|
|
MAGICBYTIM Special user Louisiana 531 Posts |
I have just moved to a new area and I have two shows that I am doing for the main purpose of handing out cards. I am getting a fee but it is understood that I am performing at a reduced fee with the return that I can advertise. I am having a sign made to post on the front of my table while I do my stage show but I am also doing an hour of walk-around before each show.
I would like to have a good way of giving business cards out without having to cram them down people's throat. I only have a few days to practice anything new. I do not normally hand out cards during walk-around unless someone asks, then I just hand them the card. Since I am doing these show for a reduced fee I now need a way to produce the card. I am primarily a children and family magician if that makes any difference. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Tim |
Andy Wonder Special user Auckland, New Zealand 747 Posts |
Why just give out business cards? Give out fun things with your contact info.
Also try collecting their info. Maybe have a sign up form to get their details so you can send them time appropriate birthday reminders. They could then go in the draw for a prize by signing up.
Andy Wonder, Auckland, New Zealand
|
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
A great thing to do is create a raffle to win a fee show or to win a magic set. Your initial investment is very low, but what you can gain from it is wonderful.
What you do is this: - Create a box and a bunch of small simple forms. - Place the kit near the box so people know what they are winning. - Make a sign that explains the simple raffle and be sure that they know it is 100% FREE to enter. - The forms have their name, address, phone number, birth date and adult's e-mail. - Let them know that the drawing will take place following the stage performance and they must be resent to win. This does several things for you: - You get a huge listing of potential client contact information and e-mails form which to do some great direct marketing following your performance. - Because you’re doing the drawing at the end of your show, you are causing people to come out and see your performance and filling up more seats. - Giving the child a magic kit after the show is a great lead in for after-show sales of other products you may want to sell or hand out. - Giving the kid the kit is a great publicity shot for your promotional materials as well as your website. Try it. It really works and is simple and cheap to do. As Andy said, you can hand out some other fun things that they are more inclined to keep. - Business card magnets get placed on the fridge. - Coloring flyers get colored and shown around. - Magician assistant certificates get framed. There are many more great ideas you can do and I am sure others will chime in with their thoughts. I hope this is helpful for you. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Jim Tighe Veteran user West Virginia 363 Posts |
I use a small piece of double-stick tape to attach small candy (usually small gummy bear bags) to my card. I give them out to all kids in attendance (if it is a birthday show). I then shamefully use the line about putting it under your pillow.
I know I'm probably breaking the cardinal rules of some performers by doing this but it works for me and I have never seen any harm done personally. |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
It is nice to be able to give the kids a gift. I just would not give the kids candy at a show. They get so much of that already and the sugar kicks created could be a problem unless given after the show is over. Plus, I am not so sure that some parents would appreciate their kids getting more sweets. Just my personal opinion is all.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Hi Tim,
I like Andy's idea about giving something away with your promo information on it. How about a coloring picture with a caricature of yourself with your name and contact info on the bottom? When I give these out at fairs I don't have to approach people generally, as the kids all seem to want one. They'll remain on the fridge for a long time, as parents like to keep this sort of thing. I also like the suggestion about perhaps doing an effect with a business card so as you not just handing them out. Have something they can remember you by. Inexpensive giveaways work well too; fridge magnets, balloons, stickers with your name and contact number. Good luck whatever you decide to do. Chrystal |
DarryltheWizard Loyal user 238 Posts |
After my birthday show is over, I give each child a rope and teach them a couple of simple effects like the self-tying knot, etc. Before I leave, I give each child a punched business card, not punched where the phone number is and the kids thread them onto the rope and they wear them over their necks when they leave.
Darryl the Wise Wizard. Many a repeat show was realized when the parent phoned and said her child was driving her crazy with the rope effects I taught to them. Try it, for it's a moneymaking, show getting idea!
DarryltheWizard
"Life without mystery is like a candle with a snuffed out flame." Albert Einstein |
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
This morning my wife and I ate at a restaurant that has coloring pages for place mats.
I think it has been posted about the idea of a coloring advertising. My wife suggested asking my son in law who did the web page and sweatshirts to do a couple of sheets with contact information. It may be added to the "branding" package for next year. Have a safe and Nearly Normal HOYC. Harris
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Harris:
Coloring pages work put really great. Being an artist, I have designed my own as well as design them for other magicians as well as clowns in my area. The kids love to get them and color them in. The parent then wants to display the child's art so it gets hung up on the fridge where your logo and contact information is in plain site. The cost is simple cause it is only the price if initially having them designed and then just the cost of the copies you need to make. I give them out at all my shows and also use them for my fairs. At the fairs I also get them to have a coloring contest. Kids pick them up and color them and give them back to me before the show. At the end of the show, I give a small prize to the top 3. This way I get the kids and families to my shows and a great photo op from it as well. If anyone would like to talk more about these coloring pages etc. just simply PM me. I would be glad to help. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
El_Lamo Special user Canada 589 Posts |
Tim,
Peter Marucci wrote a column for linking ring about ways to utilize business cards. He is very generous in sharing the column. (I am surprised he hasn't seen this thread, yet.) If you email him… showtimecol@aol.com Cheers - El Lamo
Life is a system of circumstance presented coincidently in an illusory way.
|
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
El Lamo:
I will have to check out that article. I also wrote an article on cards as well as proper use and design for your logo. This should be good reading.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Cody S. Fisher V.I.P. Austin, Texas 1194 Posts |
A very quick and very easy give away is to make up a single page of free magic tricks on one side and all your show information on the other side.
The quickest way would be to use the ED Harris clip art CD which is available from Eric Paul. It has TONS of free magic tricks and hundreds of magic clip art images. Is the best way...who knows...it is very quick...very cheap...and I have found it to be most effective. I hope this helps, Cody S. Fisher
To Sign Up For My Members Only FREE Monthly Videos Visit: www.CodyFisher.com/store
Cody's Comedy Confabulation / Silk-2-Egg / Killer Prediction / Tossed Out Deck / Comedy Book Test / Las Vegas Aces / Three Ropes & 1000 Laughs |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
The Ed Harris art is a great resource for anyone. But if you really want your promotional materials to stand out and be consistent, do not rule out hiring a good designer who can really work with you.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Handing out cards is not something I do with a great degree of shyness. Except for funerals, it is hard to avoid getting one from me. At shows they make a great way to give fans photos at very low costs. Every time I pay a cashier, talk to a clerk, or find myself waiting in line, I find a way to mention magic and give away a card. It is to the point that Lucy and I can shop miles away and the sales clerks loudly ask across the store if we are doing magic in their city that night. That tends to invite other introductions. Of course these people like to be different themselves and it allows them to introduce their magician friend to others. Remember your obligation is there too. Always speak to them as the long lost friends and ask how things are going. We see our cards up on display in places we don't remember going into but we love it! It adds a little magic to their work too.
For walk-arounds, never underestimate the value of Three Card Monte loaded with your card attached to the center card which you let them keep. My personal mall favorite is to show people the blank backs of my business cards. Then after they draw a card and it is shuffled back into the deck, they turn over the top business card to find the chosen card printed on the back. "Please do keep it! It doesn't match the others." (I have 24 force cards available.) |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Bob that is great information there. The bottom line is that your cards do you no good sitting in your box at home. Take action and use them all the time.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Leo B. Domapias Loyal user 297 Posts |
I heard it somewhere that selling or marketing is a numbers game. If this is the case, how many business cards do you distribute on a weekly basis, or on a per-show basis? Do you consciously give yourself a target number when distributing your business cards, say, 200 cards a week, or 50 cards after your show?
Ben Benjay Manila, Philippines |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I never set a goal when it comes to giving out my cards. I always just get in the mindset to have them on me at all times and get into the habit of giving them out whenever and wherever I can. Every place I go is an opportunity for me to use my cards and get them out.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The little darlings » » Handing out business cards at shows (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.05 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 < |