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alexa Veteran user NJ 393 Posts |
When is the best time of year to market to daycares?
Thanks, Alexa |
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Brian Lehr Inner circle Edmonton, Canada 1605 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-01-08 11:44, alexa wrote: Anytime is a good time, but there are certain key times for me: September: Market Halloween shows November: Market Christmas shows (most centers don't have their final party dates chosen before November) January: Market a Theme show for Feb-April (ie: Spring show; Winter show; workshops for older kids during Spring Break; I'm currently promoting a Dental and Nutrition Show) April/May: Market Summer shows and workshops That's basically how it works for me. Brian |
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alexa Veteran user NJ 393 Posts |
So for now I want to market a spring show and workshops? Does this work the same was as library marketing--like a creative marketing (not a form letter)?
Thanks, Alexa |
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mghia Veteran user Kymystical 387 Posts |
Is there any independent reviews of the Day Care book mentioned above. Some strong claims are made on the sale page in description and I am wondering how practical the advice is.
Some of the titles make sense but the money ones I wonder if it is David Dee theory or will actually work for most. |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Strong claims? Hey, I don’t promise you a thing.
Actually it’s not a marketing book. It’s main purpose is to give you a good look inside the daycare business. I’ve been an owner of a daycare for many years and I do my best in the book to let you know what goes on in daycare. Knowing the business from the other side should be of help. I’ve also been a magician for many, many, years. Most of the marketing in the book is basis stuff. Of course that’s all it takes with any business if you do enough of it. No it’s not a get rich quick thing, if that’s what you looking for, don’t waste your money. If your just wanting to learn the business from both sides oh, it may be worth reading. If I can be of help, just let me know. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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Brian Lehr Inner circle Edmonton, Canada 1605 Posts |
Prior to reading Tom's book, I had never been in a daycare in my life. I wanted to move into that market, but I was scared as heck about going to one. Didn't have a clue what to expect. Tom's book took away that fear by telling me what exactly takes place in a daycare, giving sample daily schedules, how to approach them, what to say, etc., etc.
In fact, I got my first daycare show directly as a result of reading that book. I was waiting for my wife to get off work one day, sitting outside the retail store in a mall. Next to the bench there was a kiosk selling kid's personalized music cd's. The guy working there that evening was filling in for a friend of his. I struck up a conversation with him, and he eventually asked me what I was reading. I showed him the Daycare Magician book, and told him who I was, what I do, and how I was planning to start working in daycares. He said something to the effect of, "Well, I'm the activity planner in one of the local daycares!" After chatting for awhile, he told me I was welcome to come and get my "feet wet" sometime at his center. And so I did. I ended up performing my first daycare show there (for free), and I've got it on video. Yuck!! They even gave me a $40 honorarium. That was the beginning. It was only three years ago, and this year they've asked me to give a lecture at their spring childcare conference. Now don't get me wrong. Tom's wasn't the only resource I ended up using (I benefited greatly from Dave Risley's materials, and more recently I invested in some material by Tim Adams), but Tom's was the first material I had, and the catalyst to get me started in daycares. For that I will always be grateful. There you go, your independent review. Brian |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
If you have not worked the Daycare market, Tom's book is a great way to start. He explains the market from a Daycare perspective which is invaluable. Hey, his book is inexpensive. I charge $200-$250 and get no resistance from most daycares, so the book is paid for in the first few minutes of the first show. With the prices he charges for his material, I doubt Tom is making the "big bucks" selling his book - he is just a nice helpful guy who is VERY knowledgeable on daycares.
Who else is going to book a re-occurring Thursday morning show? As much as Tom stresses that it is not a “get rich quick thing” – it certainly helps! I think in most larger urban areas it is not difficult to book 2 daycares a week. At $200 each, that is over 20K a year. A single guy could live on working 8 hours (putting in driving, set-up/tear down and marketing time) a week! How many professions can you live on working less than one week a month? If you do 4 a week then you are making about what the average person who puts in 40+ hour week. All this and you get to have fun doing it AND making others happy. Tie in school shows and birthday parties . . . |
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jakeg Inner circle 1741 Posts |
Here's an independent revue:
If you are working day cares, or want to work day cares, and don't buy this book, you're missing one of the biggest bargains there is on making money in a specific market. I don't know Tom, haven't met Tom, and have no financial interest in the sale of the book. |
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mghia Veteran user Kymystical 387 Posts |
Guys I am not knocking the book since I have not read it. I just have bought some magic materials that in the end were junk and marketing 101 they just spit out.
I would like to read this manual. However, I want to know what I am getting. Just as I do not step over $30 lying on the ground, I do not just give it way to an author I have not heard of before without some SOLID reviews. Please understand, there have been quite a few David Dee style magic books out there or ones that use the techniques of such. Like saying, for a printed book "When they are gone they are gone" or "LIMITED quantities at this price", when in fact the discount price is always that price when in fact the book is home published and can be made up again at any time on demand. So when I see chapter titles like How 20 Daycare Centers Equals $50,000 per Year And The $1000.00 Daycare Show I am not sure what the latter is all about but even looking at the first one I am skeptical. Sounds like a strong claim, more to jazz up some of the chapters but really is more theory. To satisfy the claim that basically would equal all 20 booking a show a month for 12 months at $200 I have been doing some day cares with a Halloween Safety Show, Reading show and winter show and they do not seem to respond anything above $150 but most only want to pay $75 and these are the mini Chain schools that have 150 kids. So if that chapter is little more than a paragraph doing some math of the POSSIBLITIES, then I would be disappointed. So will this book help me change their minds? Otherwise, if I can not get more than $75 out them, the claim is inflated and more theory. Technically you can throw in any large number you want but it does not mean it is obtainable on a steady basis. To claim that you need 20 to guarantee they will book you at that rate all year. That is a strong claim. And I have no idea what the title of a $1000 daycare show is all about. Curious yes but do I think that is what the author means, no. I am probably wrong since I do not have the book. I also was a little uncomfortable to read above: "Hey, I do not promise you a thing" and in the copy: "I don't claim to be an expert of any kind or a professional writer..." This is nothing personal, just a critique on the copy, but it does not give me confidence in the material if you are disclaiming that you are not an expert in the material nor a good writer. One would assume, since the book is being sold as expert advice that the person writing it would be proficient in writing to convey his knowledge and have the expert experience to be justified in teaching it to others. So a statement like this reads like a disclaimer. If the info is not what it reads one can say "well I said I am not an expert or a good writer so I warned you." I am sure you believe in your material and hope it is good. However statements like that create doubt. Believe me, on the net there is allot of junk. Just about anyone can write something up and sell it. Just because it is for sale does not always equal that it is good. When only two people, one who sells the book, talk about it, one does not have enough info on the quality of the material to not question it. I want to LOVE your material and hope that you do not get bent out of shape with my questions but take it a way to see how much you believe in what you wrote. I want to love this book but also want to know from others that the chapters are as the title describes and have substance that is more than theory and actually works. I also would like to know if those with the book found the info translate state to state, city to rural, chain to independent. |
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Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
I have the book. It describes how to do both of the above mentioned topics. It is not as difficult as you may think. John Cooper, a magician who posts in the business section often, made a very good living from performing at Daycares during part of his career. The book is not expensive, and it is filled with good advice from someone who knows the daycare business inside and out - and he is a magician as well.
If this book is to expensive for you then maybe you should rethink your business plan. The guys who have recommended the book on here HAVE THE BOOK! And we have all benefited from it. I don't know the author personally, just from posts here and his book. If you want to increase your daycare shows then get the book, if you want to continue to do what you are doing now, then don't get the book. In the words of Captain Planet, "The choice is yours." |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Mghia, I understand your concern, and I agree there is some junk out there on the net. But I don’t understand what you are wanting here. Certainly no one is going to come on here and say you can make a thousand dollars every show doing daycares. I have a pile of letters from nice folks like the above that have enjoyed the book, said it helped them in the business, and that they are making good money working daycares. But no, nobody has told me they got super rich from it. Nor have they told me that I mislead them with the ad.
There is a lot of money to be made in the business, BUT not everybody can do it. It takes a worker, a special person, someone that can read between the lines and charge more than the hundred dollar fee that I suggest in the book. Yes, I tell you in the book to charge around a hundred dollars, but I also challenge you to DO BETTER and CHARGE MORE. Many are doing exactly that. Some are making a good living working mainly daycares. But it is work., it’s not for the lazy people, nor is the book for the nit-picky person. It’s for those that are serious about the business. Mghia, it’s simple, if you don’t like the ad, then don’t buy the book. Like Chad said, you have a choice. Captain is right, I don’t sell it to make money. If I honestly thought you didn’t have the money for the book, I would send it to you for free. But the book will do nothing for you unless your willing to get out there and do the work yourself. It sounds to me like you want somebody else to guarantee you that you can do it. No I can’t guarantee you a thing, neither can anybody else. That’s entirely up to you. Your success is in your hands. Let me be honest, and with all respect, with you here Mghia. If your only getting seventy five dollars a show now, then it’s most likely because your only worth seventy five dollars. Do yourself some good and learn as much as you can about the business, (not just the magic side) and then you can charge more. Not only can you charge it, they will gladly pay it. “The more you know, the more you grow.” Thanks for your interest in the book, if I can be of help, whether you buy it or not, just let me know. Thanks guys, I really appreciate the kind words. Keep up the good work with the shows. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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mghia Veteran user Kymystical 387 Posts |
Gee ask for a detailed review, as you guys look for when you buy any magic book or product, you get you head handed to you.
I am very disappointed in the personal attack you took Tom and it was not as you, claim "with all respect." Sorry, "just buy it" is not a review. Tom, try to follow your signiture since you are not givign the book away so do want to SELL IT. You might not care about my sale but note others are reading this and others might also want a standard reivew of the product as advertised. That topic was about marketing to daycares. This book was brought up as a resource so I would assume others would enjoy a review as well. Posted: Jan 12, 2008 4:38pm I only made two posts a short one and a longer one answering your questions to my questions. You guys really did not follow the post. It is not the money but if you guys really do not care about money, each send me $10, which is nothing, and I will send you something you will find interesting. What? why tell you any more than that? It should not matter since it is only $10 you are going to send me, you will find what I will send you interesting guaranteed! Just send me the dough, it is only $10 Sounds silly right? Also you guys missed the mark. When did I say the book HAD to be expensive to be good? The book though should be a good value for the money no matter what the price tag. I asked for a review is all. Stop with all the personal attacks. You do not do that when the person who produced the trick or book is not as active on the groups. I never said I wanted a get rich quick scheme. In fact I was trying to avoid those books. Geeze guys. Go back and read my post 2nd post. I just wanted a review as you would read other forums and magazines. You know you appreciate it when you see it so get off my back. |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Mghia, it’s not a personal attack Sorry if it sounds that way.
Three people here on this thread said it was good. Many, many others right here on the Café in other threads have talked good about it. Plus I’m right here more than willing to answer any questions you have about it. What are you wanting? Really we just don’t know. One person to say they didn’t like it? Are you looking for an excuse not to buy it? If it’s a well written professional thing, try the Kidabra Journal magazine, they gave it a great review. I could send you a copy of it. Again, I’m sorry if all this sounds harsh, and no I’m not trying to sell you the book. That’s not my business, truth is I don’t make any money off it. It’s just out there for those who want it. It’s nothing fancy, just the facts. It helps some, some it won't. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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alexa Veteran user NJ 393 Posts |
I gotta chime in here. I agree with the majority of you. I have never tried out the daycare market before and I too want to get my foot in the door. This book looks great and I've heard good, solid things about it.
The truth is, I have no problem with the price. However, I really don't have the $29. I am at school and only get to perform at certain times of the year. I just made many investments to my business and owe my parents almost a grand. I am trying to get into libraries at the moment and then will be able to pay them back. At that point I will be investing more and be looking to expand into daycares, camps, and elementary schools. I will certainly be looking to get this book at that time, if at all possible, although I wish I could get it now. Thanks to everyone that has made valuable contributions to this thread. Alexa |
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jakeg Inner circle 1741 Posts |
Mghia, I have the book and I think that it is one of the better things that I bought in 2007. You may or may not like it, so unless you want hands on information about working day care centers, don't buy it.
Some of it will do nothing for you because you've heard it before, other things in the book will open your eyes to possibilities that you might not be familiar with. There is no revolutionary way to make money in it ..... no do it this way and become an over night sensation, but the advise is sound and tested, and it's one heck of a good value by way of the material in it. Besides, if you hate it, put it up for sale in the book section. You may have to lose a few bucks, but you've probably lost a lot more buying props and tricks that did nothing for you. |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Hi Mark -
I haven't read through the thread thoroughly, so maybe this has been covered. Tom's book is good. I've contributed some ideas and a routine to the book, so maybe I have a vested interest. But then again, maybe not, because I was not paid by Tom to be a part of his book. I just like the guy, and wanted to help out a friend. Anyhow, I have a background in childcare, in that I also worked in afterschool programs, ECEC (Early Childhood Education and Care), and summer daycamps for 10 years, in addition to being a performer during that time. So I also have an insider's view of that market. I thought that Tom did a great idea telling you what to expect in the routine of a daycare, he covered what kids are like developmentally at different ages, and he had a few of his friends share their daycare show routines & ideas. Again, I think the book is pretty good. I was doing shows at daycares and preschools (as a part of my overall show mix) before contributing to the book, and also since contributing to the book. To make some of the money that Tom suggests in his formulas, it involves mulitiple shows at the same centre during the course of a year (performers created lots of themed shows), and it involves spin-off shows at things like birthdays and other venues. For it to work, you have to be good and create a demand for your show (and understand nuances of marketing). Hope Tom doesn't string me up for decoding the mystery of the section headings. That's enough of a share. If you want to know more, buy the book. With any possible formulas for success, it depends solely on the person implimenting it. Some will, some won't. You can't be lazy and make lots of money. You can't have a bad show and make lots of money. There are no magic bullets. You have to work hard, and have a plan. You have to adjust if the plan wasn't working. It is not likely you will see big results immediately. I hope this helps. If you have any more specific questions, ask away. - Donald Posted: Jan 12, 2008 8:26pm Ok, I've read through the thread now. If anyone's expectation is to make $50,000 just because of reading Tom's book, that is an unfair expectation. Would a person invest $100 in a prop, expecting to earn $50,000 in the next year, just because they bought it and added it to their show? No way! If it were me, I would expect a $30-$100 info product to help me make an extra $500-$1000 difference in my business over the next few months. With that, I'd be satisfied with my investment. That's a pretty good rate of return. If the resulting impact was more, then "WooHoo!" I don't expect the world, just because I spend $30. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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sspanks Loyal user Atlanta GA 241 Posts |
I make a full time living performing primarily Day Cares in the Atlanta area. The first book I purchased on the subject with the advise of my friend John Cooper was Toms book. The day Care market is a strange market and does require a great deal of patience and hard work. I gave up a 20 year carreer in the printing industry and have zero regrets. The book is worth what Tom charges and is full of helpful information.
-stephen |
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kenscott Inner circle 1869 Posts |
Intereseted post. . .Having been fulltime for over 14 years and I have done and still do a ton daycares and I have read Toms book and it is dead on. IMO books like this and tons of others are WAY under priced. I think Tom should sell for 200.00plus now he may not sell that many but what you are buying is a blue print of what has worked for him. What is worth to you??
For 30.00 what do you have to loose and comparing that to sending 10.00 to mghia was a bad example.LOL There comes in a time when a person has bought enough perhpas they have bought everything out there that has been advertised and it is time for that person to use what they got to do the stuff. At this point no one is going to re invent the wheel. Again Toms book is Dead on and I have nothing to do with it other than I bought it. There were some great tips in there that I use. Ken |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
I think if one has some good, age appropriate, shows, Tom's book and diligence, it is not unfair to expect to make 50k a year in most metro areas here in the US. Will it happen overnight? Probably not, but I think within 3 years it is easily obtainable. Diligence is an important factor. It is working well for me and I am lazy.
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Powermagic Inner circle 1437 Posts |
Wow this is some thread. I was away for a while only to find this sugar still goes on the Café.
I did read this from the start so did seem some deleted posts. Here is my take 1. mghai was looking for a review and did nothing but ask some questions 2, I can see how maybe his tact was a bit direct for some but the post most did not see that come into this did start with Captain kid going OVER BOARD - Get it Captain, OVER BOARD it is a joke since you play a pirate. 3. I think if the search engine was up people would have linked to other threads and reviews. 4. Since mghia chose to defend himself, as does so many times in these threads, a flame war and petty ganging up occurs. Very sad to see. 5, I think it is helpful to read reviews and references BOTH. We should not fault or gang up on someone for wanting a review. I do not have the book, sounds good but I had some of the same questions as well. 6. There are many GOOD and BAD $35 books out there. It seems to be what books go for today. We should be reminded that those other books can be typeset and in a pro cover or they could be Desktop and spiral bound. I do not think mghia was worried about the price as much as the content. I understand what he was saying and PM me if you do not since I think I can explain it better. (no offense mghai) OH BTW, this is not a thread about Mghia or Tom Boleware so maybe someone can post the titles of the OTHER good day care marketing books that was mentioned in passing on page 1. Hey James, how do you like the book and how is the response going on your postcards and follow ups? |
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