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danryb Special user 506 Posts |
I double that.
nothing like a good show. And the more the merrier. I don't count on birthday parties but rather work an evening spot in as many hotels as possible. you get to practice our art in front of groups of all ages. this means you have more of a challenge because whilst 3 year olds are laughing you have to keep the 9 year olds happy too and the parents and so on. If asked for my number I usualy tell the guest they can get it from the manager of the hotel. this way they get to go directly to the manager (something most guests like to do)in turn, the manager gets direct feedback from the guest which in turn enhances the hotel to keep hiring me. Did I mention that the guests phone at a later date to remind me they saw me at such and such hotel and would like to know if I am available for b.day parties? enjoy, Dani the magician |
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KyletheGreat Special user Georgia 560 Posts |
Yes you must do a good show...but there are other things you have to do to keep the business going besides just a good show! The more people you reach through advertising and the better the impact, the more business you will recieve. We all know word of mouth is the best advertisement...but we can't just sit back and totally rely on that. It should be in your priority to do a good show in the first place. I believe The question is...what do you do differently to advertise for more shows?
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kenscott Inner circle 1869 Posts |
James
I don't do it as much as I used to do. But I always like getting feedback from clients. I think also the clients see it as me really caring for my business by asking for feedback. ALso I don't think you can never get enough quotes. I am always changing my qoutes out. Ken |
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Tyler_Magician Special user 509 Posts |
First of all, macmagic, I had to read your post a couple times before I finally got it. I didn't know what cheeks you were talking about. You said bend over and give them a kiss on the cheek. I thought this was a joke at first, then I realized you mean't a cheek on their face...wow!
One big thing with me is to connect with the client and get to know them, and have them get to know you a little bit. I don't just want to be known as the magician, but as a ncie, real person, too. It all starts on the phone when they call you, maybe from a long day of work with "How much do you charge." You should make them smile, let them know a little about you, and then ask some questions whether you write down the answers or not. I like to ask them about the child, how old they are and what kind of stuff they like to do. I try to act a little more personal than most magicians, but this they will remember than the business call with the magician. Now, it is a conversation with Tyler, a magician. When I get to their house, I compliment them, their house, children, etc. Be nice and if you have a few minutes before the show, and before the kids come in, talk with the client a little bit. I don't do any magic, such as close-up, during the few minutes I have before the show. I like to keep them in suspense. During my shows, I entertain the children, as well as the adults. Children love to see one of the adults up in front, doing something silly. If everyone has fun, they will remember that, and tell their friends how much fun they had. Compared to some of the stuff listed, this is free, but takes a little more effort. It may not get you more shows right away, like a billboard will, but over time, people will get to know you and you will have a 'fan base'. -Tyler :cake: |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Tyler:
You bring up some great points. For me and my wife, we go out of our way to not be seen as JUST a magician. I never want a prospect or a client to see me as just a product. How do I go about changing this? I do so first by listening. If I learn to listen to the prospect or client, then I become attuned to their needs and their wants. If I know their needs, then I can find ways to solve these needs. This then leads me to... Becoming a solutions provider for these people. If I can constantly not only meet their needs but solve them for them, then I become much more valuable to them. This value in their own mind changes their.... perceived impression and perceived value. By me becoming a solutions provider to my client, then I am giving them and building perceived value in them. They no longer see me as a psoruct, but they see me as someone they have to use and come back to time and again because I will not only put on a good show, but I will go above and beyond to elmimate their worries and solve their needs for whatever event thay are hosting. But if you want to book more shows, the bottom line is that fact that you MUST take action. Sitting on your butt waiting and hoping for the phone to ring is just not going to cut it. I love the fact that I can directly effect how successful I am and want to be through a simple course of acting upon those desires and setting goals and steps to make them happen. Another tip is to learn to build relationships with your prospects and clients. Get to know them and they you. Do NOT forget about them after the gig. This is one of the single most often found mistakes with entertainers. We do a show, get our money and move opn to the next one. WRONG!!! The person you just performed for has tremendous VLAUE to you. They have seen your show, they know what you provided for them. They are walking billboards and advertisements for you so USE them. Stay in contact with them through out the year through holiday greetings, invites to public performances. Staying in contact with them will hlep build a strong relationship with them that will and can often lead to repeat performances and or referrals. Another great idea is to give a thank you note or kit to the client after doing the show. How many entertainers do you know that will go out of their way to say THANK YOU through the use of a personalized letter and a gift? It makes a huge difference and they will remember you for it. These are just a few methods I use all the time and have made a habit to change the way I market and the way I conduct my magic business. It takes time to learn, but then again, everything good does. if you stick with it, it gets easier each time out. WHY? because nothing breeds success like success. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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keeblem Inner circle Essex, UK 1167 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-07-29 23:31, Daniel Faith wrote: I always give out evaluation sheets (I normally call the feedback forms!) and I would say I get about 75% of the back. Mark |
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
My latest is a color sign which I use at venues.
Of course having a good show, and good preshow and post show content is essential. Lately I have been doing more family and adult venues including conventions. My last two shows were on my usual substance abuse prevention. The difference were they were both for parents.(At a local Catholic High School) The booking came from a front page article on a reading show for a local elementary school. Can you say P.R. I knew you can. I send them out to the media periodically. This morning I got a kick when I opened the September 2005 Genii. David Groves was kind enough to mention our couple of nearly normal thought and jam sessions, in his article on his most recent Magic Lecture Tour. Local press in addition to international magazines can't hurt. Especially if they spell your name right. (Who said that last line? Was it Houdini? Nearly Normal No Prize available.....) More to be revealed, as I try to stay open to new ideas from unusual sources. My contacts with past consumers was learned from, (you guessed it) my insurance agent. Be safe, well and creative. Harris Deutsch Laughologist
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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MagicB1S Inner circle Knoxville Tenn. 1039 Posts |
I perform a little something for nothing almost anywhere I go.. At the grocery store.... Walmart... Etc. I do this Usualy while on line at the checkout. Usualy a simple trick Self Folding Dollar Bill.. Spongeballs.. T.T. You get the point. Most people will ask if you do shows and at this point I will hand out my card. It is a great way to get some free advertising out there.
"There are Tricks To All Trades.... My Trade is all Tricks"
"An amature practices until he gets it right. A Professional Practices until he can't get it wrong" www.Themagicchest.webs.com bobswislosky@yahoo.com |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I also include an evaluation form and sheet within my thank you kit. If you make it simple and easy to fill out, you will find more people will do so and send it back in the SASE you provide to them. I use a simple 10 multiple choice questions with a space in each one for additional comments. I also ask them if I can use them as a referral and I usually get about 80% of them returned back to me. It is a great way to show you care and also a great way to really see how you are doing with your shows and what you may need to work on. You can also get good quotes this way to use in your marketing.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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krantis Regular user AUSTRALIA 106 Posts |
Stickers - stickers - stickers - stickers.......did I mention stickers... I have some made for the shop and for me as a performer... everyone gets a sticker.... and let me tell you the kids will stick it on their mums fridge or somewhere bound to be seen....... even on their school books... big pic of a bunny and a large phone number on it
adios. Mike |
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Okay, here's my big secret to get leads.
I do this in the restaurants where I work, but you can offer this to any local store as a free contest for their customers. I have a fishbowl with entry forms for kids under 12 (or whatever age you prefer.) I offer a FREE DRAWING for a magic kit, which I can get for about $10-$15 at Toys R Us or other store. For that $10, I'll end up with more leads than I can use. Do a simple mailing before the birthday. Kyle, exactly what is your "Magic Mobile"? Is this a car, golf cart, or ??? I'm really curious. |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Star:
That is exactly what I do as well when I am working festivals. I usually ask them if they would like to host a coloring contest as something to do to draw more kids to the children's area and to possibly invite sponsors to sponosor the event as well. I design the coloring flyers for 2 age groups and supply them with them. They just have to set up some tables and crayons and assign 2 adults to watch over the kids as they color. The kids place their name and numbers and information on the flyer and they get turned in Now the winner/s are announced at the end of my show that day. Now I have accomplished several things here: 1) I have solved another possible need for the client above and beyond me just being an entertainer. I am being a soltuions provider and providing a solution that will directly benefit THEM in many ways. 2) Because I am hosting the coloring contest, I get more exsposure from it in regards to getting my name out and marketing myself through the contest. People see my name and information on the flyers they have as well as at the table and booth where they color. 3) I am now getting more people to come out to my show to see and watch it knowing that the winners will be announced afterwards. This helps promote my show before I ever hot the stage. 4) I now get to keep all the entries. These entires are valuable information for me now. If I am an ACTIVE maraketer, I can then go home and send letters or e-mails to the people thanking them for coming to the show and doing the contest. I can then perhaps direct them to my website if I want to. Because I am an active marketer, it allows me to stay in control of the sales process. One thing I do note is that I make sure on my forms that I get the parents signature of approval for the kid to enter the contest and I ask for the adults e-mail address. This is important when dealing with younger children and obtaining information about them. The parents feel safer and I get the proper information that I am looking for. Great insight star and thank you for sharing ti with us. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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KyletheGreat Special user Georgia 560 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-08-27 19:08, Starrpower wrote: HEHEHE! My vehicle is a gold truck that I have decorated with elaborate magnetic signs and such. I have magnets that looks like wands and playing cards stuck all over the thing! And on the two doors, I have a magnet that has my name, service, and contact information with a large top hat painted on their as well. As for the tag on the front...it was a gift from my parents that has a rabbit, wand, and top hat, and the words "Magic Man" all airbrushed on it. I like to call it my "Magic Mobile". And yes...I even drive it to school...everyone seems to like it! Pretty soon I plan to get a mini van and take all the seats out, then get my artist friend to paint the vehicle...get him to put a giant version of my logo (charictature of me) and other magic related pictures all over the thing. I also want to use Ron Connleys idea for a window decal that says "Caution: Attack Rabbits Guarding this Vehicle"! |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
As a pirate magician I have downloadable:
1) 1st mate & Swabby Certificates 2) Treasure maps and blank maps for personal use 3) Laugh Like a Pirate (Pirate jokes) 4) Speak Pirate-Like (Pirate Dictionary) 5) Birthday party Survival Tips 6) Direction Signs (for guiding the swabbys to the party) 7) Incredible 6 page pirate invitations 8) Pirate coloring page (in the works) 8) Pirate Games 9) Pirate Crafts 10) Pirate decoration ideas 11) Pirate food ideas All downloadable and they cost me nothing! If you would like any of this type of thing made for you, give me a buz. I also give out birthday cards - then I ask if they want me to sign them, then I ask if they want Jax (my parrot_ top sign them too (she pierces a hole in them), then I tell them to put them on their fridge. Also, I go out in public in full costume, often with Jax, and give away balloons and cards. For schools I give a Pirate Plan that helps teachers go over the points in my school show. |
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Magic Patrick Inner circle Minnesota 1591 Posts |
Thanks for all the ideas. This is why I love this site.
Patrick |
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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
I try to make the parents my salespeople. My method is to get my name to them as often as possible:
1) When the contact me, I talk with them on the phone and discuss their child and their event. 2) I email them my Birthday Party Package. 3) When they book me, I telephone them and thank them and confirm arrangements. (This takes a minute or two.) My goal is to begin consolidating a relationship with them. 4) I email them a package that explains what happens at the party, what I need for a performing area etc. 5) I contact them on the week of the event to touch base with them. 6) I telephone them as I am on the way to their party. (Many performers here book shows and then ditch them.) 7) I do a killer show that features the birthday child. 8) I take business cards and pass them out to any of the parents who ask. 9) I send a follow-up email to the birthday child, thanking them for having me at their party. It sounds like a lot when I see it here...but really -- the amount of time invested is about ten minutes. My goal is to have the parents refer their friends to me. I would say at least half of the birthday parties I do are referrals. (And it's also important...really important...to contact anyone who referred their friends to you and say Thank You! David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
While you approach is sound in terms of giving the customer confidence in you, if you sent an e-mail to my child I would report you to the police. By all means send an e-mail to the parents, but once you get into the whole area of contacting the child directly you are exposing yourself to a huge amount of potential career-ending trouble. Even the most innocently motivated actions can be open to misinterpretation, so be careful.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-07-27 15:32, KyletheGreat wrote: My local community charges businesses $500 to appear in the Christmas or Independence Day parades. This is a rather small community, too (68,000 within the city proper.) I think parades are a great idea, but I suspect my $500 could be better spent in other ways. Are such charges typical? |
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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-01-15 09:30, TonyB2009 wrote: I take your point. TELLING the parent that I will be sending the child a thank-you note for having me at their party is part of the initial Birthday Information Package. The email is sent to the parent's email -- I never have the child's email, nor would I want it. (What would your average 4-6 year old be doing with an email address anyway?) The parents know it's coming and it's up to them whether to share it or not. I am just saying "Thank you for having me at your party. I was happy to meet you and your friends..." It's simply good manners. Most of the time I get an email back from the child via the parents thanking me for coming. I think you must be from England? It's a different culture there. My wife and I are photographers and we were recently visiting a friend on Southampton and he took great pains to explain to us that we had to be very careful ensure that no children were in ANY of the images we shot...even if the image was not of the child. He was very concerned that we understood this...which we did. Since then I've read about a parent who was trying to take pictures of their child's Christmas concert and was told they would have to get releases from every other parent in the building. That notion is absurd from a Canadian perspective. While there, I wondered if this whole thing isn't getting just a little ridiculous. I don't mean to offend...but does it not strike you as just a little absurd? I work with shelters for battered women and children. And I agree it's a horror. My heart breaks for victims of abuse...but surely there is a balance to be struck that steps beyond the assumption of guilt in the heart of every stranger. Doesn't it feel like a witch hunt? I'd really like to understand the mindset. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10577 Posts |
My local community charges businesses $500 to appear in the Christmas or Independence Day parades. This is a rather small community, too (68,000 within the city proper.) I think parades are a great idea, but I suspect my $500 could be better spent in other ways. Are such charges typical?
Starrpower: there are several ways to possibly get around the fee if you are willing to negotiate an arrangement. Parades are typically great for getting exposure, getting in from of a lot of familes and kids, and if the parade allows the two things that will work excellent for you is - 1. tossing out candies (with an ad or business card attached w/your contact info and a message stating: "This fun gift is offer by...your name, liner/message and contact info", and 2. if they allow your float, car or entry to have signage do the same marketing -"specializing in kids parties, family events, etc". and do magic while on your display. It will get you attention, perhaps media coverage and good visuals (especially if you have/use animals can also attract attention to you and your business. David: You will find there are some here seem to like to play Devil's advocate or simply offer a different perspective. |
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