Refine the Act
Step1
Decide where you'll perform. Clowns get paid to entertain at birthday parties, community and family celebrations, holiday and sporting events and corporate outings, as well as hospitals, nursing homes, parades, fairs, restaurants, cruises, trade shows and schools.
Step2
Figure out who you'll entertain, such as the age group. For example, you may want to perform for seniors in nursing homes.
Step3
Determine the skills you'll feature, such as juggling, face painting, balloon animals, magic, puppets and games.
Create a Marketing Plan
Step1
Create an outline and include details of where you'll perform, what you'll include in your show and the age group.
Step2
Determine how much you want to charge per hour. Check with other clowns to find out how much they charge to get an idea of the rates in your area.
Step3
Decide what types of payment you'll accept, such as cash, checks or credit cards and add to your outline.
Step4
Make a note of where you want to be in five years. Include any clown skills you want to learn in order to grow as a performer.
Protect Yourself
Step1
Purchase liability insurance for entertainers, available from such companies as Specialty Insurance Agency, which was started by Al Fellerman, a Shriners clown.
Step2
Find out about your state and federal tax laws. Keep track of your earnings and set money aside for taxes.
Step3
Consult your state government office to register the name of your clown business.
Step4
Set up a business checking account at a local bank.
Step5
Create a client contract for all parties to sign before you perform, so everyone understands what you'll charge and when you'll be paid. In the contract, outline what you'll do at the performance and explain your returned checks policy.
Advertise Effectively
Step1
Target your audience. For example, if you want to perform for children, advertise in parent's magazines and newspapers and on bulletin boards at pediatricians' offices and supermarkets.
Step2
Create a business card and brochure, or contact your local printer to create them for you.
Step3
Make your first few performances free of charge or at a reduced rate in exchange for references and referrals.
Step4
Sign up with a local entertainment agency. You can find one in your telephone book or online.
Step5
Network with other clowns in your area. Join a clown club such as Clowns of America International, which offers a list of all their clubs on the website.
Create Referrals
Step1
Make a good impression on your client because the word of mouth is your best advertisement. Arrive on time and stay as long as you have agreed to in the contract. Plan ahead and be organized to make your performance run smoothly.
Step2
Provide your business cards and brochures when you leave. Leave a critique form for your client to fill out, and provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Ask your client for referrals and references.
Step3
Follow up with a phone call a few days after your performance. Make the necessary changes to improve your next performance.
Keep the Act Fresh
Step1
Join a clown club to learn more about clowning as well as the newest trends in the profession.
Step2
Take online courses such as the ones at the Academy of Performing Arts in Clowning.
Step3
Read clown books like "The Birthday Party Business: How to Make a Living as a Children's Entertainer," from Piccadilly Books.