Hey everybody I was just wondering What you put in a letter that you send to restaurants asking if they will hire you to do close up? Please let me know.

If you go to the table hoppers and party strollers section, you will find a lot of info on what to use and not to use. Some will say a letter is no good, others will swear by it. Again check:
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewf......mp;45717

Thank you lots.

A letter to a restaurant is not likely to be read. You must show up at a restaurant to get any attention at all.

The best promotional material in the world will not get you a restaurant gig if it is sent by mail.

Go in person, preferably not during busy hours, and show them your stuff.

Andy

In person?

Sounds like lots of trouble guys. LOL.

I don't care if you happen to be right, it still sounds troublesome!

That's because it's time consuming Danny. You have to actually go on someone else's schedule!

Nah... that'll never work!

Hehehehehehehe...

I guess my situation was an aberration, but I've actually booked a restaurant via direct mail. my mailing piece was kinda unique. it was a fake newspaper article using the restaurant manager's name in the headline saying how they had became RESTAURANT MANAGER OF THE YEAR.

the article went on to explain they recieved that recognition by hiring an entertainer to perform table side magic (that woulda been me) and gave my qualifications and what I do.

also included in the mailing was a one sheeter titled "the top 16 reasons to have a magician in your restaurant" and cover letter with a call to action.

the purpose of the mailing was to get a meeting with the manager and possibly give them a one hour trial night.

of course this sounds like a lot of trouble, but booking a restaurant is a relatively long gig, steady income for a pro, and a way to showcase your talent to the public.

the other guys are absolutely correct. dropping in, in person is the best way. oh yeah, make sure you talk to the decision maker or you're wasting a whole lot of time.

What about a newspaper ad will any resturants look at that or what if you call them ?

Hey Jeff... long time buddy!

It’s true you "CAN" and have book restaurants with just a letter (or print marketing) alone, BUT I will agree that it is “MUCH more difficult” and loads less likely to appropriately influence and serve them with all the information required to get consistent results, though as Jeff pointed out, it CAN happen.

Here is what I know for ME... I can ALWAYS get a regular booking with a personal and direct service visit. No one can say that about a sales letter in the restaurant market alone.

By the way… that is NOT to say that I don’t ALSO use powerful and persuasive print marketing as PART of the over-all influence and sales service process… I DO!

THANKS Jeff for reminding us that nothing is impossible if only we take action!

GREAT to see you brother!

Thinking of YOU and your Success!

I am at your service and in HIS Service,
Deano in Reno for now...
Come Say HI to me at http://www.PCAM2007.com this next week!
<><

PS
That future-pacing tear-sheet technique is powerfully brilliant! I use it all the time for so many things!

Yeah, I had almost forgotten about the fake newspaper article. I'll have to put that to some good use again. Thanks for the reminder; clearly as an attention getter, it's a great tool.

See ya!
Joe L.

Hey brother Joe,

Isn't it nice to be able to be reminded of things that really DO work even-though we forget about them???

Lots of that sort of stuff floating around out there! - Whoo Hoo!

Thinking of YOU and your Success!

I am at your service and in HIS Service,
Deano
<><

I usually call first, inquire about
what they have. Get the owner/manager's
name in charge of booking. If I can,
send an email just to get them a bit
familiar with me. Then pop in a week
later in person, to introduce myself.

If they don't have email, I'll bring
a press kit along and talk to them
in person.

If they are a new establishment,
I call, write an email if I can or
drop off some stuff and wait a while.
See how well they get on before approaching
them with what I have in mind.

If I'm in the area and see a place
that looks good to me, I'll stop in.
I'm already prepared with materials,
so I can just drop off things if the
owner/magager in charge of booking
isn't there.

I get a card and their name and
follow up with a call later.

Does that make sense?

Thanks marshall