Marketing as Pro Mermaid?

[26494926bdgqifkwb]

I've read both of Raina's books on professional mermaiding, but I still have the question: how do I start doing gigs? I live in a tiny town in Missouri, and very few people know about mermaiding. I'm doing a giveaway for a party on my Facebook page, but I don't really know how else to spread the word. I swim at the local YMCA, but networking is just not what I expected it to be. I'm trying to start doing gigs so that I can get paid doing something I enjoy. I'm PREPARED to do events, but I have had a really hard time trying to network.

(sorry this post is so repetitive)

[Shimmer Mermaid]

A lot of times local businesses will have a facebook page, find the ones that do, take a "merfie" or "merselfie" in some of your merwear and such, while in the store, post it to your page, and say something cute like "I think (name of store) had enough of this mermaid flopping around through the isles!" And tag the store. People who visit the stores page for reviews will likely get curious, and start snooping on your page trying to figure out what you mean, they will learn by looking at your page and you will have more potential clients. If you have a friend who knows a lot of people on facebook, you could pose with her/him or if they have kids, with their kids in your mermaid outfit, and tag them in it. People on their facebook will see them with a mermaid and again start snooping on your page. :)

[Echidna]

I haven't got a single gig via FB.
Might have something to do with the fact most of my potential clients don't use FB.

I started out contacting the managers of pools and hotels who regularly do events for their guests.
If they like you, you'll be hired again, and can go further from there as you gain publicity.

[26494926bdgqifkwb]

These are both super helpful! I'll look up places that I can contact (especially hotels, as they are more lax about who goes into their pools). You guys are the best!!!