Sitting in car, brousing, and curious why my original post, posted again by itself? I didn't write the same thing. It just came up again. Oh well

Whoa, I'm not kidding, I promise with every inkling of me, I'm not writing same thing. Why is it doing that?

That would work if the various cultures in this area would be on time. It's not uncommon for someone to walk in the door, two hours late, and they're still wrapping the gift.

Funny, that happened to me for the first time ever, today. A kid arrived at the party 90 minutes late, and her friend was telling her all about the show she'd just missed. I asked her why she'd been so late, and her reply: "We had to go and buy a birthday present for (the birthday child)".

Now, that's a first....miss the party, because you're busy buying a present for it?

I was almost late for my show this weekend. Ive only been late twice in 14 years. London's major ring road, the M25 was shut, just at the bit I needed to use. I gave myself 2 hours to do a 50 minute drive and just got to the show on time. It did mean me rushing my set up and not being able to make a start on the balloons. I had to make them all in the tea break, so they were a rush job, but the job got done

Sometimes, as many others can testify, rushed-shows are great because you have extra adrenalin coursing through your veins.

At least, with cell phones you can stay in touch. I remember when there were no cell phones and several times, people moved the party over to a park & there were no notes outside the empty house.

Starting late becuase of the client - rarely happens.
I provide full color birthday invitations to my clients to send to their guest. this does 2 things for me.
one- branding- every kid and parent see my face my name and website on the invitation
two- builds excitement.
not just a party with a magician. I have a name!!
I also ask the party parents to make sure they tell the guest that the show needs to start on time as I am very busy and most times have several shows in the same day.

I also educate my clients to plan the party for say 1pm and my show for 1:30 pm this gives every one a 30 minute buffer.

on rare occasions if something very unexpected happened and they ask if I can wait 5-10 minutes that is no problem. I build in extra time to cover my butt.
some times I will do some walk around other times I just throw on some fun dance music and let the kids go nuts.
helps me drain some of the energy before the show.

I think the bigger issue here is that you as the magician - the entertainer need to control the situation. you need to educate your client and help them realize that your not just there for the fun of it. this is your job and you might have several other jobs that day. you cant just sit around.

but its important that YOU are not late. although that happens some times. traffic accident held you up or house was not easy to find etc etc.
but if you do school shows. don't BE LATE.

have fun what ever you do

sam

Gerry

Send me a PM

One of my best shows got stated late
due to poor directions.I was nervous
being late and hurried setup trying
to make up time.And amazingly enough
The show went well without a hitch.
Todd