There are a number of ways to get the addresses and birth dates of other children at a birthday party:

1. Fan Club sign-up sheet
2. Raffle a prize
3. Sign up to receive an autographed picture
4. Etc.

For those who have tried more than one method, which have you found to be the most effective?

Thanks,
Tod

Why do you want this information? is it legal to collect this information about children?

It is not illegal but you MUST handle it properly. At my festivals, I do a raffle for a chance to win a magic kit. I have a raffle form for information but I request the ADULT to sign it out and for them to use THEIR information and I also have them use their signature saying it is ok for the child to win this gift from me.

After all, it is the parent who I am marketing to and who is going to make the decision to use me or not. It also makes me look better as I handle it this way.

Kyle

I have used a magic club in the past were you have the parents fill out a small info form then mail it to you , then you will mail the child things on a regular basis etc. Like a sales letter a few weeks before there b-day(for the parents)
we have discussed this on a few other boards and it seems that this is not very effective at booking b-day parties(not sure why) but that does not mean you can not give it a try!
I do not try to collect info on the children, my b-day marketing has become passive as I concentrate on larger venues with my active marketing! I have had great success using a coloring sheet that I hand out to the kids and explain its a magic picture and this is how the magic works, take my picture home, color me in and make me look real good then hang me on the fridge......here comes the magic part, go get your mom or your dad bring them over and show them what a great coloring job you did, thn ask them to bend over give them a kiss on the cheek and tell them you love them, then tell them that you would really like to have Greg the Magician come to your b-day and just like magic I will be there!!!!!!
this is done very jokingly and they parents will really laugh at it, but it does work......be prepared though for kids to come up after the show cause they forgot what they were supposed to tell their parents LOL (I think this comes from a Bob Markwood idea but cannot remember exactly)

I would agree with Mac, you should be making sure the kids go home with your information not vica-versa.

I agree and disagree with this. You need to be doing both.

Handing out your information to the children or client or parent is a passive form of marketing and you need to do it to get your name out there to them and get them to remember you.

However, you must also be an ACTIVE style marketer. Being active style means you are in total control of the sales and marketing process from day one. You have the control and do NOT have to wait or rely on someone to call you based on your card etc.

An active style marketer will not only give a business card out, but will ask for one in return. He or she will then use this card to enter into the database at home and to send out an e-mail or a postcard thanking them for taking the time to talk wioth you or for coming to the show. He or she may also send the person an invite to a public performance.

See the difference. The active marketer takes control with action steps that always keeps his or her name fresh in their minds. He or she tries to build relationships with the prospects throughout the year as well.

Both need to be done to be truely an effective marketer.

Kyle

That's what I said Kyle LOL I activily market to certian groups and passivly market to others........geesh what youtr problem man just casue your over there and I'm over her doesn't mean we can't just get along LOLOLOL
just playin bro!

Mac: hehehe That is the problem with the Café. Ya never can know good sarcasm when you see it.

What forms of marketing have or are you using and which ones do you feel are working best for you? Just curious is all. =)

Kyle

Sorry, Kyle, I read your whole post as sincere and missed the good sarcasm. Would you be a dear and point it out so I can read your post in the right context? Thanks
George

I think Kyle was talking about my post as being sarcastic George!
Well Kyle as you know from chatting I am a big direct mail person, in fact I am just putting together mailings for libraries, daycares,camps and recreation departments(just to name a few) I am trying something new this year, I will be sending a mailing and then following up with a phone call and then following that(if it does not get booked) with a postcard.....that is my active marketing(along with all the marketing I do at my shows and on a daily basis) how many business cards are you guys handing out daily?
as far as passive I run ads in 2 parenting papers, website, POP displays in childrens stores.....im sure I am leaving out a ton of stuff(on purpose LOL) but you get the idea!
Greg

Ha ha, well that proves Kyle's post then, some of us (i.e. me) don't know it when we see it!

Mac is right, I was just pointing out how I often miss good sarcasm on the Café. I take things way to literal. hehehe

Mac:

That is awesome that you are taking so much action this year to market yourself. What is even better is that you are trying new methods. Just make sure to track these new methods so you can tell just which ones are working the best for you.

I always do a one mailing with lead generation and promo kit and then do a 2 step follwo up process. Anything after the 2 followups I make sure it is NOT about selling or evening mentioning my show to them. After the 2nd follow up, I make contact with them through out the year in various ways ranging from holiday cards, invites to my public performances, newsletters etc. These are all geared towards getting the prospect to remember who I am and that I am an active performer in their area.

I have cards with me every single place I go. I have them in my card carrier in my pants. I have them in each one of my cars, I have them at work and I have them in each of my magic tables. I have and use them all the time.

What good is having business cards if you do not hand them out on a regular basis. There are so many great opportunities and ways to get your card out if you just become more aware of them.

Kyle