|
|
TOTALLY MAGIC Elite user Las Vegas,NV 436 Posts |
I want to do a big show and I don't have much $ so I was wondering how can get a sponsor?
|
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Oh, boy, is that the $64,000 question!
I think the best answer came from the Dr. Robert Schuller. When he was building his "Crystal Cathedral", he asked around how to find BIG contributors -- million-dollar men. The answer? "How do you catch an elephant?" It may seem like a stupid answer, but it's true; how would you go about it? Well, you first have to figure out where elephants go, what they like, what attracts them, how can you contain them, etc. etc. Who *could* have a reason to sponsor your show? *Why* would they want to do so? WHAT'S IN IT FOR THEM? Making money? Promoting a service or product? Tax advantages? Until you can find a person who has a good REASON to sponsor you, and convince them that you have the answer for them, you'll be fishing in a bathtub. |
TOTALLY MAGIC Elite user Las Vegas,NV 436 Posts |
Thanks starrpower
:sawingchick: |
muzicman Special user LaCenter, Wa 989 Posts |
I have seen a very few magicains with a sponsor. Most magicians I have seen have regular full time jobs. A fortunate few, actually survive on their magic alone. Some of those fortunate few are here at the Café...and some do better than others. I am one of those I first mentioned. I work 40+ hours a week for a phone company. I am also a husband and a father. I must keep my magic local to my area and I am not prepared to give up my 70k+ year job with full benefits to try my hand as a professional full time magician. I have invested well over 50k in my magic and I love the art and people that see me say I should pursue it full time. Maybe when my kids are grown I'll do cruise ships. Until then, I'll take my show anywhere I can locally whether it's for little Johnnys birthday party of a school group doing a fundraiser. I love to entertain and look forward to doing it more. Getting a sponsor for me was impossible as it costs ALOT to put a show together, then transport it and promote it. No one gives away money. If you can find a way to MAKE your sponsor money after all expenses (including your own salary), then pitch it to the company. Every company that has money is always interested in how they can make more. They have stockholders to satisfy. You can't just break even and some companies dump projects that only return 20% (or less) on their investment. My point is, you must make them ALOT (not just some) money before they will throw any money your way.
|
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
I disagree, muzicman. Many companies put money into things that do not give a direct profit. Some do it for the community involvement, some do it for the PR or advertising, some do it for a tax write-off. There are a lot of reasons for sponsorship other than a direct profit from the show itself.
I have done a lot of events, such as in-store magic promotions, at which there was no possible way that my being there resulted directly in immediate profits. But I may have raised awareness of a product, or the company itself, or caused a person to buy a particular brand for the first time. To suggest that you *must* make the sponsor money is not only inaccurate, but I think that it is RARELY the reason you'll get sponsorship. |
muzicman Special user LaCenter, Wa 989 Posts |
I agree, you can get short time or one time gigs from sponsors. I was referring to a full time sponsorship...to include your full stage. Lights, sound, props, salary. I would find it hard to believe a company would pay out 1000's of dollars repeatedly unless they saw a benefit and their stockholders were in approval. I have all the lights, sound props and companies that will pay me to perform to promote their product or services. I don't count that as "sponsorship". Check out Dr Wilderness HERE
He is a sponsored magician that travels with plasma TV's and multitrack sound system and a robot to teach about water conservation. He has a sponsor and he makes them no money, but the company that pays for him and his props is from a company that makes enough money that they decided to put this show on the road. Maybe I misunderstood the original poster, but I was referring to a program like the link above. Most companies are profit driven. To find one willing to GIVE you money for such an event like a magic show (and all expenses/props/transportation/salary)is rare. It's not common. I stand by my original post. |
The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
The Companies are Making Money. even if it is a Tax write off. it can be a Business Expenses Advertising a Bad investment and so on.
|
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Donster, businesses are eventually in it to make money, but not directly from the show. Many businesses see things from the perspective of community responsibility, for example. Sure, in the long run I suppose you could say it results in profits, but that doesn't mean that *your show* has to result in $$$ for them.
For instance, I might be able to sell a magic show with a monetary theme to a consortium of bankers. The show might focus on a theme of saving,or responsible spending habits. I might present this show to area elementary schools. A show of that type may never result in direct profits for the banks, but it may develop some long-term customers as a result. And, muzicman, not everyone needs to have a full-blown illusion show. In fact, when all is said and done, the one-man show with little overhead can often result in much more money for the performer. |
chmara Inner circle Tucson, AZ 1911 Posts |
I was, at first, annoyed by the title of the question. I had visions of thousands of high school graduates (recent) who are used to having knowledge handed to them on a platter. It took me a lot of years to learn how to get sponsors...and to give the knowledge away in a public forum? That's why I made my living owning marketing companies for a number of years.
But a one word answer formed in my mind, ASK. That's right, ask a closing question. That assumes you are selling something that will be of a benefit to the sponsor. Thereforer to get a sponsor you need something more than an idea -- just as with the Patent office. It took Mark Wilson quite along time between his first WFAA outings to get a sponsor for his magic shows. AND a lot of work. Ask Nani about those years and you'll get a begter idea of door pounding, presenting and taking no than from any other source. So -- what are you selling my friend? Why should your "sponsor" want to use your services? Traffic, name ID, product tie-in, because he's a relative and knows you need work? What is your strongest approach?
Gregg (C. H. Mara) Chmara
Commercial Operations, LLC Tucson, AZ C. H. Mara Illusion & Psychic Entertainments |
muzicman Special user LaCenter, Wa 989 Posts |
There is an Indian Casino near me that gives away free money to people that approach them with worthwhile ideas that gives back to the community. I'm fairly certain an established magician/entertainer could get 40-60k a year from these folks to cover expenses for a magic show. They give away millions every year,
There are opportunities like that available. I agree, not all are profit driven. But these opportunities are rare and you must be established already. I can't imagine any company/sponsor providing any money for someone that does card tricks and balducci lifts. When a company sponsors you, you represent that company. I studied Stan Kramiens approach to Fundraiser Magic Shows, and he was very successful at what he did and made a lot of money. He had an established show and got sponsors in each city he performed in. He didn't use 1 sponsor, he used MANY. I think the original poster was too vague with their question. I assumed (and possibly incorrectly), that they were looking for a sponsor to pay the expenses of putting together and promoting a magic show. They didn't ask where they can find clients, or paying customers, or how to promote a show themselves. They want to know how to get a sponsor. I think we can all agree it takes money to make money. There are many companies out there that are profit driven that would sponsor EVERYTHING you need, if they could share in the returns assuming it would be black ink and not red ink. I am a businessman and I understand the term "Investment". I believe all your points are valid and I believe this thread could help others that are just entering into a magic career or considering it. I see a lot of young kids thinking they have all the talent to be the next Copperfield but lack the funds to even put on a neighborhood living room show. I also feel too many magicians feel they are only going to be successful if they have large expensive props or the lack of those props is hindering their fame. Therefore they look for sponsors thinking it's their ticket to fame and fortune. I am not saying this is true for everyone, but most youngsters I have met would fall into this thinking (and a few oldsters to boot). Magic is an art, and working an audience takes skill. To make it entertaining is real magic. A friend of mine that can't even tell a joke thought he could become a magician to fill a void in his life. Some people are naturally funny/entertaining, some people aren't. He wasn't. He loves to laugh and has a great sense of humor, but does not understand timing or presentation. Another friend of mine has 15 differnet voices and accents. He's a natural. He would make a good magician/comedian/actor or whatever type of entertainer he wants to be. Heck, I may sponsor him. He'd be a great investment <wink> |
TOTALLY MAGIC Elite user Las Vegas,NV 436 Posts |
Thanks guys!
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricky business » » How do I get a sponsor (0 Likes) |
[ 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 < |