The Pro’s Gig Day Playbook
Professionalism sells the next show. Promote ahead of time, arrive early, keep changeovers tight, respect your slot, and close the loop with thanks and a debrief.
Worry about being better; bigger will take care of itself. Think one customer at a time and take care of each one the best way you can' - Gary Comer
Being “fun onstage” is only half the job. The other half is professionalism - how you prep, show up, adapt, and wrap up. That’s what makes a venue trust you with their room again.
Ahead of the gig (sell the night you want to play)
Know the lineup. If you’re sharing the bill, learn who’s on and say hi - networking is a professional courtesy and a pipeline.
Co-promote properly. Don’t bury a post on your feed; create an event (FB/IG), co-host with the venue and other acts, and send your mailing list a save-the-date + week-of reminder.
Shout out others. Tag the venue and bill-mates; it grows your reach and your rep.
Merch policy. Ask the venue if you can sell, whether there’s a seller/cut, and bring stock in sizes/colours that actually move. Count in before you hand it over; count out at the end.
At the gig (your reputation in motion)
Early > late. Confirm parking and load-in in advance. If delayed, call.
Look the part. Within your brand, be clean and ready - pack wet wipes and deodorant (load-in is a sweat sport).
Changeovers are everything. Get on and off fast. Don’t burn your set - or the next band’s - faffing with cables.
Respect the clock. Build a set that actually fits your slot length, including transitions and banter.
Be flexible. Schedules slip. Smile, adapt, nail your shortened/extended plan.
Soundcheck > heroics. If offered, take it. If not, ask for a line check and keep it crisp.
Be a good hang. Support other acts if you can; thank the techs; be visible for a quick “cheers for coming.”
After the gig (turn one show into five)
Thank humans, not just handles. Door, bar, sound, booker - say it to their face; follow with a short message.
Reconcile merch. Count out, match money, note top sellers.
Debrief. What landed? What slipped? What will you change next time? Capture actions with an owner and date.
Booked to Brilliant: schedule your advance call, build a clock-true set, and time your changeover this week.
If you’d like the Gig Day Pro Pack (promo checklist, advance sheet, set planner, merch recon, stage changeover, debrief form, and thank-you scripts), just say the word and I’ll send it over.
This series, the content and any observations or suggestions made are based on my personal experience, anonymised to protect privacy. Nothing here is financial, legal, or medical advice - please seek professional guidance for your own situation.