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This will be the last column for a couple of weeks as I will be traveling and away from this keyboard; first for a two day personal training seminar (I’m taking not giving) and then down to the mountains of North Carolina for my wife’s family reunion which I look forward to and have missed the past two years being on the road doing wrestling camps. Hope to have a column on the board the week of 6/21, and Mike Johnson and I will definitely have an audio up that week.
I’m sure at sometime in your life you have seen the old saying “Silence is Golden”. Over the past couple months in conversations with other people that take bookings independently I have decided to change that saying today boys and girls and explain why when it comes to business dealings and independent promoters “Silence isn’t Golden” many times it is down right rude, and un-business like.
It seems that like me many independent contractors on the pro wrestling scene are left hanging waiting for a final decision from a promoter or promotion they have been in negotiations with. This scenario plays out over and over again. First you get a call or e-mail expressing interest in your services or in my case sometimes the purchase of equipment as well. Now this is not a short one time conversation to just ask price, but entails several talks or e-mails with the promoter saying that they have a date in mind, and are working out the details such as flight information, advertising, etc, and will get back to you and lock it down. So now you pencil in that date on your calendar, and then wait for conformation from said person, and you wait, and you wait…Then you try calling them, or e-mailing with a polite message left on their machine saying that you need to lock this date in, and start making arrangements on your end. Now you wait, and wait, and patiently try again, but still no return call or e-mail.
Sadly enough you may have passed up another booking or sale during this time because you took this non-communicating promoter at his word, and being professional was holding the date open or the product for him. Then you finally give up the ghost and realize that here was another wannabe big shot blowing smoke, and had wasted your time, and cost you money while doing so.
This scene plays out all too often in the business at the independent level Try this, it’s called honesty. If you contact a talent for a booking and find that the price is out of your reach, or that dates can’t be worked out, just out and out say so, thank the person for their time, and tell then that if it appears possible in the future you will get back to them. Too often, it’s too easy since it is a phone conversation or e-mail to play big shot, and trash talk with the idea that it will impress the person on the other end, then leave them blowing in the breeze waiting to finalize that booking or sale that you had no intention of completing in the first place.
During one of these conversations about bookings, one indie wrestler told me that he was conned into locking in the date, and lead all the way up until the final week, then no airline ticket was sent, no deposit, and he is still waiting for the person to return a phone call or e-mail.
The people pulling these stunts should realize that when a negative experience such as this happens to a performer, he will end up sharing that experience with others and if the offending promotion had any creditability to begin with it will take a major hit.
Those trying to book talent should understand that we don’t find it necessary to be impressed by you, but we do find it refreshing to deal with sincere, honest, professional business people who are prompt. The other side of the coin is very rude, disrespectful, and unprofessional. Return the call or e-mail message, and tell the truth, and express that you hope you haven’t wasted their time, and if the economic climate changes you will get back to them.
Anytime I receive an inquiry about a booking I get back to that company or person in a timely fashion, e-mail them background information, pricing, and let them know that I am open to helping them advertise the appearance or training camp in any way I can. They are informed of my needs in terms of transportation, housing, and what is needed to run a successful training camp. All I ask in return is to not be left blowing in the wind if all that is not within their resources.
I will second the comments of another independent contractor who said that he could live comfortably on the money that he never got from dealings such as these. There are good people willing to work for you in a professional manner. They love what they do, and will give you value received. Grow up and realize this may be a game to you, but it’s their livelihood.
Was sorry to read about the serious injury to Nick Gage during the CZW tournament in Delaware last weekend. The only surprise of an incident like this happening was that it hadn’t happened sooner to one of the boys who pursue the slice & dice style.
I hope Nick, who I don’t know, recovers completely from this. All of you who listen to our audio segments on this site and read this column know that I am not a fan of the over the top hardcore style. This would explain one of the reasons as I feel certain that the match payoff for this event won’t even cover the air lift to the hospital. Risking you long term health and life for nothing just doesn’t seem a good career move to me. I read that in spite of all the blood and the seriousness of the injury Gage wanted to finish the match. I am glad to hear that the promoters put a stop to this right away, and didn’t buy into the show must go on stuff with a young mans life on the line.
Those who are into this type of wrestling should take note of what happened this past weekend and realize how dangerous this real is. The chance of injury is great enough with today’s high risk style. Permanent injury or death for minor cult fame even if the monetary return is high; doesn’t seem reward enough for the performers or their families. If this stance makes me seem antiquated so be it.
Read in a JBL blog that his wife is happy his fanny pack broke, and the rumor is he will join Joe Rogan of UFC in campaigning for their return. I didn’t even know they had gone away! Where can I join this cause?
JBL says he saw Michael Hayes wear one with a suit. Now I have never been that hardcore, but have been using them for years going back to they were easy to carry everything in when wearing gym baggies during personal training and while managing weight rooms. Now they come in handy going through airport security; Easier then emptying pockets, to just drop the pack in the basket. In his book Chris Jericho says that fanny packs are only worn by wrestlers, bodybuilders, and old people. I am proud to state that I qualify on all counts thank you very much.
Train hard and master your craft.
Till Next Time,
Les
Les and Harley Race form Elite Pro Wrestling Training along with the principles left by former staff members Ricky Steamboat and Dr. Tom Prichard. For more information on the company go to www.epwt.com . To book an EPWT seminar, camp, or trainer contact Les at les@epwt.com.
Get your copy of “The Professional Wrestler’s Workout & instructional Guide” by Harley, Ricky, Les, and Alex Marvez published by Sports Publishing LLC at your local bookstore or The PWInsider Superstore.
The annual Harley Race/Pro Wrestling Noah Training Camp is set for September 28th thru October 2nd at Harley’s school in Eldon, MO. This year’s special guest is Ric Flair. You can sign up now. For all the details go to www.harleyrace.com .
Join Les and host Rich Tate every Wednesday night at 9: PM EST for “Peach State Pandemonium” along with special guests at www.georgiawrestlinghistory.com
