|
|
Go to page 1~2 [Next] | ||||||||||
K-Rod New user 12 Posts |
Hey guys,
I want to run a situation by you -- so I met with the GM of a local restaurant a couple weeks ago and pitched him the idea of adding in-house entertainment (I had pitched the idea in person, then came back and had a one-on-one meeting with him where I elaborated on what I could offer and showed him a quick set). He was very receptive and really dug the idea...just needed to run it by the Regional Manager, but would be in contact with me that next week (he would be out of town the week after) -- of course, I let him know that I was willing to do a free night so his guests could experience what I have to offer. Well, that week came and went, no call. His vacation came and went. I called immediately upon his return...he was busy and couldn't take my call. I called later that night when the hostess said it would be best, still too busy. I called twice on Saturday, and even stopped in on Monday -- was still too busy to just come out and see me (mind you, all I'm trying to do is just set up the free night). Gave it a couple days. Called him today but he was out. What are your thoughts on this whole ordeal? Am I being TOO proactive? I don't want to pull back too far and give him the opportunity to forget about our meeting; but am I just too stubborn to read between the lines here? Should I just let it go and seek another venue? Remember, he seemed really into the idea -- am I wasting my time? Let me know your thoughts. |
|||||||||
Sammy J. Inner circle Castle Rock, Colorado 1786 Posts |
A lot of people hate to give bad news and hate confrontation. They just ignore the situation until it goes away.
It sounds to me like you are wasting your time persuing this. Sammy
Sammy J. Teague
|
|||||||||
Sir Richard Special user 650 Posts |
I used to sell insurance & there is always a certain type of person that hates to say "NO" to anyone, so they act very interested but put you off with a "I want to think about it,: or, I need to discuss this with my doctor, lawyer, friend, local wino, whatever. Once you're out of sight they never again meet you to discuss things as there is always something going on, or so it seems. I would check out his competition, & when talking to them let them know that this person is considering hiring you, after all, he didn't say no, did he? Then I would explain to that person that I'm giving the opportunity to hire my exclusive services on a "1st come, 1st served" basis to the 1st buisness that says "yes." If this GM gives you the same run-around, send a note to the 1st GM explaining that you've given him more than enough time to decide, and to be fair, you're approaching other "like establishments" with the same offer on a "1st come" basis & you're giving him one last chance. If you don't hear from him in, say 48 hours, you'll consider that a "NO" & move on. Then stick to your guns & do what you said you would do. By holding you up this guy might be trying to keep you from helping his competition.
Sir Richard.
"In the land of Murphy there is but ONE law!"
|
|||||||||
pearljamjeff Inner circle Ann Arbor 1247 Posts |
Find his email address. Ask to be informed of the status of your offer to demonstrate services. Explain that you are pursuing other opportunities but would like to give preference to his establishment. Be short and moderately curt. Start looking for other opportunities, and don't take anything personally.
Jeff Travilla - I own an advertising agency to help finance my magic addiction.
|
|||||||||
K-Rod New user 12 Posts |
Thanks for everything so far.
I sent him an email earlier this afternoon restating my interest in offering him a free night. We'll see if anything comes of it. |
|||||||||
Dreadnought Special user Athens, Georgia 836 Posts |
I recently ran into that same problem. I think I scared the guy off. He wanted to know what I could offer. I anticipated that question as I have been asked it before so I did some home work and when he asked the question I gave him a hot reading. He just looked stunned. That was a month ago.
Peace.
Peace
"Ave Maria gratia plena Dominus tecum..." Scott Would you do anything for the person you love? |
|||||||||
jimhlou Inner circle 3698 Posts |
Move on .... Find someone that's excited about talking with you. Just keep plugging.
Jim |
|||||||||
Futureal Inner circle 1695 Posts |
Work the place across the street.
|
|||||||||
K-Rod New user 12 Posts |
LOL! Unfortunately, the place across the street already has a magician!
AND a balloon artist...AND a face painter! |
|||||||||
David French Veteran user 374 Posts |
For what it is worth, this is VERY typical. I have very rerely if ever gotten a GM to call me back. You just have to pursue and continue to be persistant until you get a firm answer.
Keep working at it. David |
|||||||||
DrMagicMike New user 21 Posts |
Remember... "You are an actor playing the part of a salesman"... (did I just say that?)
Truly though, anyone in business for themselves IS a salesman and I believe we should work almost as hard on our sales and marketing as we do on our skills. I agree with David and others... it is fairly typical. That being said I would stop in and simply shake his hand and say, "Hey, did anything ever come of our conversation a couple of weeks ago or is it not going to fly?"... or some variation of that. This way you should get a definate answer, you're giving him an easy way out... and who knows, he may just say "yes" and surprise you. One way or the other you can move on and find the next gig. Good luck. |
|||||||||
Bill Palmer Eternal Order Only Jonathan Townsend has more than 24312 Posts |
You will be more successful at booking yourself if you pitch to several different venues. If you pitch to just one venue, you are limiting your scope.
He doesn't want you.
"The Swatter"
Founder of CODBAMMC My Chickasaw name is "Throws Money at Cups." www.cupsandballsmuseum.com |
|||||||||
pearljamjeff Inner circle Ann Arbor 1247 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-10-11 20:32, Bill Palmer wrote: The most difficult part about rejection is learning to brush it off. It's not personal, and the more times you hear "no" the easier it gets.
Jeff Travilla - I own an advertising agency to help finance my magic addiction.
|
|||||||||
dilan_thomas Regular user 101 Posts |
I agree with Mr. Palmer. If you are looking to work a lot then keep several "leads" active at the same time. Sales in the end is always a numbers game. The ones who are good at it just have to contact less people to "close" the same amount of business. Since I only work part time on magic I don't really have to be agressive. Seeing how I earn my living selling I am an expert in that area. When my sales job slowed it was really easy to book shows. Sales is sales is sales.
You might want to get a few books on sales. It will really help you out in the long run. I can't recommend doing this enough. Remember that people aren't rejecting you or your magic. They are rejecting magic in their restaraunt as a business decision. It really is completely different. I think it is much harder for an artist to understand this than say a vaccum cleaner sales guy. The both sting a little at first though. |
|||||||||
slyhand Inner circle Good ole Virginia 1908 Posts |
I don't stop until they say no. This last one I have I went back 5 times and emailed twice. I am there 2 nights a week now.
But don't let that stop you from trying other places.
I am getting so tired of slitting the throats of people who say that I am a violent psychopath.
Alec |
|||||||||
tabman Inner circle USA 5946 Posts |
Right. You cant take it personally. Just be a good guy and things will all work out.
-=tab
...Your professional woodworking and "tender" loving care in the products you make, make the wait worthwhile. Thanks for all you do...
http://Sefalaljia.com |
|||||||||
absoulute New user Birmingham, AL 66 Posts |
Call him and threaten to NEVER eat there again. Tell him he will be losing literally tens of dollars if that ever comes to pass.
But seriously, I would persue other venues.
Since we can never hope to understand why we are here, if there's anything to understand, the individual should choose a goal and pursue it wholeheartedly, despite the certainty of death and the meaninglessness of action. - Martin Heidegger
|
|||||||||
K-Rod New user 12 Posts |
Thanks guys for all the insight.
Not to worry, taking this personally is really the last thing on my agenda -- I've been performing restaurant magic for the past 10 years, but just recently moved to a new state; so I guess you can say I'm starting from scratch. I have also been pitching myself to a bunch of different venues (surprisingly enough, a lot of them already have someone!). It's not the end of the world if I don't get this gig, I just happened to be pursuing it cause this particular establishment is very close to where I live. I had another gig lined up as a definite (was due to start this past Wednesday), but the VP made budget cuts and took out their entire entertainment budget -- but I guess there's light at the end of the tunnel in that the GM told me to be sure to all at the end of December to see if anything improves to start after the new year (this guy is the complete opposite of the fellow in question...I can tell he actually WANTS to work with me -- I guess it's just kind of a shock when the GM in question seemed to gung-ho about the idea to begin with). Thanks again! |
|||||||||
tabman Inner circle USA 5946 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-10-12 09:01, K-Rod wrote: -- I guess it's just kind of a shock when the GM in question seemed to gung-ho about the idea to begin with). Maybe there's an accountant or money man in the middle??? If you're really curious about knowing just go there and eat and ask to have the manager sent over to your table and ask then. Hard to argue with a paying customer. Maybe you'll get the truth or even the job. -=tabman
...Your professional woodworking and "tender" loving care in the products you make, make the wait worthwhile. Thanks for all you do...
http://Sefalaljia.com |
|||||||||
Tim Dowd Special user ...Making the Magic Happen! 942 Posts |
In the GIG by Nathan Kranzo he discusses how to get restaurant gigs and stays away from corporate chains recommends privately owned restaurants... lot more stuff in there too...
http://kranzomagic.myshopify.com/products/the-gig
Timothy Dowd
...Making the Magic Happen! http://www.timothydowd.com These are my points of view; I accept no responsibility for your interpretation of what I just said... |
|||||||||
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Table hoppers & party strollers » » GM not returning calls (0 Likes) | ||||||||||
Go to page 1~2 [Next] |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.03 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |