At a busk someone who diverts their shopping trip, just turns up for a few moments, watches the action, says "Hi" and walks off has contributed. Crowds attract crowds. If you had to pay somebody to do that probably £3 would be the minimum.
Probably the amount you would have to pay people to do a few hours work on a Saturday would be over £20. Most of the buskers would want a lot more for "work". Because the buskers contribution is under-priced it does not mean that it should be under-valued. The organiser should estimate the true value of their contribution and ensure that the rewards to them and to the business are proportionate.
The buskers motivation is likely to be social, and to bring in new members. Arranging a meet before and a meet afterwards will help to add to the social reward. The joy of a job recognised as well done will give them the sense of achievement.
The busk must work.
People must watch, people must come to the venue.
There will be people that have heard of MJ, and been curious to see what it is like. A busk is a low cost, easy way to find out. I would advertise the busk, the organisation, and the local venue beforehand. When a shopper hears music and thinks "What's that?" they should have an answer to hand, and be given the opportunity to divert slightly to have a look. They should have seen posters around town, or T-shirted people handing out flyers advertising the busk, organisation and venue. Prepare people to stop and watch.
It is always about preparation. There will have been people who wanted to help but are too busy on the day. They could be enticed into a bit of social interaction before hand helping to make advertising placards, placing ads in local shops, preparing snack trays, whatever. A little pre-busk tactical talk would not go amiss either. I have seen too many busks where the non-dancing gather behind the dancers, obscuring the banner
. Chatting non-dancers should be outside looking in, spectators attract spectators. You are not allowed to obstruct the paths with obstacles, but a strategically placed chatting group or leaflet distributor can slow and divert passers by closer to the busk.
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