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


• 00:23:08 SPONSOR: Cash App. Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/0oq3t78w  #CashAppPod *Referral Reward Disclaimer: As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account.


• 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
  
  
  
  • Contact GigSalad
  
  
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    
    
    
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    • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
    
    
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The post The DIY Booking Revolution: GigSalad’s Impact on Musicians – Gig Gab 482 appeared first on Gig Gab.