Post by Booker Thee on Aug 17, 2005 12:15:45 GMT -5
Saw this topic on the Manson board and really wanted to comment. Not to dis the experts who have never run a show or invested money in a show, but I thought I might be able to offer a unique perspective since I have done small shows and the biggest shows in this market and brought in more names then anyone else.
If someone wants to paste this into that thread, please do so...
Someone made a comment attempting to compare PCW's draw to AWE's draw based on advertising. That person referred to AWE's draw as 1300, which is a new high draw for that event. Everyone involved called the draw 800-1000, so we'll use that number.
I know for a fact that AWE was counting on a sell-out for their show and budgeted accordingly. They lost money. It happens. We lost a sh!t load at Boiling Point too.
I ran two shows with names this year and did not lose money and drew around 300 people. It was stated that I booked a show and did not promote a show.
I considered running TV spots, a billboard campaign, a huge radio presenter package and Wpg Sun ads. But in the end I chose to make money instead of put money in the pockets of advertisers who could not have generated enough revenue to recoup their expense.
We ran radio. The spots are generally $50/spot unless you buy a big package. We spent thousands of dollars on radio for Commenecement and Boiling Point. And radio works. But every time you spend $1 on advertising, you need to consider whether it will bring fans in. Radio hits mainstream fans or fans that may have left yours or someone else's product.
Wrestling fans will find out about a show through message boards, websites, venue, friends, the boys etc. Quite frankly, we were not chasing mainstream fans as the names we brought in had more appeal to smart wrestling fans then guys who would mark out at the mere mention of Billy Gunn's name (and I love Billy Gunn).
This last show showed us a few things. Some things we did very well. Some things we dropped the ball on. Every show is a learning process and through success, we can get better. Had we dropped a bomb, we would not be talking about another show, so blowing your wad to lose money doesnt make sense. Grow slowly, add things as you grow and reap the rewards. And if you ever take a step back and were smart enough not to blow your load, then you can regroup and come back stronger.
The fact is, the LID holds 400 people. Should I spend $3500 on radio to draw in that extra 100? Some people might consider that a good investment. But I don't.
Poster's and Flyers are something I never believed in. We spent a stupid amount of money on these things for Commencement and BP and I know they did not lead to our great draws. My feeling is, you have to put out a ridiculous amount of posters/flyers to generate any sort of return. When you factor in time, effort, cost, it is not efficient in my opinion. However, some peopel disagree with me and that is something we will likely hit harder next time.
Bottom line, when you hit upon a formula to draw well, not lose money and put on great shows, I dont think we need advice from guys who's experience has been apart of shows that spent huge dollars to lose huge dollars. No offense.
But reasonable advice, I am always ready to hear.
If someone wants to paste this into that thread, please do so...
Someone made a comment attempting to compare PCW's draw to AWE's draw based on advertising. That person referred to AWE's draw as 1300, which is a new high draw for that event. Everyone involved called the draw 800-1000, so we'll use that number.
I know for a fact that AWE was counting on a sell-out for their show and budgeted accordingly. They lost money. It happens. We lost a sh!t load at Boiling Point too.
I ran two shows with names this year and did not lose money and drew around 300 people. It was stated that I booked a show and did not promote a show.
I considered running TV spots, a billboard campaign, a huge radio presenter package and Wpg Sun ads. But in the end I chose to make money instead of put money in the pockets of advertisers who could not have generated enough revenue to recoup their expense.
We ran radio. The spots are generally $50/spot unless you buy a big package. We spent thousands of dollars on radio for Commenecement and Boiling Point. And radio works. But every time you spend $1 on advertising, you need to consider whether it will bring fans in. Radio hits mainstream fans or fans that may have left yours or someone else's product.
Wrestling fans will find out about a show through message boards, websites, venue, friends, the boys etc. Quite frankly, we were not chasing mainstream fans as the names we brought in had more appeal to smart wrestling fans then guys who would mark out at the mere mention of Billy Gunn's name (and I love Billy Gunn).
This last show showed us a few things. Some things we did very well. Some things we dropped the ball on. Every show is a learning process and through success, we can get better. Had we dropped a bomb, we would not be talking about another show, so blowing your wad to lose money doesnt make sense. Grow slowly, add things as you grow and reap the rewards. And if you ever take a step back and were smart enough not to blow your load, then you can regroup and come back stronger.
The fact is, the LID holds 400 people. Should I spend $3500 on radio to draw in that extra 100? Some people might consider that a good investment. But I don't.
Poster's and Flyers are something I never believed in. We spent a stupid amount of money on these things for Commencement and BP and I know they did not lead to our great draws. My feeling is, you have to put out a ridiculous amount of posters/flyers to generate any sort of return. When you factor in time, effort, cost, it is not efficient in my opinion. However, some peopel disagree with me and that is something we will likely hit harder next time.
Bottom line, when you hit upon a formula to draw well, not lose money and put on great shows, I dont think we need advice from guys who's experience has been apart of shows that spent huge dollars to lose huge dollars. No offense.
But reasonable advice, I am always ready to hear.