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Maestro Special user 801 Posts |
I approach my tables while talking on my cell phone. I seem more cool to them because I have more important things to do than show them magic tricks. If they make any sort of comment about it I just let them talk to the hand, so it's all good.
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
Maestro,
Mind if I borrow that approach? It sounds like a ground-breaking new opener, and a lot better than working by request only...or (OMG!) cold calling a table. |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
Want to impress business people? Carry a note pad, calculator, and pens with you. If they are making a deal those are useful, your phone, watch, and bling bling (I had to go to the ghetto dictionary to learn what that meant) doesn't mean a thing.
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DP the Great Regular user CC, Texas 198 Posts |
I never have my phone with me when I perform. I just don't want any distractions. I am there for the audience. -DP
D. P. the Great
www.dpandedmagic.com |
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Patriot Regular user 112 Posts |
I, too, leave my cell phone in the car or my case when I'm performing.
Now...to move this thread in a slightly different direction, using a spectator's phone for an effect like Andrew Mayne's Ghostvision, call-the-psychic bit or a card revelation and genuinely complimenting the spectator on the features and qualities of his or her phone will make friends and, quite likely, increase your tip. A great effect like Ghostvision, properly presented using the spectator's own phone, will triple your reputation and word-of-mouth value. Forget the bling! Focus on the Zing! |
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Eric Jones V.I.P. Director of Product Development 2101 Posts |
I use a PPC-6700 and because of a couple of effects that I perform tableside to music, I carry my phone to softly play MP3's to help set the mood. However, when I'm performing the phone is in it's holster, on my belt, on my back, just as I would hold my jumbo coin. When my jacket isn't buttoned, it doesn't create a bulge, so I can do my act without a problem and when I need to use the phone to play a track, I can produce it like a jumbo at my leisure.
“We're two tigers away from an act in Vegas.” Greg House M.D.
<BR> <BR>http://www.ericjonesmagic.com |
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patrick flanagan Inner circle lisle, illinois 1045 Posts |
I'm not sure what Ghostvision is, but I perform a version of a trick I found in "Magic for Dummies" where you call a friend to reveal the selected card. I thought it would be less suspect if I had the spec use their phone to make the call. Problem is that now that number is in their "recent calls" file on their phone. What happened was the spec was so freaked that someone on the phone could reveal the card they selected and signed, tell them that it was in my wallet, and tell them where there signed $5.00 bill vanished to, that she called that number later that night....at 2:00 in the morning!!!! And my brother's wife, yes my brother was the stooge, answered the phone. She wasn't too happy about that.
So, now I always use my phone, but let them dial the number. Patrick |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
Ghost Vision is by Andrew Mayne and it is a method of making a ghost like image appear on a photo taken with a cell phone. It also can make card pip and value show up. It can make for very scare photos.
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patrick flanagan Inner circle lisle, illinois 1045 Posts |
Thanks Santa.
I'm living in the dark ages when it comes to cell phones. I have a phone that does one thing....make phone calls. It doesn't take pictures, no internet connection, it doesn't wash the car or cook dinner either. One of these days I suppose I'll update...lol Patrick |
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tboehnlein Inner circle ohio 1787 Posts |
Unless the phone has a direct connection to the performance, I think it is very unprofessional to have it visible at all.
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Cory Gallupe Inner circle Nova Scotia, Canada 1272 Posts |
I agree.
Maestro was saying that he approaches tables while talking on the phone. What restaurant are you working with? If they are paying you, I can't imagine they would appreciate their magician talking on the phone while he is supposed to be entertaining. Even if you aren't really talking to someone, just for the "image" (which I would believe to be a negative one) it seems very unprofessional. You say that it makes you seem more "cool" because it looks like you have better things to do that show the customers "magic tricks". Well, that is what you are there to do. Not to complain, but if you are really half decent, then they will think you are "cool" anyway. It's not about the material possessions, it's about your attitude, and personality. No one will like you just because you have a nice phone. As a matter of fact, some people may be turned off due to the showcasing of such things. The fact that you have better things to do than magic shows the unprofessionalism. If you want a professional image, (which you do if you want to be successful) then you have to convey that. At that time, you are paid (hopefully) to entertain the guests. You do not have better things to do at that time. Your goal is to make sure the guests have a great, enjoyable evening, and you will do anything just to make that happen. (Even if it doesn't have to do with magic) And what do you mean by "If they say anything about it I let them talk to the hand" ? I hope you wouldn't be rude to ANY of the customers. Would you? Just my 2 cents on that topic. On another note, Guardian452 said that he keeps his phone in his pocket on vibrate. Well, at least it's not out for everyone to see, but you need your pockets to perform from. It just takes up space. Very valuable space if you are performing in a table hopping situation. Even if it is on vibrate, it is still very distracting. Could you imagine being in the middle of a routine and you phone starts vibrating in your pants? And to say "if it does ring" is just not a good thing. You do NOT want a phone to ring in the middle of your act. But I think that made me really wonder was this sentence here: "if it "rings" I just reach down and click the side button through my JEANS" Jeans? What restaurant are you working? I can see that perhaps if you are working a Western style restaurant, but the rule of thumb if to dress one step ahead of your audience. Jeans are casual. Jeans are what people will on average be wearing to a restaurant anyway. (Unless if it is a five star) If you are wearing jeans while performing (I am ofcourse talking about paid performances. Not just performign for company when they come over...) I would seriously suggest talking a look at a new wardrobe. Just my opinion. |
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MagicSanta Inner circle Northern Nevada 5841 Posts |
As one who lived decades w/out a phone I'm promising you young computer age folks that you do not need a phone on you all the time. Really, you'll live.
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Loual4 Special user Montreal, Canada 670 Posts |
Arggghh!!!!! ... Going... Through.... withdrawal.... neeedd..phone!!!!
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JeffMac Veteran user Sudbury, ont 350 Posts |
The sad thing is more and more you do. The end of my days in the bar business if missed a call you lost a show, or a event. Unfortunately people live in such an instant system these days that they don't leave messages and want answers now.
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Loual4 Special user Montreal, Canada 670 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-07-31 22:20, JeffMac wrote: I agree with what you just said, but I still think that during a show that I am getting paid for, the cell phone should be off. You are getting paid to perform, not to book your next show. A simple solution is the following: Get somebody else to answer and give info. In my case, when I am performing, my wife gets the calls transferred to her. I realise that this is not necessarily possible for everyone, but in my case it works! Have a nice day! Louis Jutras |
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Spydur Special user PDX, now San Diego...back to PDX 966 Posts |
I got tired of reading everyone's opinion and I thought that I would add my own. Although I did read Godhandz idea and I find that to be interesting.
If you are looking to impress people based on status there are a few things to take into consideration. And I am not sure that a phone is one of them. If you want to increase your style get an expensive tie tack, some really nice cuff links, a nice time while you're at it, and make sure that your watch is up to par. Those are things that will accent the backdrop of your performance and show that you not only have style, you have class. Pick up a copy of GQ or head down to Nordstrom and take a look at what they have. You can get some killer silk ties there that "people" will notice. (The people that have the money to buy a tie like that, which coincidently are the people you want to hire you. Am I right?) I remember reading that Bill Malone saved up enough money to purchase a Rolex because that was the watch that everyone of his clients would wear. Corey |
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patrick flanagan Inner circle lisle, illinois 1045 Posts |
If you really want to show them how "cool" and affluent you are, drop a pile of twenties on the table for them to split up. They'll be soooo impressed.
Seriously, how annoying is it when you are in the middle of a trick and someone's cell goes off? Or someone at the table is yapping on a cell throughout your routine? If I decide to allow someone to showcase their talents at my table while I'm out for a dinner, I would certainly expect, no, demand, that they show me the courtesy of their undivided attention. A cellphone in view, unless it is used in a routine, would indicate that I wouldn't have their undivided attention the second that phone goes off. Leave it in your car or close-up case. If it's that important, go check it periodically. If you are so popular that you are worried about missing shows because you can't answer the phone, use the missed phone call feature regardless of whether they leave a message or not. Actually, if you are getting that many calls for private shows, first of all, I'm envious, but, secondly, you should be able to have a second line and hire someone to take all those calls. I don't know anyone that is in that great demand. Patrick |
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JeffMac Veteran user Sudbury, ont 350 Posts |
Sorry, I came off wrong there. I was replying to Santa's comment about the need for a cell phone in general. I completely agree Never bring it out at work. if you are with a group of customers they are the most important thing going on.
As far as status items go, #1 is shoes. I have taken a few sales courses where people are trained to spot money and the best place to look is the feet. Shoes can be extremely expensive and they all wear out. Take a look at the quality and level of wear it'll give you a good idea of their status. Mind you I know a few Alberta Oil Patch millionaires that have 30 year old cowboy boots that wear Levi's and T-shirts and would never carry a cell phone. But in their case I just look at their personal assistant that is carrying the cell phone and wearing the $1000 suit |
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Timm New user Las Vegas 56 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-07-28 11:18, Magic_Steve wrote: Your question was "while performing". I've never seen Copperfield or Lance Burton wearing one during their shows. Performing is performing. PERIOD. No matter where you are 'PERFORMING' having a cell phone on is totally UNprofessional. |
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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
I'll be honest. I'm surprised no one has said that it depends on the location. I thought that would be the general response. Also, I do agree that you should never have it on or even look at it while performing. I generally do just leave it in my bag while working.
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