Topic: Business books that are specific to magic...

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Posted by: Jack Tighe (Mar 2, 2012 3:37pm)

Hello to all

This is somewhat related to a recent thread regarding the best business books to read, but I'm asking something more specific.

Which books/DVD's/courses regarding promotion, marketing etc that are SPECIFIC TO MAGIC, would you recommend?

Most online magic stores don't seem to have a section for these kinds of products, but I know they're out there.

Basically, I have been in magic for about 15 years, but am a total novice at the business side of things.

I welcome your product suggestions.

Thanks, Jack.

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Posted by: euroillusion (Mar 2, 2012 6:31pm)

Hi Jack,

JC Sum's The Event Magician Vol 2 is one of the best books that I have read, specifically if you are performing for events. http://www.murphysmagic.com/Product.aspx?id=48408

Tons of practical information, biz documents and examples. I highly recommend it.

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Posted by: magicmaninsd (Mar 2, 2012 8:03pm)

I'm not too sure about books, per say, related to magic, but there are definitely a lot of courses to choose from. Depending upon your market you have lots to choose from. However, one of the best books I've ever read on business as it relates to selling a service is Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port.

For birthday parties for kids, Jack Turk's is a great course, and for $25 you can't go wrong.

Here's the thing about asking for "the book on business for magicians" (not that you're saying that, but a lot tend to think one book will get them the riches they desire): Most of the stuff in the courses is already in a book on Amazon for a fraction of the price. Most is regurgitated material from Dan Kennedy, Craig Garber, Gary Halbert, etc. BUT, before anyone burns me at the stake, there are loads of great resources out there, like Jack Turk, Jim Snack, Eric Paul's material was excellent.

I've also learned that this is a never ending quest for knowledge. That's why I asked the questions about good business book recommendations. I'm always on the hunt for a good book. Is it really going to kill me to spend $10 on a book at Amazon and read it? No. I might even learn something haha

Josh London

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Posted by: Blair Marshall (Mar 2, 2012 10:22pm)

There are some business books on magic, but very few. Most books are those found in "courses". There have been many threads on this topic so best to search.

B

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Posted by: charliecheckers (Mar 2, 2012 11:55pm)

With so many different markets to pursue, I would suggest that one obtain a book or course most closely related to the type of magic you plan on performing. For example the business of stage magic differs from the business of street magic, or kid shows or restaurant magic and so forth. Also, I will suggest that the courses I have purchased have been worth every penny. They are much more detailed than most books, with specific practical information that has proven to work. I perform kid/family shows and purchased James Mutton's course. He exposed me to markets I had not even considered, yet are now my main show generating source. I was not intimidated because what he shared illustrated to me that what he had done could be accomplished in my area as well. There are also ebooks available that tend to focus on one specific type of audience (such as Blue and Gold Banquets for scouts or Daycare Centers). I personally found the investment in courses was worth every penny because I was booking many shows in a short time. The money I made paid for the course in no time. If you have invested 15 years in performing, the investment in superior business guidance would seem only logical.

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Posted by: magicmaninsd (Mar 3, 2012 10:52am)

Charlie, thanks for reminding me about James Munton's course. His is quite possibly the best course I've taken. It takes you through the steps one by one to get booked, stay booked, and get repeat bookings.

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Posted by: Scott Burton (Mar 3, 2012 10:58am)

Business is business. I try to seek out the best sources of information. I don't have any magic business books among the most influential books to me and my business.

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Posted by: Jack Tighe (Mar 3, 2012 11:03am)

Many, many thanks for your replies everyone. Will definitely look into everything suggested above.

Jack

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Posted by: MrHyde (Mar 3, 2012 5:32pm)

Quote:

On 2012-03-03 10:52, magicmaninsd wrote:
Charlie, thanks for reminding me about James Munton's course. His is quite possibly the best course I've taken. It takes you through the steps one by one to get booked, stay booked, and get repeat bookings.

Agree.

For your Information ...
James Munton and I are recording an extensive Interview in the next couple of days
about the Course, Magic Marketing and BOR sales. We think it will be useful to people
who don't have the course already AND hope to have many extra tips for those who do have it.

This will be free, and available off the http://www.magiccoach.com website.
Subscribers to the newsletter and Facebook Fans will get notification when it's up.

And as usual, I've wrangled an even greater discount price off him.

Hope to have this up Wed or Thursday

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Posted by: SpellbinderEntertainment (Mar 4, 2012 12:42am)

Don't think of yourself as a "magician" or "entertainer"
think of yourself as a Small Business Owner in a service related business.
You'll get a lot further faster and get far more bang (and time tested info) for your bucks.

My two-cents,
Walt

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Posted by: JeffWampler (Mar 4, 2012 7:11pm)

Agreed, there are many courses that are specific to magic, and many of them aren't bad. I have Jack Turk's birthday party course and was very impressed. Jim Snack's Success In Magic is pretty eye opening and very well put together.

In my formative years (which I'm still in), I got a book about the business of close-up magic called "Blood, Sweat, and Pinky Breaks" by a magician named Magnus. I've not seen it since, but after reading it, becoming motivated, and using the advice, I was working restaurants 2 to 3 times a week for over 2 years in a row. It worked. But like any advice, nothing works unless you do.

Non-magic business books are great to get a greater understanding of how business works. Courses are great to get a foundation of "the magic business" but if you want to grow in business, I think you need to look outside your industry. A lot of times businesses grow exponentially rather than incrementally because they've taken an idea or strategy that was successful in one industry and applied it to their own. There's a nickel's worth of free advice.

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Posted by: MrHyde (Mar 5, 2012 8:35pm)

Those interested in James Muntons unique online Magic Marketing course
Zero to Booked Solid should check out this extended interview with James.

http://www.magiccoach.com/magicsells.html

You can learn about the course, how it came to be, get a video peek inside
and of course a very special offer. (2 weeks only)

We also chat about BOR sales

Timothy

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Posted by: ttorres (Mar 5, 2012 8:44pm)

I can't believe that no one hasn't mentioned Dick Ryan's "Confidential Booking Reports". This is available at Steven's Magic. I can't say enough good this about this four volume set.