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Wayne Brockway Regular user Michigan, U.S.A. 104 Posts |
I'm wondering what type of thank you gift(s) are best to give to those who hire you? I'm interested mostly in daycare director and birthday parent gifts. Do you feel they are appropriate?
Wayne... |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Wayne
I'm an old school kinda guy. I do the show, they applaude, laugh, feed me, pay me, thank me for coming, I give them my card, if I'm lucky they will tip me, and help me load my car. The bottom line here is a knock out performance is my gift to them, and if I get it right they will never forget that show, but like I said I'm an old school kinda guy that might be way out of touch with todays nuevo etiquette. HAVE FUN Al Angello
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Neale Bacon Inner circle Burnaby BC Canada 1775 Posts |
I don't do thank you GIFTS but a nice thank you card is always a good idea.
Neale Bacon and his Crazy Critters
Burnaby BC Canada's Favourite Family Ventriloquist www.baconandfriends.com |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I always do a thank you kit that goes to the client and I often include a very simple gift that can go with it. It is just a nice gesture that they really remember and helps build your relationship with them. It does not have to be pricey at all. It is the thought you are after.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
DanielSteep Inner circle 1409 Posts |
Im with Al,
I too do not give out thankyou gifts I give them my card and hope that everyone enjoyed the show. |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I think a thank you card that is handwritten and personalized says a lot and can work great. I like to take it one step further and give them something more to remember me by and to build upon my experience with them.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
I don't want to sound like I'm ungrateful, but I work up a sweat for every show, and I try to focus all of my energy into offering an unforgetable performance every time, which is more important for future bookings than thank you cards.
HAVE FUN Al Angello
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Wayne, first listen to Al. Your number one priority should always be doing a great show.
Also listen to Kyle when he says, a handwritten thank you says a lot. I don’t know exactly what all he includes in the kit, but I’m sure it’s remembered a long time. Now listen to me, those daycare people like those hundred dollar gifts. But seriously, I would send a thank you note to the daycares. It means a lot especially since most often the director is a woman. (They love that stuff.)I also suggest you think about including a separate card for the kids. Just a few short comments about how much you enjoyed being with them would be great. (A letter will also work wonders.) Something that the teachers can read to the class and maybe post on the bulletin board. I know it’s a lot of writing and extra work, but in the end it can pay off. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I think we all can agree that giving the client an unforgettable performance is a given and something we should strive for every single time out. I just think a nice thank you card or thank you kit can also add to the overall impression you are leaving with the client after your event is over.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
TheDean Inner circle Reno, Nevada 2164 Posts |
Gifts, Incentives and Re-Elationship Marketing... hmmmm.
Clearly, it is a "Each Case and PERSONAL decision" for EACH and every one to arrive at of our own devices with encouragement of discussions such as this. Completely aside from gift giving, YES, It is our responsibility to do a GREAT show! (Of Course... Like Duh Man!) THAT is what they hire and then pay us for in the FIRST PLACE! Anything less of delivering the most awesome product we are capable of, is a blatant larceny and a smarmy rip-off, and is completely unacceptable as a business practice. On this I think we ALL agree... "In my opinion and experience", simply 'raising a sweat' by doing what we were hired to do (our "JOB") in the first place, is NOT a "thank-you gift" to our business re-elationships by any stretch of the imagination, it is our sworn duty and responsibility as the product representative and business owners we are! Now, whether we each CHOOSE to extend the additional business relations, and give gifts and thank yous as a friend or even as a business building process, THAT is an entirely different subject all together. Our show (product we charge money for...) is our show regardless of the gifts we give beyond that. Now, for me and those who are in BUSINESS, it is a VERY useful, dare I say an incredibly powerful way to grow your business to phenomenal heights and it, along with the rest of our individual business marketing mix, simply part of doing business. My experience has clearly shown me that appreciating my friends and business relationships has produced rich dividends, far beyond just the simple common courtesy (or expence) of extending the gracious thank-you and gift... waaaaaay beyond! In most cases, though it IS on of the most savvy success and marketing tools and weapons you can employ in our marketing and success outcome mix! I find myself giving gifts because I WANT TO and genuinely love the folks who I am blessed enough to be able to engage in BUSINESS with on a regular basis... they, more than not, become my FRIENDS whom I would be honored to GIFT and Thank! (And DO!) Forget the touchy-feely stuff… it is just good, smart BUSINESS! As a pure BUSINESS motive and tact, it has proven, beyond any shadow of a doubt that "Gift Giving" is one of the MOST profit producing success behaviors we can engage in... regardless of the fact that we actually DO what we were HIRED TO DO in the first place! (Again, a completely separate issue!) The Business Benefits are clear and resounding… - It stimulates referrals! (If you know how and do it correctly!) - It established more indelible trust re-elationships causing repeat business and rabid fans! - It is traceable and accountable! (If you track your marketing results and outcomes, that is. And you SHOULD!) - It produces REAL RESULTS ...worse yet, and it COSTS US if we don't do it! As "Business Professionals", we are leaving good people left unappreciated and good money on the table. Neither of which are acceptable as far as I’m concerned! I certainly know that I am NOT willing to pay that price in LIFE or in BUSINESS! As stated earlier, it is for each individual to personally wrestle with and come to terms with on their own, but to say that "Our Show Is Our Gift" is patently incorrect and egocentric considering THAT "IS" our product and what they HIRE and PAY us to do in the first place. This is NOT to say we can not GIFT our show for a cause or a special GIFT for friends... we all know that is NOT what we are takling about here. (HINT: That too can be on of your thank-you gifts... when a where appropriate!) That aside... You would THINK that a personal "thank-you for doing business with us" would be a natural and courteous extension of human kindness, as well as a growing business professional… some apparently don’t think so? - - THAT puzzles me. Again, God Bless the internet and each person here for our individual opinions and experiences as we share at places like this, and to be ADULT enough to discuss it openly, honestly and with-out flame wars... eh'? Good Job Gang! As far as the original question: THE BEST GIFT I have found to give is something that speaks to THEM as you have come to know them. This is where that Re-Elationship thing comes into play... In simplistic terms, it "IS" the thought that counts! Your re-elationships will feel truly gifted and appreciated when you find out at-least small bit about them and gift appropriately. It could be a gift from the dollar store and will be appreciated as if it was a diamond necklace from Tiffany’s if you understand this principle of re-elationships and do this right! I am NOT saying that doing inexpensive ‘gifts is the answer’ as much as I am saying the genuine THOUGHT and appreciation that goes into your re-elationships as it is more important that the price we pay for that gift and the re-elationship! For me… I have given on both ends of the spectrum from dollar store type items to up do vacation cruises. Any YES it has paid of in rich dividends far and above the investments I choose to make in my friends and in my business! (...and NOT "just" in BUSINESS Success, but in my re-elationships as well!) I hope that adds to the discussion! Take what you can use and leave the rest! As I said throughout, this is my opinion, experience and passion, Do with it what you will. I am at your service and In HIS Service, Deano <>< PS For those who are "particular", I have placed and undsclosed number of mistakes in my shares for your listening and dancing plesure! (Hehehehe!) If they bug you, you are MISSING THE POINT of this place! - Enjoy! PPS THINK & Grow Rich.
Dean Hankey, *M.D. - The Dean of Success Solutions!
Serving & Supporting YOU and Your Success! "Book More Shows... Make More Money... SERVE MORE PEOPLE! - Not Necessarily In That Order…" (*Marketing Doctor) |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Amen, Dean!!
Wayne, re-read Dean's post again and again. I sent you a PM with some information about what I am using as thank you gifts. I learned the principle from Dean a few years ago, and it is truly a great thing to do. Although I haven't quite reached the skill level at gift giving that Dean has (appropriate gifts based upon a customer's interests), I have had deeper relationships because of the action that I take. That gift-giving action, combined with doing a fantastic show! - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Wayne Brockway Regular user Michigan, U.S.A. 104 Posts |
Wow,
Thanks for some really wonderful feedback everyone! I understand and agree that your show is the first priority. I just feel that I want to really thank the people who hire me, foremost those who hire me over and over again. I just want to thank them in the appropriate manner. Another question I have is who should get the gift? In my case at daycare centers and other corporate shows it isn't the "boss" who calls me time after time. It is somebody in a position under him or her, even thought the "boss" I'm sure has final say. Wayne... |
TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Wayne,
I’m glad to see that you going the extra mile, because when you don’t, you will always come up a mile short. Like Dean said above, doing a great show is only doing the job, and it’s only right to thank those who hire and believe in you. The child takes the apple to the teacher not to bribe or impress them, but because it’s a nice thing to do. It’s a way of saying thank you. As for as the daycares, I would send it to the director. Unless the only one you had any dealings with was someone else, in that case send it to that person. Like I said,and it's not a must, but you may want to also consider sending a little something extra to the kids like a separate card. In between shows dropping off a bag of cookies, donuts or something will also be appreciated and remembered. When it comes to dealing with children, (and adults) you can never be to nice, because no matter what anyone tells you, most will chose the nice person every time. The gift to the director doesn’t have to be anything fancy. It really is the thought that counts. Best of luck with the kids, Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Let me chime in here and turn the tables around a little bit. What if you were the said client and hired someone to come out and say fix your electric. Their JOB is to fix it and do the best job fixing it that they can. They really do not have to do more then that as I am paying them for themn fixing it and solving a problem I am faced with.
Now if a few days later I receive a thank you card or letter or gift from the person or company, then that just makes me fel great about the experience and makes me remember it more. If the person did a great job, I am now even more impressed, I feel good about the situation and I certainly will keep their name in the top of my head for future use. If I really liked the service, the thank you may also prompt me to refer them and their services to others I know. Do they have to send a thank you note or gift? Certainly not. Does it help them and their business? Yes it does indeed. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
TheDean Inner circle Reno, Nevada 2164 Posts |
Tom and Kyle are so dead-on the money here! GREAT Job!
As far as to whom gifts should go? I would suggest to as many as they need to! Sometimes that means to go directly to the re-elationship you have established! Too, a well placed, hand written thank-you note (gift or no gift) can do wonders for your business and success! So the true answer to your question is: as many as need-be. This is no time to be stingy... a .39 cet stamp, a hand written card, a fortune telling fish, a lotto ticket, couple of business cards... what-ever. It's a BUSINESS too, so do what needs to be done! Trust me, if you scrimp, YOU will pay a price one way or the other (i.e., in lost gigs!) waaaaaay beyond that of a dollar's worth of print and mail or some small .99 cent store item. Gift well, Gift Often! Hope that helps! I am at your service and In HIS Service, Deano <><
Dean Hankey, *M.D. - The Dean of Success Solutions!
Serving & Supporting YOU and Your Success! "Book More Shows... Make More Money... SERVE MORE PEOPLE! - Not Necessarily In That Order…" (*Marketing Doctor) |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Thanks Dean for the kind words.
All I know is that I send out thank you cards to every client I work with and even to those who helped me at the event. If someone helped carry my stuff in from my truck, I try to get their information and I send them a thank you card as well. Do I have to do this, once again no I do not. I WANT to do this because I feel good about building the relationship with the individuals and because I want to thank them for what they have done for me. I have seen the power of what a simple thank you note or card can do and I have seen it time and again. People will remember you for it and will thank you for it as well. I personally have had festivals hire me back the next year. When I talk with them after the event I have had many of them open up to me and personally say, "I just wanted you to realize something. Not sure if this makes any difference to you but it did to me. Out of all the acts I have hired over the years, you were the ONLY entertainer who actually sent me a thank you card the next week. I still have that card as a reminder that there are folks out there who make a difference." Now this may not happen to everyone and people may not actually tell you things like this. However, mark my word that it does indeed leave a good lasting impression in their minds. This is a feeling and impression I want them to remember from the experience with having Kyle and Kelly at their event. I will leave you with this. If you could willing KNOW you are building a good relationship with a client and could KNOW that your name is being remembered long after an event.... then why wouldn't anyone feel that it is worth the price of a simple stamp? Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
TheDean Inner circle Reno, Nevada 2164 Posts |
I will say this again!
Kyle, my brother, You have demonstrated waaaay beyond a shadow of a doubt that success leaves clues, and that to enjoy the benefit of those clues you MUST answer the “clue phone” and then take ACTION on what you learn! - - YOU have done just that! GREAT Job Buddy! For you, (and others like us) the rewards are multiple! We WIN the value of the lesson and we WIN the profits as a result of acting on that insight and we WIN when we share the results of theses steps so others can WIN as well! Bless you my friend for "DOING" what few dare to do, and not just “talking” about success! - WINNER! You have already won the coveted "Captain Action Award!" and now you "officially" ROCK my friend! I am, as always, at your service and In HIS Service, Deano <><
Dean Hankey, *M.D. - The Dean of Success Solutions!
Serving & Supporting YOU and Your Success! "Book More Shows... Make More Money... SERVE MORE PEOPLE! - Not Necessarily In That Order…" (*Marketing Doctor) |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Thanks again Dean.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Magic Enhancer Inner circle Robert Haas 1805 Posts |
I just wanted to send a thank you card to Kyle, Dean and evrryone else for an awesome thread!! Thanks guys!! Do I get the gig now Lol..just kidding. Awesome thread!
Haas
Robert Haas
Magic Enhancer Quality magic products for the working professional. www.MagicEnhancer.com |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Thanks Haas for the kind words. This is indeed a great thread full of wonderful ideas and topics. Even though we may not all agree 100% with each other, we can all agree that we are still learning and using the information presented to better ourselves and the magic that we do.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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