Santa Myk is a California-based GigSalad Santa and the focus of this month’s member spotlight! Santa Myk has been a GigSalad member since 2022 and recently participated in GigSalad’s Santa Claus commercial, which airs on popular streaming services. Keep reading to hear Myk’s Santa story and how he uses GigSalad to promote and grow his Santa business!
Becoming Santa
Myk has been performing as Santa Claus for over 30 years. What began as playing Santa at a company holiday party quickly grew into requests from family and friends to take photos and appear at Christmas parties. Myk found that he loved being the bearer of holiday cheer.
After years of performing for work and close friends and family, he finally decided to pursue becoming a professional Santa. “It took years of prodding,” he jokes, but he was eventually convinced by fellow GigSalad Santa, Santa True, who also led him to the GigSalad platform. The rest is Christmas history.
Honing His Craft
As a professional Santa Claus, Myk takes his work very seriously. When asked what sets his services apart, he says, “It’s all about personality.” While Santa Myk may be a diverse Santa, he clarifies that he’s not acting as a black Santa or any other type of Santa. He’s performing as Santa Myk.
He says another aspect that sets his services apart is that “Above everything else, I always ensure that I perform and interact. A lot of people think of mall Santa Clauses where the child comes up to you, you ask them a couple of questions and then move on to the next. But I have been a performer for years. I act and I sing, and I bring that to every Santa visit. I also like to involve the children and adults alike in my visits.”
Myk’s GigSalad Journey
Myk is relatively new to the GigSalad platform, but he’s hit the ground running and is reaping the benefits! Here Myk gives his insights on his GigSalad experience and how to get the most out of your Promokit.
Tips and Tricks
GS: How has GigSalad made the booking process easier for you?
SM: “Well, there’s more reach and a lot more activity. I’ve gained a lot more exposure. And having a Featured membership really helps. It’s made it possible to reach a whole new client base and makes it simple for them to hire a Santa.”
GS: What kind of support have you received from GigSalad?
SM: “I appreciate the fact that the Customer Happiness team regularly reaches out to members with emails and makes their presence known. It’s great knowing that you guys are there, and if I ever need anything, I’ll receive quick and kind support. I can tell you guys really care.”
GS: What strategies have you used to attract more clients and stand out in your market?
SM: “Whenever I receive a lead, I respond as quickly as possible. I use the saved message feature to ensure I’m responding promptly, and it saves me a ton of time. I also make sure I’m receiving both email and text notifications so that I don’t miss a lead.”
GS: How do you engage with clients on GigSalad? Do you follow any communication strategies or best practices to ensure a positive experience?
SM: “I have a good idea of how to create a positive experience. Whether it’s a home visit, corporate event, or breakfast with Santa, I have a plan. I send a questionnaire to the client beforehand so they know what services I offer, we both know what to expect, and I have whatever details I need.
Then I plan a grand entrance and a big exit. This way, we make sure everyone’s expectations are met, and there aren’t any surprises. I also try to suggest to clients what things might help to enhance their experience and make things more fun and exciting, like a story or a song.”
🎄 Check this out: How to Optimize Your Profile for Holiday Gigs
Words of Wisdom
GS: If you could give ONE piece of advice to someone considering joining GigSalad or becoming a Santa, what would it be?
SM: “As far as becoming a Santa, I would say to keep your heart open. A lot of times, you may be the first Santa that a person meets or the last one, and it’s important always to make sure you are focusing on the joy that Santa Claus is and what you’re bringing to the people who are seeing you. Don’t forget; because you need to keep that in the forefront of your mind when considering becoming a Santa.
If you’re considering joining GigSalad, keep in mind that there are so many things that GigSalad can provide. Make sure you are familiarizing yourself with all the features. Use the Customer Happiness team to help you optimize your profile, and be willing to make suggestions, because the more successful GigSalad is, the more successful we are as providers.”
Spreading Joy
While performing as Santa Claus might be a good way to bring in extra income during the holiday season, it comes as a calling to most professionals, and Santa Myk isn’t any different. “Being Santa brings me so much joy,” says Myk, “I love being a part of a child’s or even an adult’s experience of holiday joy. It’s inspiring and I consider it a gift to see kids at one of the best parts of their lives, enjoying the Christmas season.”
Memorable Moments
Santa Myk has had many memorable moments as a Santa, but he has one special GigSalad booking that stands out. After a family’s original Santa canceled at the last minute, they turned to GigSalad to book a Santa replacement. They reached Santa Myk and he was able to fill in via a Zoom call.
Myk and his Mrs. Claus went above and beyond creating a background story to explain Santa’s absence on the original meeting date. “We explained to the child that there had been a bad winter storm the night before that kept me from connecting, and my Mrs. Claus was off camera handing me weather reports. We tried to make it as real as possible for them.” Well, their hard work paid off, and he received an email a week later saying the child was still talking about their visit and requesting to schedule again for the next year.
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And that, dear readers, is the jolly tale of Santa Myk—a GigSalad luminary who brings joy wherever he goes. Everyone at GigSalad is grateful to him and all of our members who make the platform what it is. Keep an eye out in 2024 for more Member Spotlights, inspiring stories, and sage advice. ❤️
Sonia is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad and uses the knowledge she’s gained from helping both the vendor and client through the booking process to give her best event planning advice. When she’s not at work she enjoys the outdoors, a good book, trying new recipes, and spending quality time with her husband and their furbabies.