One of the many hats I wear is as the author of a funny, yet relevant – and hopefully wise – ADVICE COLUMN. One of the questions that a DARLING READER sent to me in the early years of the column is one in which my answer should prove germane to the people who read… Continue reading Fighting the Hoards
Tag: Travel
The Auto Question
As traveling professionals, our vehicular choices are determined by the specifics of our careers. If I pull a 5th wheel trailer, I have to drive an open-bed pickup truck. If I choose a pull-behind trailer, then I could drive a truck with a cap, a truck with a cab over camper, or a full-size van.… Continue reading The Auto Question
So You Want to Work at a Renaissance Festival, part two
So you want to work at the Renaissance Festival? This column is the finale of a two part series on the wonderful world of Renaissance Festival Employment. The first installment described the stalwart staff of the Crafts, Foodservice, and Gaming divisions. Today we take on the Prima Donnas; The Entertainers. Are you a show-off? Do you like playing dress-up? Are… Continue reading So You Want to Work at a Renaissance Festival, part two
Know what race you are running, and who your competitors are.
One of the first “Industry Truths” I was taught about Renaissance Festivals was this: There are 3 types of people who travel and work Renaissance Festivals. People who have a business that works at Renaissance Festivals. (This includes artists who lean toward costume elements, or pewter figurines, or astrolabes; and service providers who have created… Continue reading Know what race you are running, and who your competitors are.
The Value of a Lifestyle Business
Why is the term “Lifestyle Business” spoken with derision? Is it because “real businesspeople” discount the value of them, or is it because the Lifestyle business owners themselves belittle the amount of income generated by their businesses? In a world so full of people that *don’t * like the things they do to make a… Continue reading The Value of a Lifestyle Business
Making the market
As an outsider businessperson, I’ve learned that creating a business outside normal parameters requires the constant thought “there might be a good idea here”. Do not expect there to be a trade show tailored to your new genre, just because you are making a living at it. Go to every event that seems to have… Continue reading Making the market
Menuspotting, a definition
Menuspotting is the search for the next great festival food item … many festivals must be attended, and many yummy things must be tasted … it’s all part of the job. Higher-end festivals protect unique food offerings, so the goal is to discover or create the next Turkey Leg or Funnel Cake. Well, my goal… Continue reading Menuspotting, a definition