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magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
Hello,
I've been performing for children and family audiences full-time for about 10 years. I still love it and get a real kick out of it. During that time I've taken on the odd adult gig and feel I am a competent walk-around guy. I really wanted to put a stage act for adults together so for the last couple of years have been working hard on refining my adult stage material. Playing lots of comedy clubs etc so I know I have a very tight comedy magic act that plays exceptionally well and feel I am ready to market this. I've thrown up a makeshift adult section on my site for the time being but would like to know a few things from the experienced. From which I've done a few grown up parties that went well. What are the best markets to approach with an adult act? What are the best ways of entering this new market quickly and successfully? Thanks in advance for any pointers you can give. george |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
George
I have a Rick Astley video that will answer all of your questions. (inside joke) LOL
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Benji Bruce Special user 930 Posts |
Quote:
There are many markets you can choose from. Of course the number one market is the corporate market. There is also the college market which is great because despite a bad economy you will always make money since colleges have to spend x amount on entertainment. And there is the celebrity market where you perform for celebs. For corporate, you need to perform for associations For colleges, you need to go to a NACA showcase For celebs, you need to have good networks. There are plenty of ways you can perform for adults. If you want to check out my blog: http://www.paidtoperform.blogspot.com then you can watch all the videos I've posted so far about how to book private parties, corporate events, etc. Your goal should be to create a business that attracts customers rather than you having the chase them. |
magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
Thanks Benji, I'll check out that blog now.
I forgot to mention, I am based in the UK is the university market as good over here? I also live in Northern Ireland. We have 3 celebrities. Not really proper ones at that, the proper ones left... "Your goal should be to create a business that attracts customers rather than you having the chase them." I can definitely relate to that as that's how the children's side of my business now works. With the new act I just need some kind of big boost to start it off. George |
magicgeorge Inner circle Belfast 4299 Posts |
I've just been watching Benji's videos and they seem to be full of common sense and real world advice. Thanks for putting those up.
I think I need to determine what market my act will work for. It's high on originality and comedy but more quirky than smooth. I know it works for comedy clubs and also for adult parties (40ths and 21sts etc). I assume it would work well for students as well. I think the problem with adult parties is that hiring a magician is quite an off-the-wall idea so I'd have to sell people the concept not just my services. I'm a good MC aswell, who needs good MCs? Thanks again, George |
Rich B. Special user Philadelphia 632 Posts |
Hi Benji. Nice blog,great info and thanks for sharing.
But I have to say one thing. I only know Joel Bauer from other entertainer's high praise for him and of course his huge success in marketing. That "testimonial" from Joel was waaaaaaaaaaaaaay over the top. I'm from South Philly and I'm not buying it. If I was viewing that testimonial for hiring you, I would be skipping right over because it comes off as insincere. Maybe its me. Also, it must work because Joel Bauer and you are doing with success. But the "hotel crashing" does rub me the wrong way. I can tell you for sure, that if someone "crashes" an event that I'm putting on, I'm throwing him by his ear. Maybe because I'm from South Philly...I don't know. Again, I have no experience in trying this out, so it may be the greatest thing since sliced bread...I just don't see myself using that technique. Don't take this the wrong way as I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experience. Rich B. |
Mentalist Sam Regular user 173 Posts |
Jeez, just what the magic community needed - another "marketing expert".
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Benji Bruce Special user 930 Posts |
George, marketing is common sense. Its just a matter of choosing the right techniques and implementing them. I created the blog for people on penguinmagic because I saw a lot of them have no clue as to how to book gigs or what to do after they book them.
I highly doubt anyone on the penguin forums knew about DMCs or how to book a gig so it is there for people who want to know. Very few use video testimonials or have a good demo. And it would be easier to sell people on the idea of having something "different" at their private party rather than selling them on having a magician. Hotel crashing isn't aggressive and I'm not even close to as aggressive as Joel. If someone wants to get mad then it wouldn't bother me either. No shame in my game Crashing hotels is exactly how I got hooked up with the regional director of the Hilton. I think people got the wrong impression of it because Joel Bauer is known for it and he is extremely aggressive (I'm the exact opposite although I would love to go up to a trade show booth and tell them it sucks just to watch their reaction ). There should be no difference between crashing a hotel and performing for a waiter at a restaurant plant the seed of asking the general manager if you can work there. |
Tim Zager Loyal user Kansas City 222 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-04-26 15:10, Mentalist Sam wrote: I prefer to call him a "worker". I'll gladly take advice from someone who actually practices what they preach! Benji knows what he's talking about. I've spent far too much money on the "armchair" marketer's programs that aren't worth the paper they're printed on. |
MagicJim Regular user 151 Posts |
Benji...
great blog! just visited it. You present yourself well and you offer good thoughts. Thanks! |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Benji
Please dump that video on the agencies before everyone does it. George Hamilton tells how he rented an expensive car and parked it where the agent could see it, then he told the agent he was very busy - pointed to the car - and said "would I be driving that car if I wasn't any good?" Naturally the agent watch him get in the car and drive away. It worked for him. Another group stood on a set of steps like they were coming off an airplane with the caption 'Direct from New York, in the newspaper ad. On and on. I have dozens of other stories. But these things should best be kept to better workers....... don't you agree? Otherwisw the bext time you try something they'll know what you're up to and call each other to put you on their S list.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Benji Bruce Special user 930 Posts |
Jay the only reason I posted it was because I know 99% of performers won't do it and the other 1% won't think of other ideas like the ones you listed
And thanks MagicJim |
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