<![CDATA[Aardvark Entertainment - Recent News]]>Wed, 16 May 2012 07:22:31 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[What's in a review?]]>Tue, 01 May 2012 08:51:16 -0500http://www.aardvarkentertainment.com/1/post/2012/05/whats-in-a-review.htmlThe internet - it's a fantastic tool - all the latest information right at your fingertips.  With smartphones, you are never more than a few taps from whatever you want to know. 

Want to see a movie - the listings a re right here.  Hungry?  A list of restaurants right here, and you can get there with the navigation included on your phone.  But wait...maybe we shouldn't go to this restaurant.  The reviews don't look good.  Let's try this other place instead.

Hold It! 

Those reviews may not be honest reviews. 
I was inspired to write this post after reading a post by a local business person abut the newest reviews of his craft, a craft I have had personal experience with.  It was the same complaint I have heard from several other business owners, and an issue we have had personal experience with. 

In some instances, employees of a competitor post negative reviews to drive business in their direction.  Some reviews are written by people who have a personal vendetta against the business owner.  There are any number of reason a review may not be truthful.

How do you know if the review is truthful?  A good review (positive or negative) is detailed and specific, and should include specific examples of the experience.  Read several reviews, if there is really something outstanding, or something absolutely horrible, it should be reflected in several reviews.

Both Google and Yahoo have help sections on what constitutes a good review.

]]><![CDATA[Ten Reasons Professional Entertainers Charge What They Do]]>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:49:34 -0500http://www.aardvarkentertainment.com/1/post/2012/04/ten-reasons-professional-entertainers-charge-what-they-do.htmlLast week we started the this countdown and gave the first 5 reason why professional entertainers charge what they do.  We present the final five.

5. Professional entertainers have to be more than entertainers. They have to be CEOs, marketers, bankers, salespeople, production workers, janitors,  buyers, negotiators, networkers, drivers, and organizers.Then hey get to be entertainers. That's a lot of hats for one person to wear.

4. Professional entertainers make any situation work. Small space, large space, indoors or out, a professional entertainer has performed everywhere and will make sure the entertainment is perfect for the venue and guests.

3. Professional entertainers know the ins and outs of all types of events. You plan a party once or twice a year, a communion a few times in your life, and wedding once.  Professional entertainers entertain all the time and have entertained at hundreds of events. Because of this, they have the experience to make your event amazing.

2. Professional entertainers watch for the newest products available. They stay up to date on industry news, and find things that perfectly match their clients taste. They know the newest trends.  They don't try and fit you into something you don't like - they find out what you want and search the world over for the perfect things. They are the professional.

1. Professional entertainers have the knowledge and the skill to make you look the best you can be. I can buy a wrench for a few dollars at the hardware store. Yet I spent hundreds of dollars for a mechanic to repair my car. I can buy a needle and thread for a few dollars at the fabric store. Yet I spent over $100 on alterations at a local tailor. It's not about the tools; it's about the outcome.

Sure, anyone can buy a magic kit and call themselves a magician, or speakers and a laptop and call themselves a DJ, but you won't get the same kind of performance or attention to detail a professional can give you.

Isn't it time to see a professional?
]]><![CDATA[Ten Reasons Why Professional Entertainers Charge What They Do Part 1]]>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:58:37 -0500http://www.aardvarkentertainment.com/1/post/2012/03/ten-reasons-why-professional-entertainers-charge-what-tey-do-part-1.html10. Professional entertainers are in business, and businesses need to make a profit.  This is how they put a roof over their head, food on the table and stay warm in the winter. Because they make it their career, they dedicate themselves to becoming the best they can be, and share the talents they have honed with their clients.

9. Professional entertainers have to buy professional equipment. They don't walk into Wal-Mart, pick up what's on the shelf and declare themselves a professional entertainer. They spend quite a bit of money on props, supplies, costumes, equipment and dues to necessary associations, the list goes on.  That is just for the performance.

8. Professional entertainers continue their education, and learn as much as they can about their form of entertainment. They attend seminars, learn from others in the business through books and videos, and stay up to date on new equipment, techniques, trends, and laws.  They concentrate on becoming the best they can be.

7. Professional entertainers don't just attend an event, they create an event. They understand the needs and expectations of their clients, and they understand the timing and flow of the event. . You're not just paying for a distraction, you are paying for the professional entertainer to create lasting memories for your guests.

6. Professional entertainers can spend hours producing one event. Time can include:
  • creating the marketing
  • answering emails and phone calls
  • meeting with the client to talk about the event
  • setting up for the event
  • drive time to and from the event
  • time for the actual event
  • searching for special equipment or costumes
  • loading and unloading equipment
  • upkeep of equipment
  • follow up work
You can see why one event may include hours worth of work. It's impossible to stay in business if you only make a few pennies per client.

Check back next week to see the final five reasons why entertainers charge what the do.



]]><![CDATA[It's time to come clean.]]>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:54:41 -0500http://www.aardvarkentertainment.com/1/post/2012/03/its-time-to-come-clean.html    We are thrifty people.  We buy used, we recycle old items into something new, we try not to buy anything disposable.  It is ironic, since our business is selling a service that is a luxury.  You don't HAVE to have entertainment at a birthday party or company picnic, a sweet 16 or a festival.  But the key in being thrifty is to decide where you are willing to cut back, so you can splurge on what you want.

    In fact, being thrifty is how we have survived this economic downturn as well as we did, and we have turned to blogs such "Penny Pinchin' Mom" for ideas.  Today I read an interesting blog on how to save money on birthday parties. (I really like her advice on RSVP-ing, but that is for another day.)  This economy is rough, and we don't know anyone who hasn't been affected by it in some way.  Hopefully these tips will help make the party a lighter expense on your wallet.

However, we also understand the value of quality.  Just because you can do or purchase something cheaply, does not make it a good value.  What is the point of having a party if no one is having fun.

    Just to add a few tips of our own:
  • Make it the best party you can.  Don't over extend your self to keep up with the Joneses.
  • Accept help from family members
  • Splurge on the most important piece of the party.  If it is a Sweet 16, hire a DJ.  If it is a 10 year old boys birthday party, make sure they are occupied.
  • Remember, entertainment adds value to any event.  you may find it worthwhile to cut back on some of the extras to give the experience of quality entertainment for you guests.

]]><![CDATA[Experience Matters]]>Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:14:08 -0500http://www.aardvarkentertainment.com/1/post/2012/02/experience-matters.html    When you hire entertainment, experience matters.  When you are looking for something special, not just any kind of experience matters.  You need an entertainment company and entertainer that is well rounded.  Why does that matter?

    We are providing entertainment for a birthday party in April.  The Grandmother of the birthday children called, she wanted a candy cart for the party as well.  She already called the local chain party store, they had no clue.  She searched on the internet, and came up with nothing in the Poconos.  She is from Staten Island and candy carts are huge, she really wanted one, and was upset that she couldn't find one.  Calling us was her last resort.  Lucky for her we knew what she wanted.  We knew we could do it, we just needed to do some research. 

    We also have a search feature on our home page.  Yes, we can see what you search our site for, but it helps us understand if we are providing the services you are looking for, so please don't be afraid to use the search.  Recently, someone searched for a "photo booth".  I am not sure exactly what they wanted, I know they didn't find any information about photo booths, but we do have the ability to do basic photo booths.  If we couldn't accommodate their needs,  we know several avenues they could have tried, and then it wouldn't be a blind search.

    Experience matters - because in order to get what you want, the entertainers need to know what it is you want, and the best method to give you the desired performance you are looking for. 
]]><![CDATA[The media loves face painting!]]>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:48:17 -0500http://www.aardvarkentertainment.com/1/post/2012/02/the-media-loves-face-painting.htmlIt was another mild day in the Poconos, and a perfect day to hit the slopes!  The skiers were in full force yesterday at Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, and they enjoyed all the festivities of the annual winter carnival!

This celebration of winter is such a big event it is covered by many of the local news stations and the local paper.  We had popcorn and carnival games there, and there were ice sculptors and skiing demonstrations, but the media loves the face painter. 

Check out the two articles below that feature our resident face painter, Georgette Clark:

Pocono Record Photo (Finished Flower Face Painting Design)

WFMZ30 Second News Piece (Bulldog Face Painting in Progress)

For more information on how Aardvark Entertainment can some fun to your festival, contact us online or call us at (570) 424-9947.
]]><![CDATA[Aardvark Entertainment and Facebook]]>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:13:02 -0500http://www.aardvarkentertainment.com/1/post/2012/02/aardvark-entertainment-and-facebook.htmlAardvark Entertainment on facebook
I know we have touched on this before, but it bears repeating.  Head on over to Facebook and like us. 

The blog is great to expand on ideas, you only get so many characters to get your point across on Facebook and Twitter,  Facebook, however,  is great for up to the minute information and schedule changes. We also offer special promotions and contests just for our Facebook fans.  Louise just one a $25 Aardvark Entertainment gift certificate by answering a trivia question correctly.  There will definitely be more of those. 

Head on over to Facebook and click like and join in on the fun!
]]><![CDATA[#2 Party Planning Tip - Know What Else is Happening]]>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:27:49 -0500http://www.aardvarkentertainment.com/1/post/2012/01/2-party-planning-tip-know-what-else-is-happening.htmlcomnay picnic, communion, party planning, festival, birthday party
In the Northeast we have 4 distinct seasons, each with their own characteristics - sports, recreation, chores, food - just about everything can be associated with a season.  Parties and events also have their own seasons.  If you are aware of the season - what else is happening - when you want to have your event, you can plan for that and ensure the success of your party.

We realize there are certain types of parties you can not change.  You can't change your child's birthday, and it would be ridiculous to hold the company Christmas party in October, but with a little creative planning, your party will be a success!
The beginning of May is the big time for Communion parties.

The First weekend of December is the weekend most people want to have their Christmas events.  The weekend right before Christmas is quieter.

The weekend before Halloween is busier with Halloween parties and events.

Call and talk to your service provider.  They will know your party season best.   If you do find yourself in a position where your party didn't come together the way you wanted, ask your self the following questions.

*Does the party have to fall on that particular day?

We did a joint communion party - two cousins made communion the same year, but in different parishes on different days.  The sisters decided to hold one party on a completely different day and split the bill.

We do several corporate family Christmas parties a few days before Christmas.  So many companies hold them on Christmas Eve morning that it can be difficult to find the services you want.

This past year Hanukkah overlapped with Christmas Day.  All our Hanukkah events happened on the 26th and 27th of December.  The organizers of those events realized that, while it would have been nice to have the events at the beginning of Hanukkah, it wasn't worth fighting all the other events that happen just before Christmas.  They waited and enjoyed their events the way they wanted to. 

*Can the time be adjusted?

Prime time for any event - company picnic, birthday party, town festival - is Saturday afternoon at 2 PM.  Consider having your party earlier or later in the day, or even switching days.  Could a Sunday brunch work?  What about Friday evening? 

*Could I move my party mid-week? 

This may not work for a birthday party, but it definitely works for company picnics.  Corporations have found that planning the party on a mid-week afternoon works better for everyone than a party on the weekend. 

Putting thought into when you plan your party is important when planning your event.
]]><![CDATA[#1 Party Planning Tip - Plan Ahead]]>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:47:37 -0500http://www.aardvarkentertainment.com/1/post/2012/01/1-party-planning-tip.htmlparty planning, company picnics, birthday parties, community days, festival
We are in the party business, that is what we do.  We party 24/7, 365 days a year.  After attending hundreds of parties, the biggest tip we can give is to plan ahead.

You maybe thinking that there must be more important aspects in planning a party, but the truth is, if you plan ahead, everything will fall easily into place.

How early should you plan ahead?  At least two months for a typical family gathering like a family reunion or birthday party.  Are you planning the company picnic, festival or community day?  Give yourself at least three to six months, depending on the size of your event.  If you want a specific venue, entertainer, caterer, or other service, you may want to think a year in advance.

We have one client who always goes above and beyond for her parties - they are themed and everything from food to decorations to music enhances the theme.  Our first contact about her next event happened almost two months from the date of her party.  Shawnee Mountain Ski Area schedules their entertainment for the summer and fall festivals in the dead of winter, and Rockaway Townsquare schedules their Kidgits Club Entertainment four to five months in advance.

Check back for our #2 tip - "Know Your Party Season"!
]]><![CDATA[The Greatest in the Poconos for 2012]]>Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:10:43 -0500http://www.aardvarkentertainment.com/1/post/2012/01/the-best-blog-in-the-poconos-for-2012.htmlBest Entertainer in the Poconos, Party Company, Blog/Blogger, Artist, live theater, mark clark
That is all thanks to you.  In fact, thanks to you, we won in 3 of the 5 categories we were nominated in: Best Party Company, Best Local Entertainer, Best Local Live Theater, and we are second for Best Local Artist.

Today is a great day for the Poconos, so many local and well deserving people and businesses were also recognized: Scott Amori for Best Local Attorney, Cat's Incredible Dog's for Best Hot Dog, Moe's of the Poconos for best Mexican restaurant, gluten free and vegetarian menu, David Paskiet and Paskiet Martial Arts for best teacher and best Martial Arts Academy, Thai Orchid for best wings, Mountain Valley Bike Shop for best bike shop, Nice Hair for best salon, Major Hyundai for best foreign and used car dealer, Mr. Kyle Kuczma Photography for best photography studio, Precision Engine for best auto repair shop and Joe Gerry for best real estate agent.

A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us and all the fine establishments in the Poconos, and an even bigger thank you the people behind The Greatest Around the Poconos. Without your hard work, none of this would have been possible.  See you next year!
]]>