types. Make it easy for clients to visualize how you’ll elevate their event with your unique musical touch, and be sure to mention the vibe you’ll bring to their event e.g. I’ll be sure to get all your wedding guests up from their tables and dancing into the night!
• Have the best videos that focus on the customer
  Mark invested his own money into professional videos that closely mirror the vibe of the gigs he was targeting. Whether it’s dancefloor excitement or laid-back jazz, your videos should convey the experience you offer.

2. Communicate Professionally 🤝

• Speedy Responses
  Mark’s secret weapon? A rapid response time. Quote on enquiries promptly to demonstrate your professionalism for each potential gig. Don’t get bogged down by each individual gig – lots of customers won’t realise how much a musician costs or will change their mind after seeing lots of applicants. Don’t take it personally.
• Customer-Centric Approach
  Tailor your messages to focus on how you can elevate the client’s event. Highlight the value you bring to their special occasion.

3. Flexible Pricing 💷

• Adaptability
  Understand that pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Be willing to adjust your rates based on factors like the day of the week, location, and type of event.
• Smart Negotiation
  Be open to negotiation while maintaining your value. Assess each situation individually to strike a balance between client expectations and your worth.

4. Consistent Content 🤳

• Content is King
  Stay visible by consistently updating your profile with fresh content. High-quality images, videos, and client reviews showcase your talent and help potential clients envision your contribution to their event.

5. Persistence 💪

• Hustle, Hustle, Hustle
  Success requires effort. Apply for gigs consistently, even in the face of initial rejections. Persistence pays off, and your dedication will eventually catch the right client’s eye.
• Confidence is key
  Believe in the quality of your performance, and convey that assurance to potential clients. You’ve done lots of these events before, but they probably haven’t. Fill them with confidence!

In Summary

m-Sax’s journey from zero bookings to a staggering 75 within a year is a testament to the power of adaptation, savvy communication and dedication.

Like Mark, we recommend completing the Encore Academy and getting your profile to 100% completeness so a customer is filled with confidence and has everything they need to book you.

Happy gigging!