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impossible man Elite user 403 Posts |
I've restarted my magic career, and would like to build some interest without a lot of expense. I would mainly like to do kids' shows. My first plan is to give away shows to the neighbors (once). I'm looking for any other suggestions.
Thanks! Dean |
drhackenbush Special user 686 Posts |
Dean, you might consider doing some free shows for your local libraries or preschools and have your business cards or brochures with you. Perhaps offering to do one or two shows a month to start with, this will get you out and into the public consciousness, and invariably people will ask if you entertain at birthday parties or schools, to which you can say "Yes". Then you can decide if you want to rely on word of mouth or take out an ad somewhere. Building up a presence at venues like the schools and libraries might give you more good exposure than you might get just doing shows for neighbors (not that that doesn't help, but the other venues can really broaden your potential customer/audience base).
There are several books on this sort of thing, some more about the marketing side and some about the shows themselves which can be useful, but nothing gets you where you want to be faster than just getting out there and letting people know you exist. I don't mean you need to do hundreds of free shows, just perhaps a few every month can get you noticed. (In terms of the possible benefits of doing a free community program or two, I just got two front page features in two local newspapers because of my library programs, and I'd venture a guess that playing those free shows at the library got me around $2,000.00 or $3,000.00 -at least - worth of free full-page publicity.) During the week, I have on going weekly and monthly residencies with a number of preschools, and on the weekends I do birthday parties for ages one to five. I was laid off a year and a half ago. (I'd previously been doing the entertaining for a bookstore chain, doing storytimes and visiting schools under the auspices of the store, so I was building a potential customer base then, while earning a steady manager's salary.) Once I was laid off (with 100 of my colleagues in the events dept.) I started talking to the schools I'd worked with before, and called the libraries and took it from there. Once people know who you are and what you do, it's just a matter of making sure they know how to reach you so you can do what you do for them. In fact, treat each show you do as an advertisement for your services. Best of luck, and hope this helps a little. Charley |
NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Hi,
When doing free shows, try and line up three or four short shows (20 minutes or so) in a morning. That way the demands on your time are not that great but you still have the impact. Also, make sure all of the classes in a preschool are there so you have maximum effort. Also, before the show (a week or two) send in a bunch of home made colouring sheets and have a competition where the best sheet wins a magic kit (or whatever). That way, all the kids have a full colour brouchure that they take home with them. |
Steve Hart Veteran user Cocoa, FL 388 Posts |
Dean,
Free shows are OK if it gives you the exposure you want. But be careful. It won't be long before everyone wants you for a free show. I have had a very successful career in magic by using what is called "Position Marketing". This is a method of getting paid while promoting yourself at the same time. It is a marketing strategy that will give you what you want. You can find books in the libraries on this subject or you can find some information on my site about "Position Marketing" for magicians. Look for my "Resources" button. Steve Hart Cape Canaveral, FL USA
www.SteveHartSpeaks.com
www.magic2motivate.com "Motivational Magicians are some of the highest paid magicians, find out why?" |
drhackenbush Special user 686 Posts |
I've never had people inundate me for free shows because I did some. They helped me build what has become a full-time career as a self-employed entertainer. I do understand that one doesn't want to indiscriminately do free shows for everyone, but I still don't see that they'll hurt. Again, this is only my own personal observation. I just got a call from a school I visited a couple of years ago for free, and they were more than happy to agree to pay me when I told them my new fee (several hundred dollars) in fact, they assumed I was going to charge them for my services.
If done with some discretion, free shows can only help. I know people will totally disagree with me on this point, but in almost 10 years of doing it (I know many people have twice as much time as I as an entertainer) I've never found doing free shows to get me anything but more paid shows to the tune of thousands of dollars, and many on going multi-year paid residencies. If you don't get out there, an ad might get you in a few doors, but no one will know who you are and any business you get will be more through the luck of percentages. (Out of 100 people seeing your ad, you might get a few gigs. This is a slow way to build an audience/client base.) I know I can count on several thousand families to attend my libaray and bookstore programs several times a month, and this has allowed me to be booked up for birthdays and other paid gigs 3 or 4 months in advance. If Children's Hospital calls, I'll probably do a free program for them. If an affluent club calls and asks for a free show and tells me I'll get good exposure, the answer is "No". Maybe I've been lucky, but I have yet to see free shows, scheduled with some thought, do anything but help. A bit of a rant, and feel free to disagree— I am only an expert at what works for ME, not anyone else. And in the scheme of things, my opinion is worth what you paid to read it— nothing. But I do feel strongly about this issue. Thanks for listening. |
impossible man Elite user 403 Posts |
Okay, guys. I think a picture is emerging. My usual plan is to do the gratis shows for a close personal friend, with the agreement that if anybody asks, they don't mention they got the show free, they just say I normally get $X for that type of show. Taking your points together, including material at Steve's website: 1. A free show is a good idea where it will be appreciated (library, hospital) but 2. Don't be a doormat.
I have also noticed that within reason, a slightly above average price tends to convey quality (if you can back it up with some really good impromptu samples). Thanks! |
drhackenbush Special user 686 Posts |
Dean, have fun and much success!
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
I re-entered the magic market about 6 years ago.
Here are a few of my nearly normal ideas.
This gives me access to postings as well as a link for automatic press releases to other theatre groups and news media, print, radio... I use it, i.e. to advertise a mini lecture I did last night for our SAM group, advertise upcoming public shows. Our local link is http://www.kcstage.com Perhaps you have a similar possiblity with theatrical organizations. For more details write me at http://broncos.leesummit.k12.mo.us I can't get into the Café from work, it is blocked. Harris
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
impossible man Elite user 403 Posts |
Well, theatre. I have been the set designer/builder for three years at a nearby high school where my wife has been the drama director. The students always demanded magic shows at the cast parties. The mothers pointed out that PTAs have plenty of money to spend on entertainment. Also got some theatre training in college and grad school, and I keep volunteering to help or run church drama groups. Love the linking idea.
Love the newsletter idea, too. I have done some sales training, and I am thinking of building a magic enhanced sales seminar. Like your website, although the strait-jacket escape picture looks like me at my day job! I built a good website for a school drama program, sponsored by me— http://www.impossibleman.net. I am also using my new book Magic 101 in conversation as an excuse to mention to people that I am in the magic business. I am also working on a new style of show that would blend theatre, mystery and audience participation. Thanks for the outline of the price structures, I like your style of introducing yourself to the community. Thanks again! Dean |
paraguppie Elite user Forsyth Montana! 411 Posts |
Hi guys,
Great topic. I want to share what has happened with my "free show" gigs. I have done a few. Most have been great with the exception of one. They did not thank me, they did not help promote me, and here is the kicker... they keep calling me over and over and over... you get the point. They want me every month for another "free" show. So, just be careful. I finally put my foot down and said "no thank you" as tactfully as possible. I would continue (and I plan on) doing more free shows, just be selective and make sure that you come out on top. Best of luck, Keith
Check me out at www.magickeith.com
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impossible man Elite user 403 Posts |
Wow! Free show EVERY MONTH! Yeah, I pretty much limit free shows to people who will tell their friends what I cost, not what I charged them.
I've got the same thing going on with my book. A few copies out to people who are interested in magic, but only if I get some feedback and quotes I can use in promotion. By the way— I love the photo, Paraguppie! Thanks |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Dean,
Before you dive into giving away shows, be clear about what market you are trying to reach. It sounds as though you may be working on a theatrical production suitable for small stages. If that is true, perhaps you should try doing a fundraising show for your wife's drama department. Put your show on with their help and split the box office proceeds. I just did a fundraiser for my daughter's school and we raised nearly $2,000.00 with a magic show/ice cream social night. Be sure to promote the show by getting free press coverage. A lot of people will hear about you and your phone will start ringing. |
Victor Brisbin Elite user Washington, DC / NOVA 432 Posts |
A former mentor of mine once said, "If you need something, give it away." The quote was in reference to shows. Unfortunately, Mr. Mentor (we'll call him "Uncle Chuckles") took his own notion a little too far, and is currently residing behind the walls of The Big House.
The original thought was valid, however, and if you use a "comped" show as an opportunity to market your act, it will kickstart the bookings. Freebies, goodies, handouts, giveaways, posters at the show, business cards to parents/potential bookers: every item should have your name and contact information on them. Any out-of-pocket costs should be minimal, and of course are treated as marketing expenses. Word of mouth is still one of the strongest marketing strategies. Also, each time you give your business cards out, let people know about your referral system. They refer you, and they receive X amount as a referral fee, or gift certificates for dinner, etc. These are just a couple of tested recommendations to get the $$ rolling. If you've got a good act, your first round will lead to repeat business and more referrals. Best wishes, VB
"It is better to practice a little than talk a lot." - Muso Kokushi
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cupsandballsmagic Inner circle 2705 Posts |
On the subject of free shows...
After a radio interview where I was challenged to re-create the Houdini aerial strait-jacket escape (funny how the presenter thought to surprise me with that one live on air, I was asked by so many charities to perform it for free. I did in fact perform it once for free but the phone calls, negotiations and hassle of getting the crane company to donate the crane for the day, etc. were a nightmare. Another thing I have noticed is that whenever I perform for a charity event I am not respected by the "booker" anymore. On the other side of the coin, when I work corporate events and charge well, I am treated like royalty (as a rule), so beware that working for free can devalue you also. Someone already mentioned an important point too, if you do work for no fee, don't, under any circumstances, allow the person who booked you to tell anyone it was gratis. Another point, at least make sure that you get a letter of recommendation. You've earned it! |
NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
That is a good point. Always get _something_ for every show you do. You want to make sure people VALUE what you do even if they are not paying for it.
A letter of recommendation. A free ad in a newsletter. Whatever? Incidentally, I now only do free shows or full fee shows. I don't do major discounts or accept symbolic payment for gigs. I have found that if you perform for free people recognize you are worth something and are being generous but if they give you a minor amount like $50.00 then they think you are only worth $50.00 Does that make sense? |
impossible man Elite user 403 Posts |
Yeah it does make sense, and I almost forgot. I also meant to raise my prices a little from last year's sheet. The first time I decided to raise my prices (about 20 years ago) no one knew I was making a change. But the extra confidence I gained, taking myself from one (very low) price bracket to the next (low) bracket must have given me confidence. I started getting jobs whenever I talked about shows, even to strangers!
Incidentally, I saw the neighbors I mentioned outside the other day, with some company. They told me that they had just finished a birthday party. It happened while I was at work, and I hadn't mentioned the show to them in a while, so I'm off the hook for that freebie anyway. I've got a five-month old son (my first) so maybe a little time off isn't bad right now anyway. These are all great comments by the way. |
cupsandballsmagic Inner circle 2705 Posts |
Excellent point Nicholas.
I guess it's all about branding, perceived value and exceeding customers expectations. By the way, there's nothing wrong in giving someone an example letter of recommendation, you know, realising how busy they might be etc. |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Another great topic. Nice to see so many great ideas.
I have used a target marketing program that has really worked well in getting my name out and getting good response back in the way of actual paying gigs. I will discuss the basic idea behind what I do in hopes that maybe others have tried it or may give it a try themselves. It does take a little bit of time early on to get the system set up, but it is well worth the effort you put into it. It is a method of target marketing. You first decide who you are trying to market to and what types of shows you hope to land from this marketing. In my example, I was trying to sell my larger, small illusion show as opposed to my b-day party show. My belief was that this larger show could generate more income for me and is different from the shows I had been performing. With this idea in mind I began to research just who would want this type of family, small scale illusion style show and what venues could it really play for. By thinking about this and researching it, I came up with my Target Audience. I realized that fairs, carnivals and festivals would be perfect for this type of show. My show could be performed surrounded, family crowds come to fairs all the time and I have more room to perform the larger effects I wanted to do. So, now that I had my target audience figured out, the next step is to research and create a database of potential contacts. For me it was looking in the phone book, online for festival sites, fairs in my area and also chambers of commerce listings. Anything that would give me addresses and listings for contacts. These are then filed in a binder or an online database and becomes my central source for leads. I then set up my promotional materials (folder with postcards, flyers and information) as well as a lead generation letter. This letter introduces who I am and what services I have to offer them and why I am different then what they may currently be using. It is not long and limited to one sheet of paper. It simply gets their attention in hopes to look at the rest of my kit. Often a simple phone call to a listing in your leads database will get you a direct contact or booking person's name. You do not want to sell to them over the phone. All you simply do is state that you are a performer and would like to know if you could send information to them at no charge for consideration for use in some of their events in the future. This is simple enough and does not come across harsh to them. Often times they are very pleased to get your information, as most contacts and people booking these events do not have the first clue as to where and how to locate talent and the services that you offer. Once you get your direct contact information, it is easy to get the promo kit out in the mail to them for only the cost of a few stamps. You then keep a log of what you mailed out and when you mailed it to them. Wait a month or two and then follow up your promo packet with a simple follow up letter stating that you hope they have received it and hope it has answered questions that they may have. This keeps you fresh in their minds. Keeping detailed records is key to making all this work for you. This sounds like a lot in order to target market, but once it is set up, it becomes a very easy system to maintain. Trust me when I say it really does work well. You will certainly see results if you keep with it and constantly learn to keep your eyes open for new potantial leads. I did this over the past winter months and landed 5 large fair gigs from only a small mailing of about 35. Well, I hope this is helpful to some of you and gives you ideas on how you can target market for your own shows. I look forward to anyones comments and ideas. I can be reached directly at magic4u02@aol.com. Thanks
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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