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jamesbond Loyal user 249 Posts |
Hi guys,
Here is the dilemma I am trying to solve. I am working on the long term project trying to become the suite magician for a local major team (NHL). They first hired me for their opener of their season 2 years ago and they loved it - I spoke to the manager about having me on consistant basis - She liked the idea however the budget was already set in place so there was no extra $$$ for hiring me. Fair enough. The following year I prepared a proposal and everything - it just happend that they hired a new CEO around the same time so they were some changes - people getting fired etc. so the proposal didn't get really looked at as the manager told me, because there were other priorities. OK. This year I am working on it AGAIN really trying to "get in" to the decision makers (CFO and the board) to see me in person. She already brought it up, but again they are apparently busy dealing with new changes (the team was sold to another owner). the manager likes me but in the end she is the middle man. She keeps telling me to leave it up to her to talk to the board but I don't want to blow another chance this year. I like her and we have a relationship, but I feel like I want to target the CFO directly with some highly targeted direct mail that will get me noticed, because right now I am just a small nobody in their minds they have got other problems to deal with which I understand. So here I am standing before a dilemma - I don't want to go behind her back if she is saying "I will set up the meeting", but at the same time I know she is very very busy too and nobody cares as much as I do. It's been a month that I first brought it up. I spoke to her today she said that she brought it up but they were to busy to see me (who the heck is this magician guy, right? If you know what I mean). She is saying that she will talk to them again in August, but I am not sure if she is an effective communicator, or if she can pull it off. I wouldn't mind just taking over and start working on the board myself, but don't want to damage the relationship with her... What should I do??? Any advice?? Bond.. James Bond |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
When you did work at the season opener two years ago were you treated with respect, or did they hip check you, grab stuff out of your hands, and laugh at the stupid magician? My experience with the NHL fans is that there are no gentlemen in the stands, and they made me feel like the opposing teams goalie. It was the least rewarding job I have ever had, and if they ever call me back again it had better be for big bucks. I do minor league baseball games, and I love it, but those fans act like human beings instead of cave men.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
jamesbond Loyal user 249 Posts |
No I only did it at the corporate suites (100 K and up for a suite) so I was treated with respect. that's not the issue here.
Bond...James Bond |
keithmagic Veteran user 375 Posts |
Well Al -
Maybe the NHL fans are not gentlemen to a magician trying to show them a card trick after paying $100+ per seat to see their beloved (insert your favorite team here). Hockey is a much faster paced game then baseball (no seventh inning stretch, almost constant play, etc..). Yes there are the breaks between periods, but those are often filled with exciting spectacles like RC blimps dropping prizes, and fans on the ice. It seems more a matter of you not understanding the game (and thereby your audience) as opposed to the "cave men" at hockey games. Don't forget - those fans are NOT THERE to see YOU. Keith P.S. - The only exception to the cave men comment would be anyone who would give good green money to go see a Mighty Ducks or Avalanche home game. But then again I am biased growing up in Detroit!
Author of "The Festival Entertainer" The Professional Entertainer's Guide to Booking and Working Outdoor Fairs, Festivals, and Events.
Available at http://www.howtobookfestivals.com |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Keith
Have you ever done walkaround magic at a NHL game? You are obviously a hockey fan and being compared to a cave man offended you. I didn't really intend to ruffel you feathers, so lighten up.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
SoCalPro Inner circle Southern California 1634 Posts |
Hi James,
I too am a BIG hockey fan and have been trying to get with our local team as well. Last year, I pitched the idea of magic to several top execs and was only able to land a Kids Club show in which I they set up a stage and I actually performed on the ice for about 800 fans. It went great!!!! I did pitch them on the idea of having me stroll around in the "Family Zone" on Sundays before the game but was told that he "didn't know what direction he wanted to take it". I them found out that they had a balloon twister working the grounds. I KNOW the fans would rather see my magic. I even customized several effects to go with the "Team theme". I did ask about performing in the suits and was told that they would have to consult their sponsors on that one. Nothing ever came of that. I plan on hitting them up again....SOON....to get ready next season. Good luck, and if you have any success please let me know so. Maybe we could exchange ideas. PS. What's the team name? You can tell me in a PM if you would like. JIM |
SoCalPro Inner circle Southern California 1634 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-07-24 16:40, Al Angello wrote: This would be extremely hard as the in between periods are only about 20 minutes each. That's just enough time to go potty and get a refill on your beer. JIM EDIT: Quote:
P.S. - The only exception to the cave men comment would be anyone who would give good green money to go see a Mighty Ducks or Avalanche home game. But then again I am biased growing up in Detroit! Ouch, ok... no PM needed. Ya....sorry about the whole Stanley Cup thing this year. You guys were SO close but my ANAHEIM DUCKS were just a little better. JIM |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Jim
I did it before the game, and between periods at the Philadelphia Flyers home opener two years ago. You are absolutely right I took a lot of elbow's in the ribs that night.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Why don't you look around for a corporate sponsor. I'm sure there are some companies that would like to create some good will with those in the 100K boxes and get their name in front of the corporate execs. You could try a financial services firm, or how about HR outsourcing firm? Or try to get a local radio station to co-sponsor you (although radio stations are very tight with their dollars). Think creatively and I'm sure you will come up with somebody who wants access to those corporate boxes. Then you will have no problem getting the dates, because you are a value added feature that doesn't cost the franchise anything out of pocket.
Jim |
Christopher Starr Inner circle Heart of America 1850 Posts |
As usual, Jim is on the fast track! I completely agree. If you can't get in through the front door, the try the side door.
Chris |
keithmagic Veteran user 375 Posts |
Actually Al,
I believe you mis-interpreted the true message of my post. Oh well. Keith
Author of "The Festival Entertainer" The Professional Entertainer's Guide to Booking and Working Outdoor Fairs, Festivals, and Events.
Available at http://www.howtobookfestivals.com |
keithmagic Veteran user 375 Posts |
And Jim...
Be careful there pal. I see you at a magic convention, you may just get "checked" into a dealer table ;-) Kiddin! Keith
Author of "The Festival Entertainer" The Professional Entertainer's Guide to Booking and Working Outdoor Fairs, Festivals, and Events.
Available at http://www.howtobookfestivals.com |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Peace brother.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
Everybody's getting lost in the "NHL: good or bad?" issue. Forget that.
If you want the gig ... really really rilly rilly WAAAAANT it ... you're going to go crazy and do something that will derail the deal. You can't push it, for all the reasons you have already enumerated. So forget "rilly rilly WANT it" and trust in fate (or God or Cthulhu or whatever) - and if you get it, be "rilly rilly GLAD", and if you don't get it I'll bet there will be a reason (you'll never find out, but I bet there'll be one) that you should be "rilly rilly GLAD" you didn't. Anyway, settle down. There are other gigs. |
SoCalPro Inner circle Southern California 1634 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-07-24 22:51, rossmacrae wrote: As the caveman says in that one commercial... " Uhhhhh...WHAT!!!?? |
Brady Loyal user Los Angeles, CA 235 Posts |
Bond,
After trying for three years, I think the word is...... Next! Regards. Brady |
rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
Bond said what I said, but more succinctly.
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jamesbond Loyal user 249 Posts |
I like your idea Jim the only question would be what would I have to offer them - what would be the real value- I could deliver and sell them on? I think leaving some pamflets wouldn't cut it, incorporating their logo etc. into a routine would be better, wearing a badge 'sponsored by...', maybe, but I don't think that I hit the "home run" yet... Any ideas?
Bond James Bond |
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