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keeblem Inner circle Essex, UK 1167 Posts |
I've just read Marvin Hardy's book: Out the Part Time Frying Pan into the Full Time Fire. (For a review go to my web-site http://www.kidzmagic.com )
Would other members like to tell us how and why they made the decision to go from part time entertainer to full time professional? |
Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
For 5 years I performed part time, running my magic business alongside my naval career. My last 18 months in the Royal Navy was spent working at the maintanence base here in Plymouth.
This meant that I was able to do a lot more shows as I wasn't going off to sea. My bookings increased to the point that I finally made the decision to try going full time. I was lucky that by putting all my resettlement leave, owed leave, and terminal leave together I could leave the Royal Navy in February 2000 and still be paid by the navy until June 15th. With that safety net I took the plunge, I've never looked back, and have been free to do shows when I want and not have to worry about whether I may have to work, etc. My diary just filled up.
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
Hi,
Well I was part time for about 8 years and for at least 5 of those years I was earning many times more from magic than working a day job I saved up the equivelent of 2 years income then took the plunge gave my notice and went full time. phillip |
Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
My decision to go full time had to do with a tiny ad I saw in the newspaper which read: The Government wanted to encourage those that were interested in starting out their own business to attend an info session at a local college.
The room was crammed with those of us hopefuls as it turns out the ones acccepted would be given living expenses for an entire year! Not only that, but, they would also pay for 6 months of business training. All the money we made would go back into our business as stats show that most business ventures fail the first year. Each year in operation increases chances of success. As you can imagine I jumped at the opportunity. Not as easy as it seemed however, as every new potential business owner wanted this chance. For years people had told me I should "do this full time", but I had hesitated as I wasn't sure if I could make a living at it. This opportunity was incredible as all the money I made the first year could be put back into my business. I was turned down flat as I was told "There's not enough business for entertainers". (Almost all of the other people were engineers or consultants of some type) This is where all those "free shows" I did came back to help me as I returned armed with 17 letters of recommendations and a 35 page business plan. The business plan (which is really helpful to obtain a loan from a bank) told how many performers lived in my area,How many potential clients there were..the list was endless naming community centers, corporate business places,schools, hospitals.. In a nutshell I got accepted and started my "company" ha ha ( I laugh as I'm the only one that works in that company) but great for business expenses and tax writeoffs. Since then I've heard there are many banks that have programs similar to this. It's worth checking out! I'm fond of saying oh sheeh I tell people about it as if I can do it anyone can! There are also many grants out there that people are unaware of..checking your local library is a way of finding out. I agree with the others that starting p/t and building up clientele is a good way to go. This year I returned to teaching p/t and still manage to perform aprox 175 shows per year. I have the best of both worlds and it's nice that it was my choice. Believe in yourself!! You can do it!! Best of luck to you!! |
Cheshire Cat Special user Wilmslow, UK 941 Posts |
Went full time pianist/organist in 1976. My full time job in newspaper printing was cutting me up. Late 1970s, worked with a few pro. kids entertainers and decided that this was for me! Never looked back since. Although I would advise anyone should also utilise their free hours constructively in non-entertainment activities.
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