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Andy Kennedy New user Southern California 22 Posts |
I was wondering how I would go about getting hired to do table hopping work at a resturant.
How to approach or even get someone to get you the manager. How to present yourself. Key things to mention And anything else, a first timer should know.. HOW DO I GET HIRED!?!?!....ahem..
www.pasteboardpimps.com *Circle 52*
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Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Andy,
this question has already been addressed in some detail on this very forum. See the topic: "How Do I Get A Job Table-Hopping?"
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
Andy Kennedy New user Southern California 22 Posts |
Well I reviewed that thread, and it still didn't really discuss what I need to know. It more or less covered appropriate age to start table hopping. What I'm asking is, what are effective methods to approach a venue/resturant and market yourself as a magician and aka get them to hire you.
And, I also forgot to mention the all important negotiating salaries..
www.pasteboardpimps.com *Circle 52*
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Geoff Williams Special user St. Pete Beach, FL 617 Posts |
If you're really interested, these books and manuscripts will go into ALL the detail you need on the subject of getting hired for restaurant "table-hopping":
"The Business of Restaurant Magic" by Al the Only "The Restaurant Worker's Handbook" by Jim Pace and Jerry MacGregor "The Manual of Restaurant Magic" by Kirk Charles "Working in Restaurants for Fun and Profit" by Dan Fleshman ...and you might want to consider subscribing to (or buy the collected back issues of) "The Magic Menu" by Jim Sisti. It's considered the premiere source of trick & tip info for restaurant magicians.
"Saját légpárnás tele van angolnák."
(Hungarian for "My hovercraft is full of eels") |
Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
And "Real Life Table Hopping" by Peter Marucci.
Hey, wait a minute; that's me! Real Life is a set of lecture notes that covers everything you have asked, Andy. E-mail me privately and I'll send you a catalogue list, including those notes. But remember: no matter what anyone tells you, the most important factor in getting a restaurant gig is -- luck! You may have the greatest act in the world but, by chance, the owner isn't in the market for a table hopper. Then, later he reads an article about table hopping and how it can boost business. And, minutes after that, another performer comes in and pitches his act. He may be far inferior to you -- but guess who gets the job. And that is the bottom line. So the secret is to hit enough places enough times that you eventually get lucky and connect. Of course, once you've done that, then you have to know what you're doing. And that's where books, videos, and (ahem!) my lecture notes come in -- for the nitty-gritty about how to do it. (Note: Not WHAT to do; you should already have an act. But HOW to do it.) cheers, Peter Marucci showtimecol@aol.com |
Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Read my "Pro-Files" column on Visions at
http://www.online-visions.com Also, I have a booklet called "Officiously Yours" that describes this in some detail.
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
Carl Andrews Special user Maui, Hawaii 749 Posts |
Let me also humbly mention the videotape "Making a living performing close-up magic"
Aloha, Carl |
Harry Murphy Inner circle Maryland 5444 Posts |
How do you get any job? You go ask for it! When you ask for the job you should look like you deserve it, not like you need it. Clean polished shoes, clean fingernails, clean and appropriate clothing (neatly pressed). Before you go to the interviews, look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Do I look like someone that should be hired?”
Add a bright smile, good eye contact, clear diction and proper use of the language when presenting yourself to the package. Then you should also have a clear plan as to how you will be a benefit to the organization. Be ready to present that plan to the manager. Do your homework on the place BEFORE you even ask for an interview. Show that you understand the, rhythm, the goals, and the clientele of the place. This is standard stuff really! Oh yes, if it’s a job as a magician you are selling yourself for, then show your act (three table routines). Good Luck!
The artist formally known as Mumblepeas!
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Magique Hands Loyal user Lincoln, NE. 247 Posts |
Everyone has given great advice here!!
In the past, I've done a lot of 'Cold' auditions... meaning I walked into the establishemet, and talked with the person in charge (during a slow period in the flow of their customers). Now, how do I sell the idea? By explaining to the person in charge... how having a 'House Magician' will positively increase the dining experience of the guests, and in turn, create loyal, repeat customers... and in turn will create an increase in business. It's pretty much a 'SNOWBALL' effect. I do take a small press kit (with testimonials from previous restaurants), but I use it only if time permits, AND if it's appropriate. Here's the kicker... If they are in doubt, I offer to come in on such-and-such a night, and give their guests a little taste of what it's all about. This show of course, is complimentary (some of you many not agree with a complimentary show), and it lets the person in charge know, that I mean business. Keep in mind, I only did this style of 'Cold' auditions at the beginning of my career... it tremendously helped me get my foot in the door. Hope this advice helps, - - Troy :birthday: (I'm sure that it's got to be someone's birthday today!! Hee, Hee.)
"If you go around sprinkling Woofle Dust on everything... people will think 'My... What an odd character." www.magicmafia.com
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BroDavid Inner circle America’s North Coast, Ohio 3176 Posts |
Troy has hit on a key to getting agreement on just about anything, including a magic gig.
Make sure that you explain the benefit to the "house" of a magic performance. A common mistake in sales, and make no mistake - you are selling youself into the situation - is to focus on what you do. Make sure you think about what will benefit them! How will it be worth the cost? Good point Troy! And well made. I just wanted to make sure that it didn't get missed, because at first, it seems obvious. But I have trained a lot of salespeople over the past 3 decades who insist on just explaining/pointing out the features of what they sell, and they expect the client to figure out why that feature is important to them. For example they say "It is the fastest?whatever? on the market" completely missing the fact that folks don't buy because it is fast. They buy because the speed will save man hours, reducing labor costs, making them more competive, etc. Relate what you can do, to what it can do for them, and you will have a head start on the process. BroDavid
If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.
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