How can you negotiate a mutually beneficial contract with your audience?

1 Understand your audience

The first step to negotiate a successful contract with your audience is to understand who they are, what they want, and how they perceive your work. You can use various methods to research your audience, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, social media analytics, or ticket sales data. You can also observe their behavior and feedback during and after your shows, and engage with them through online platforms or live events. By understanding your audience, you can tailor your content, marketing, pricing, and services to their preferences and needs, and create a loyal and satisfied fan base.

2 Communicate your value

The second step to negotiate a fair contract with your audience is to communicate your value clearly and consistently. You need to show them why they should invest their time, money, and attention in your work, and what benefits they will get from it. You can use various channels to convey your value proposition, such as your website, social media, newsletters, press releases, or word-of-mouth. You can also use storytelling, testimonials, or demonstrations to showcase your work and its impact. By communicating your value, you can attract and retain your audience, and justify your pricing and terms.

3 Set clear boundaries

The third step to negotiate a respectful contract with your audience is to set clear boundaries and expectations. You need to define what you can and cannot offer, what you expect from them, and what consequences there are for violating the contract. You can use various tools to establish your boundaries, such as contracts, policies, codes of conduct, or disclaimers. You can also communicate your boundaries verbally or in writing, and enforce them consistently and fairly. By setting clear boundaries, you can protect your rights and interests, and prevent or resolve conflicts with your audience.

4 Deliver value

The fourth step to negotiate a rewarding contract with your audience is to deliver value consistently and exceed their expectations. You need to provide them with a high-quality and memorable experience that matches or surpasses what you promised. You can use various techniques to deliver value, such as innovation, improvisation, personalization, or interaction. You can also use feedback loops, evaluation tools, or follow-up actions to measure and improve your performance and satisfaction. By delivering value, you can create a positive reputation and word-of-mouth, and increase your audience's loyalty and referrals.

5 Adapt to changes

The fifth step to negotiate a flexible contract with your audience is to adapt to changes in the market, the environment, or their preferences and needs. You need to monitor and anticipate trends, opportunities, and challenges that may affect your work and your relationship with your audience. You can use various sources to gather and analyze information, such as industry reports, media coverage, customer reviews, or competitor analysis. You can also use experiments, pilots, or prototypes to test and validate your ideas and solutions. By adapting to changes, you can stay relevant and competitive, and meet your audience's evolving demands and expectations.

6 Appreciate your audience

The sixth and final step to negotiate a lasting contract with your audience is to appreciate them and show your gratitude for their support and collaboration. You need to acknowledge and reward their contributions, feedback, and loyalty, and make them feel valued and respected. You can use various ways to appreciate your audience, such as thank-you notes, discounts, gifts, or recognition. You can also use events, campaigns, or communities to celebrate and connect with them, and foster a sense of belonging and trust. By appreciating your audience, you can strengthen your bond and commitment, and encourage them to renew and extend your contract.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?