Just a short note to highlight the need for constant vigilance in your marketing of yourself...

Here's the scenario:

I'm sitting at work (Magic Shop)...Helping customers, working on card sleights, trying to stay awake, etc....Right?

My cell phone rings...It's the CEO of the biggest Dairy in this region....

He says he heard about me from a woman (who I have NEVER met) and that I'm an excellent juggler.

He wants to know if I'm available to work a parade in Dec....I'll be walking in front of an Antique Milk Truck in the Christmas Parade while juggling 3 balls...

My jaw drops when he tells me they will pay me $200 to juggle and walk for 1.25 miles in the Parade...

OBVIOUSLY I agree on the spot, right?

The point of this post?

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS stick to the way you promote/bill yourself...It truely DOES pay off! I have, since my arrival in Branson, made sure that folks KNOW that Professor Piper is a: Singing, Juggling, Fire-Eating, Magical, Ventriloquist...

They KNOW that Prof. Piper is a juggler...

Now I have to find a way to contact this woman and do some investigation as to how SHE heard of me so I can continue to play on this 'word of mouth' and to thank her profusely!

Keep pluggin!

Prof. Piper
(Terry)

Nice!
Steve V

Word of mouth is THE best way to get work. As a general principle talk to everybody, give out your card when they show the slightest interest and do a little but impressive trick for them (if they don't look interested then don't do anything, you don't want to give the impression of being boring). I find doing a coin trick or a juggle with 3 coins is enough to prove my bona fides without going over the top and looking big headed.

Getting calls from agents you have never sent your details to because other agents have told them about you is one of the nicer ways that word of mouth works. Getting known as a poor act through agents talking to each other can be a disaster. It's not happened to me but I know a clown who barely has any work now.

Nigel

Terry
You were unhappy last Spring when you didn't get the job, so keep this job in the back of your mind for the upcoming Winter.
CONGRADULATIONS
Al Angello

BINGO Al....

I had to remind myself of this VERY issue!!

Time, it's a b@tch, but if you can stand it, it pays off...

I mean, the CEO of the largest Dairy in the area calls me personally...This is HUGE, seeing as he is interested in doing gigs 'outside the box'....

This could very well lead to other work, which I will SEIZE upon with gusto...

It's nice to be reminded of the lessons that I try to impart to others...

Patience...Determination...Patience....Practice....Patience....Keep on doing the right thing....

Patience.

Thanks again guys...I'm JAZZED!

Prof. Piper
(Terry)

Wicked man!

James