GigSalad’s Mark Steiner joins this week’s Gig Gab to trace his wild ride from stage actor to CEO, revealing how a children’s theater gig and a teddy bear business ultimately led to launching the go-to platform for booking live talent. You’ll hear how a “happy accident” turned into a company that helps 110,000+ performers get paid. From the Glenn Miller Orchestra to building Steiner Talent to launching GigSalad in a kitchen in 2004, Mark shares the gritty path of growth—connecting the dots in reverse, just like Steve Jobs said.
You’ll walk away with real-world tips to boost your band’s visibility: polish your promo kit, prioritize quality over quantity, and treat GigSalad like your own personal booking agent—with built-in SEO and coaching tools. Whether you’re gigging every weekend or dreaming bigger, there’s room for you. Because at the end of the day, the mission is simple: help you do what you love. And remember—Always Be Performing.
00:00:00 Gig Gab 482 – Monday, May 19th, 2025
May 19th: National Devil’s Food Cake Day
Guest co-host: Mark Steiner, cofounder and CEO of GigSalad
00:01:59 Starting with the children’s rendition of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson haha
00:03:51 From Actor to Craftee
00:07:10 Connecting the dots going backwards
00:09:08 The immediate and long-term benefits of practice
00:10:47 Happy Accident leads to GigSalad
First business: Rainbow Friends Teddy Bear
Then spent 7 years as a talent agent, mostly booking the Glenn Miller Orchestra
Which led to SteinerTalent.com, and was immediately contacted by local/regional bookings
00:16:29 Let’s start a directory to match up talent with gigs
2007 was GigSalad’s official launch, with beta starting in 2004
00:19:59 Steve and Mark decide in 2007 to make GigSalad into a fulltime concern
Moving out of the kitchen!
00:21:36 GigSalad needs mariachi bands
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00:24:38 What can bands do to better their marketability on GigSalad?
Have a promo kit. Photos, videos, bios.
It’s not about quantity as much as it is quality.
As a DIY marketplace, GigSalad’s rating system is the key
GigSalad offers coaching for those who want it.
00:27:36 Freemium Model … Similar to LinkedIn
But also VERY much willing to coach!
00:30:49 GigSalad Pricing and Protections
00:33:39 What’s next for GigSalad?
00:34:40 Is GigSalad right for your band?
Look around on the platform to see what’s happening in your area
It’s non-exclusive
We provide this platform to do something that they love. From pros to weekend warriors.
GigSalad does your SEO and Word of Mouth for you, in a sense
00:39:50 Who lists their talent on GigSalad?
Agents? Yes. ECE on Gig Gab
But mostly individual artists and bands representing themselves.
This platform was built to eliminate Mark’s job…he was an agent!
One of GigSalad’s initial goals: You don’t need an agent to have a career.
00:47:07 Gig Gab 482 Outtro
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