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[2/21/2010 SteppersUSA Daily News]
Keeping Steppers Venues Happy
By Markie Bee
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Today's Steppers Beat column is sponsored by: WORD OF MOUTH ENTERTAINMENT, LLC. THE QUAD CITY STEPAGANZA Memorial Day Weekend 3rd Annual Fashion Show and Benefit May 27-31st, 2010
Don't you just hate it when a regular weekly set or a class gets discontinued because the venue has made the decision to end the partnership that made the use of the space possible?
There are so many possible reasons for this to happen, if I had all of the knowledge of all of the situations in the first place, this article would probably be about 10,000 words long. Don't worry I don't and wouldn't write a thesis on the subject anyway but I will hit on a few many may not have thought of.
When you are putting a set or a class together at a location, what are you asking the management for? In every case, the answer is pretty simple at first blush. You're looking for  

 

 

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space at a particular time with the use of a sound system (and in the case of a set you might need a DJ).
The management of the location usually has concerns when they are approached about using their space. Unless the space is a banquet facility where they will charge you for the use of their space for a certain amount of time, chances are you are dealing with a club or a bar with a dance floor.
There's always a price to pay. It doesn't matter if it's a club or bar the management wants to make money and they will have certain things in mind before you even start stepping or teaching the dance. Have you talked to management about what they expect from you and the steppers or students when you use their establishment?
It's really important there is a clear understanding of the conditions for the use of the venue and if you don't understand precisely what is expected you could be in for a big surprise down the road. You need to make sure the management doesn't have unrealistic expectations and you should never foster those expectations by agreeing to statements or inferences that you know aren't true.
For example if the management expects people to drink two drinks an hour during your two hour stepping class, you might want to discuss the reality of the situation to the manager. Although I'm sure there are some students that can down four mixed drinks in an hour and still count (and learn) most can't and none would pass a sobriety test.
I'm the guy who says steppers do drink, but it's the venues responsibility to be imaginative enough to be able to sell what the customers want. It's not always something to drink but if it is, give them the service they deserve. Make sure the management understands the responsibility to fill the cash register is theirs and the responsibility to bring the potential customer in the place is yours.
Management has the responsibility to staff the place, stock the place, make sure the lights, heat, and air conditioning all work and to sell to the customers while giving them great service. Your job is to get people into the establishment to teach or to be entertained.
Sometimes a certain DJ may not click with your crowd. It gets complicated if the DJ works for the club because then you have to be brutally honest with the management by telling them the person on the box isn't cutting the mustard. If you have to do that, be sure to have names of available DJ's to suggest you believe will fit the bill better.
You really need to be aware of the level of customer service offered also. You need to be aware each venue has their own standards in this area so if you educate yourself to these service levels you can become another set of eyes and ears for the management.
The management will appreciate your input when you are on the same wavelength. There will be disagreements over various issues but the art of compromise will help breath life into your business relationship. Just remember to keep everything honest and above-board and you will enjoy a long and fruitful relationship.
 

 

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