Best way to "use" a weekly gig to increase business.

I'm looking for some advice from people that have a "regular" weekly gig somewhere.

Basically, I'm trying to figure out what is the best kind of handout/attention grabber to have. I'm lucky enough to have just gotten a deal at a weekly sporting event that usually has about 3-4000 people. I can't help but think this is some kind of golden opportunity to establish myself, and I'm wondering what has worked and what hasn't worked for folks doing this sort of thing.

All I can think of is to have lots of flyers on hand and a good sign with my company name on it.

Anyone got any tips for a family entertainer who is trying to establish? How do I make this work for me?

Congrats on the gig, sounds awesome. The business cards with face paint removal instructions on the back always works. It makes it easy to hand out business cards without feeling pushy. A nice banner helps too. Vistaprint.com usually has offers for one free small banner. You would just have to pay shipping. And Lauri posted a thread on how to make an affordable banner stand with PVC pipe. http://www.facepaintforum.com/t4668-ask-lauri-about-her-banner-stand-from-the-newsletter?highlight=banner

Perry, thats an awesome idea. Is there an inexpensive way to get those little packs of crayons?

Oriental Trading Company also has those crayons really cheap. I used them with little coloring books as favors for my wedding.

I totally agree with Tanya. We have instructions on the back of our business cards and we get a lot of repeat biz and private parties from those.

Good luck and have fun!

Another fun idea- (not sure if you live in a hot place) is to get (or make) those fans on huge popsicle sticks. People really want them, and they'll wave your contact info around all night long. I have found that business cards are better than flyers. People seem to hang on to them longer. I hate seeing them fold up my flyers, and know they are going to just toss it- the way I always toss flyers. Awesome gig!

Perry, ours came in cello packs. There were no issues using them by anyone, in the books or on the brown paper table "cloths" we had. Our balloon twister even designed his creation with them and the drawing was awesome. 150 people didn't have problems with the crayons from OTC (thankfully!).

fairyfox, I love the fan idea. I absolutely agree with you about the flyers. It makes me so sad to know they are just tossed. When care instructions are on the back of business cards, they are even more likely to survive.

Heck in a couple months back to school supplies will be out and then you could buy 24 packs for 25 cents or less. And you may be able to get the 8 packs for cheaper. They would take up more space, but I guess you could baggie them or do the cool resturaunt thing where they fold the page with crayons inside.