PROMOshift - The Real Road Rules

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The Real Road Rules

I have been managing mobile tours for over 10 years now and am getting ready to retire, at least from this industry. Grant it, I am a born roadie but it’s time to settle down. Any way, here are some things that I have learned on the road.

Let’s start at the beginning. If you are just getting into the industry, WELCOME. You are entering a totally new world that all of your friends, family and especially your enemies will be envious of. Once you get hooked on “life on the road”, coming home will seem like a bummer. You will get the “itch” and be on the road again in weeks.

When looking for a tour, find one that you think you will like. CRAIGSLIST.COM and PROMO Magazine/Source book are good resources for companies and jobs. DO NOT TAKE A TOUR BECAUSE IT IS A JOB. A tour should spark your interest and should be fun. There is nothing worse than doing a tour that you can’t stand. Unless you get paired with a bad partner. I try to get my partners contact info after I agree to work the tour. Contact your partner and get to know them. You will be spending ALL your time together so it’s good to touch base first.

When it comes to salary, try to get the most you can. Some companies pay better than others. Scout around and compare. If you are just starting out you can/will make more as you build your resume. As for per diem, in my opinion it is better for a company to give you the money for food/hotel and you stay where ever you want. It gives you a little more freedom and you pocket what you don’t spend. Usually $150.00 a day for hotel/per diem is standard. Sometimes you can make more off your per diem than your salary. What ever you can save on expenses, YOU GET TO KEEP! For hotels, I like HOTWIRE.COM. We just stayed at the Crown Plaza in downtown Cleveland for $60.00 a night. Split between 2 people $30/night. That is $120.00 to spend in the Flats/where house district (nightclub area). You can also try and find the Travel discount guide at Denny’s. It is a hotel coupon book. It helps when you are just doing overnighters.

For things to do, places to go, gyms, bars/nightclubs/shopping and just plane meeting people try MYSPACE.COM. It is a free online networking website. Punch in the zip code of the city you are in and it will pull up everyone within a certain radius. Scan thru say hey I am going to be in your neck of the woods on such and such dates, what is there to do. People on there are more than happy to show you around and kick it. Also, if you get to hire your own staff, a rare thing in the industry, you can usually find good looking and outgoing people on there.

If you have a problem with local staff, SEND THEM HOME. Call your office and let them know what is happening and they will usually call the staffing company and have them replaced. NO EVENT CAN BE A SUCCESS IF THE STAFF SUCKS.

On that note, remember why you are there. You need to be an example to your staff. If you are unmotivated, in a bad mood, hung over, whatever your staff will see that and they will not be motivated to do there job to the best of their ability. You are always on stage as the main character. Strive for a standing ovation every performance.

As for swag, if you tour allows you to trade swag, DO IT!!!! You could not believe some of the cool things I traded up for. Surfboards, skateboards, hotel rooms, meals, energy drinks, sunglasses, you name I got it. It’s all part of the biz.

As for free time, explore everywhere you go every chance you get. We are so lucky to be in an industry that allows us to travel the country even the world, have a blast working and make tons of money. On the tour I an currently on, my partner I have kicked it in Canada, Cleveland, camped out in the Catskills, hit the wineries of NY, jet skied Lake Seneca, went to Niagara Falls and are getting ready to surf in Maine. Who thought you could surf in Maine? Anyway, enjoy it. It is an incredible way to meet tons of people, see the country and decided where you want to settle down. I used to be a total LA guy. I was getting ready to move back after this tour but fell in love with the NE. If you get a chance, go to Burlington, VT. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

I hope this information helps you out a little bit. I am not saying that MY way is the best, but I have had a blast for the last 10 years and cherish EVERYTHING I have seen and did. I wish you all the best of luck on your adventures and remember the number 1 rule……

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE ROAD STAYS ON THE ROAD!!!!!!!!!!!

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Comments (2)

	07-27-2006 12:17
	Other lodging options Burlington, VT? Been there...heck yeah! It is indeed beautiful! I think another great way to enjoy your stay in any particular market--especially those that actually have them--is to stay in a youth hostel! They're cheap...some of them are ideally situated, like by Greyhound, Amtrak, downtown usually or in a cozy spot where you can relax after a long day. Hostels are a better option because you get to meet other roadies, backpackers, etc. who may have already checked out the local scene or are about to. They will be a great resource for info to your local market! You can also get a private room in some...they don't only provide dormitories! Some can also have some cool setups, such as tee-pees, in a train, or on a ship. Laters... Report