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drosenbe0813 Elite user Long Island, NY 405 Posts |
I was let go from my day job of 18 years on Monday, so it looks, for now as if I am going to be supporting my family through magic. I already have been doing it parttime, making pretty good money, but it is very scary to think that I HAVE to get the jobs.
I've already contacted a couple of party agencies, saying that I'm more available and I'm going to start doing mailing and calls to day cares (which I've done a couple, so I have references) I'm pretty familiar with all the marketing ideas, but some encouragement would be appreciated. Thanks guys (and gals) David |
deadcatbounce Special user the Wilds of Ireland 863 Posts |
Nothing quite like having no regular income to get the ideas going, is what I say..
Fortunately, in your part-time magic, you have a bit of a safety net. All you have to do now, is correctly utilise that 40 hours or so a week you don't have to work, plus the time you spent getting there. Imagine that! Over 40 hours a week, to build on the foundation you already have.. Most people would cut off their right arm for an opportunity like that! Especially if they were ambidextrous. :) Good luck with your venture... DCB
"With every mistake - we must surely be learning..." George Harrison.
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
The most positive and productive changes in my life came while I was standing on the edge, longing for new goals and adventures - but, I was afraid to step off and push forward. Those who gracelessly kicked me off that edge and into the unknown forced me to act. I am forever grateful to the soulless buffoons.
As DCB said, put this new found time and energy to good use. Push your doubts aside and hit the pavement. Find a reliable and forceful coach to keep you motivated and on track. I have no doubt that you'll find yourself wondering why you waited so long! May Good Fortune be yours!
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
Being that 90% of your bookings often come from people that saw you perform at another show, make sure you optimize your opportunities to market yourself at those shows (business cards, giveaways, name visibility, etc.). Learn all you can about marketing but don’t forget to continually improve you performance. Word of mouth is the best form of marketing and the most economical.
Best of luck to you!
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Get a website together and advertise in the Yellow Pages. Look for restaurants to perform strolling magic. Collect tips doing Street Busking as a safety net.
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Neale Bacon Inner circle Burnaby BC Canada 1775 Posts |
Networking is important too. Join a business networking group in your area.
I was a full time performer and went part time some 20 years ago when the kids came along. I just recently went back to the world of full time performing so I know how you feel. I have been doing mailouts to past customers as well as some new areas I am looking to move into. Today I am going to a networking event I go to every year for people in the travel and event planning business. Many of them are free, and you can get lots of leads.
Neale Bacon and his Crazy Critters
Burnaby BC Canada's Favourite Family Ventriloquist www.baconandfriends.com |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Skip mentioned seeking a coach. Great advice.
Another thing that might help, is to find an accountability partner, who will keep your motivated and on track. Someone who will help you manage your time. Write down your goals, and share them only with those you trust, who can help keep you accountable. Create a life that's on purpose, and going where you want it to go. Proactive instead of reactive. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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drosenbe0813 Elite user Long Island, NY 405 Posts |
Thanks to everyone for their great advice...My wife has been my biggest supporter so far, assuring me that we will make it.
I will make sure to keep you posted on my progress...it's only been 2 days.... David |
Neale Bacon Inner circle Burnaby BC Canada 1775 Posts |
My wife has always been my biggest supporter too. Makes all the difference to me.
Neale Bacon and his Crazy Critters
Burnaby BC Canada's Favourite Family Ventriloquist www.baconandfriends.com |
devlinn Regular user Orangeville, ON 118 Posts |
Be as versatile as possible. I mention this because I've known too many guys who pigeon-holed themselves, "Oh sorry, I only do kid shows, maybe Larry can help you, here is his number"...
Adapt your favorite routines to meet the goals of the clients (as best as possible). The Classics can be adapted to just about any situation...I guess that's why they are called classics...(Misers, C&R rope, Diebox, Rings, Cups, Egg Bag etc.) The answer is always "Sure I can help you with that" when a client calls and then scramble to figure out how... For example "Can you do a show about safety"? "Can you MC our next Fall Fair"? "Do you know anyone who can do a science show"? Focus is nice, feeding your family is mandatory... PS. Get a good accountant... It's not what you earn, it what you keep!!! |
magicone Veteran user Doylestown, PA 351 Posts |
David,
I'm waiting for that day also, some times wanting it more than not! My only concern would be health insurance but if your able to make the $$$ you can just as well buy your own. Nice website and client list, I'm sure you'll do fine. Best wishes, David |
Neale Bacon Inner circle Burnaby BC Canada 1775 Posts |
Devlinn - I agree up to a point but I will not take gigs that are not "me" as I will not be at my best and could effect future work. If it is something (or a group) a really don't do, I have no problems passing it along.
That being said, I am still pretty open to a lot of types of shows.
Neale Bacon and his Crazy Critters
Burnaby BC Canada's Favourite Family Ventriloquist www.baconandfriends.com |
Kevin Mc Lean New user Kevin Mc Lean 57 Posts |
Hi David,
I was placed in a similar position to you three years ago. It was awkward and I did the usual weekend gigs and like you sent letters to daycare centres (I even toured 400km North and South of where I live) and I busked and pitched balloons in markets as well. It was difficult, but now I am of the belief that it happened for a reason. I eventually got in with a reasonable booking agency, became known to local corporations etc. and today my life is better than it was. My family know me (I was a workaholic before), I have a lot less stress and I'm doing something I'm passionate about and probably paid about the same for a lot less work. I wish you the very best of luck. Certainly, I found the first year rough, but my family was happy to have me around more and I got to do things like see the kids at sports carnivals, pick them up from school, etc. Don't let yourself be ground down, just do your best and keep positive. I'm sure you'll land on your feet. Remember, you are rich if you have your health, are taking care of yourself and your family, have enough cash for your needs and a few of your wants, and are doing something that you are passionate about. I was well off before, but I'm rich now... Best Wishes, Kevin Mc Lean. |
Neale Bacon Inner circle Burnaby BC Canada 1775 Posts |
By recently going full time, it has opened up markets I couldn't do when working Monday to Friday like preschools etc.
Do some research and start doing mailouts to preschools or other gigs that you can do midweek to fill out the calendar.
Neale Bacon and his Crazy Critters
Burnaby BC Canada's Favourite Family Ventriloquist www.baconandfriends.com |
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