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Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
If you live in an area that has a lot of magicians and other full-time entertainers, and John I don't know if that's the case where you live, I think this recession could become very interesting.
Whereas before maybe some entertainers didn't mind competition, what do you do when that "PIE" starts to shrink? You'll now have more people fighting over less pie (less customers who will actually spend their funds on entertainment). Remember, they might have the money; they might just not want to spend it. The organization I work DID NOT cancel our big Christmas party, but we've already been told that NEXT YEAR we're probably going to scale it back by 50%. And while we're doing very well financially, our company is trying to scale back on spending...just in case things don't go well. This recession is going to last at least another 1.5 years, if not longer. Anyone who is still making their entire living from magic after this recession corrects itself should get a medal. |
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Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
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On 2008-12-18 05:14, Gerry Walkowski wrote: That's what I'm going for. I'd hate to get a real job. That's what motivates me.
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
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Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
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On 2008-12-18 07:41, Ken Northridge wrote: Me too! Right now I am on track to make a little less this upcoming year than next year, but not by much - and I save for a rainy year so that's not a problem. |
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chris mcbrien Inner circle Chicago 1235 Posts |
I'm still chugging away. My January is down from last year, although I had many last minute calls for January as soon as school started last year...so I'm optimistic. December is actually up over last year for me, go figure.
Sorry to hear about your losses, Danny, but glad to see you doing well through creativity. I keep thinking about that sales book that tells the story of the mice, the maze and finding the cheese. You have to adapt. I'm using all my marketing knowledge right now and finding new venues and branching out big-time. I'm also busting my butt to improve my show, even though I already get great reviews from clients. I want to be the absolute best...and be in even more demand. My intention is to survive this "recession" and come out on top. Speaking of which...back to work! Chris |
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
Chris is on top of it!
For those of that know how to market and what it takes to deliver a great show that clients cannot wait to see agaain, we will survive. The others will leave the magic business and get "real jobs!" My January has been piucking up more everyday. People are simply waiting until the very last minute to do any and everything. They get busy and forget! I had a school call me today from a marketing piece I sent 2 months ago. Just the way it is! Back to work for me too! |
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Danny Hustle Inner circle Boston, MA USA 2393 Posts |
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On 2008-12-17 19:41, LBP MAGIC wrote: Trust me, my numbers for December are much better than most of the guys who have posted on this thread so don't worry about me. I'm just being honest about the turn in the economy. Seems like a lot of people just want to use this thread as an excuse to brag about how great they are...big surprise. Sadly none of the boasting has anything to do with the recession or weather or not they can remember how business was during the last one which is what the original poster asked. Not that any of it mattered, I actually thought some of the bragging was pretty funny. Best, Dan- "MT is one of the reasons we started this board! I’m so sick of posts being deleted without any reason given, and by unknown people at that." - Steve Brooks Sep 7, 2001 8:38pm ©1999-2014 Daniel Denney all rights reserved. |
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
I don't personally think that anyone can say they have not been affected by the economy in one way or another. I now that my numbers are down some but I am still booking shows and still getting repeat business so I am o.k.
I do know of performers who have been hit harder while some have only seen a slight drop in shows. The bottom line is that people get scared when they HEAR or THINK that something is going to happen. However, they only freak out for a short while and then realize that life must go on. People will continue to book shows- I am sure they will. We as performers need to come up with some creative ways of making our shows and our marketing stronger. I am personally revamping all of my programs for 2009 and adding in several new elements that should get great reviews. I urge everyone to do the same. |
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Michael Taggert Special user Fredericksburg Virginia 656 Posts |
I can remeber the 70's and the mid 80's. that's why I still hold a "day" job. But I also remeber in all the "bad times" people tended to be more open to a variety entertainer Than in the BOom Times when Folks could afford Name talent. remeber There where a lot of Big shows on the market During the thirties. I know that The guys who make it have the marketing machine and the product to back it up. Yes things have gotten Tight and Some places More than others but I have increased my marketing and Hence Brought in new Customers as well as the loyal customers.
I am Holding steady while the Day Job shrinks. January is ok February is ok March Is scary. Mike |
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Lou Hilario Inner circle 2235 Posts |
Worst comes to worst, I guess the best way for me is to offer several price options for the client to choose from. In that way, you earn the same but you have to do more shows.
Magic, Illusions, Juggling, Puppet & Parrot Show ^0^
http://www.louhilario.net |
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Victor Brisbin Elite user Washington, DC / NOVA 432 Posts |
In addition to magic, I've been working behind the scenes at some major traveling productions, concerts, pro wrestling, ice - you'd recognize all the names - and have been amazed at the number of people who place high priority on entertainment, even in a "down economy." There have been families come to an arena show for wrestling, as an example, who looked like they may not have enough money to pay this month's rent, and on top of $50 to $75 tickets for the brood, outfitted the entire family in t-shirts, replica champion belts, etc. etc. All the really big shows are genius when it comes to marketing, concessions, and merchandising.
My humble point is that if our local economies are hurting, as mine is with hundreds of layoffs in manufacturing, we should consider re-packaging ourselves, and always go for the "back of the room sales," which can generate much more money than the show fees themselves. Great discussion. Let's continue it. IMHO it's important to be practical, and to take action on top of keeping a good attitude.
"It is better to practice a little than talk a lot." - Muso Kokushi
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
Victor....
Back of the room sales can be huge if done the right way. The problem is that most entertainers I've seen don't have a clue in the world as to how to get people to want to buy the stuff you are selling. A couple of months back I did a show with another magician. He did his show first and it was quite good actually. However, he sold nothing at the end of the shoe- not a single product. Not to brag but after my show, I sold over $300.00 to products and this was to the exact same audience. The difference was my marketing of the product. I have a great friend of mine who lives out of town that simply does not understand anything about marketing. He relies on yellow page advertising and business cards- that is it. He does not even have his sign on his table to tell people who he is. I guess this explains why he only has 2 shows in January? |
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Clinton W. Gray New user 100 Posts |
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He does not even have his sign on his table to tell people who he is. I guess this explains why he only has 2 shows in January? Do magicians actually put signs on their tables with their name? I have always been told by the pros in this area that it was really "cheezy" to do that, and was not professional. I mean, if it's works than I'm all for it. I just wonder why there is such disdain for that type of promotion by the professionals I have worked with.
Clinton W. Gray
Magician in Vancouver BC |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Hi Clinton -
My show table signage has my name on it (it also has some other graphic element on the sign... sometimes my logo, other artwork, etc.) It's been that way for many years. I also have a show sign I set up at some venues, that has my name on it. I've even had my name on my backdrop at sometime or another, but not now. However, I won't go so far as to put my website url on my table. That is what I would consider "cheesy". I think putting your name on your table, helps the audience to remember who they are watching. It's part of branding, more than being overt advertising. - Donald P.S. Sample show photo here, showing my table.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
Here is my thoughts....
Imagine yourself doing a great show (on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best) that rates as a 10. Everything goes great and the audience loves you and adores you. Now imagine a few days later some of those audience members talking about the show and how much fun they had. One of those people says something like, "that magician was great, what was his name?" The reply might just be, "I don't know!" The fact is that not all clients and audience members are going to ask for a business card, etc. Now what if that person wants you for a huge event with a ton of money? If they don't know who you are, someone else gets the job! I cannot personally recommend having your name of your table or whatever where everyone can clearly see it and read it. This is of course providing that you have a great show. If your show stinks or you are just starting off, leave your name off. Now some people may say this is "cheesy" but my website is on my sign. Yep, I want everyone knowing my website and it works. I cannot tell you the number of times I have done a show and by the time I get home, I have an email (sometimes more than one) telling me how they saw my show and really had a great time or how they want to book me for their upcoming event. If this is "cheesy," I guess I am a rat that loves cheese. How many times have you seen a performer do a great show but they failed to tell the audience who they were? |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Todd -
I promote my website during the show, as well as my other shows, and I do giveaways to the children with my contact info (for their parents). I talked a little about this recently on a thread in the Tricky Business section. So, it's just a slightly different perspective / approach to the same end result. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
I just don't like the idea of "pitching" yourself from the stage and during the show. To me it gives the idea that you trying to get the audience to book you again. I would rather them contact me on their own rather than me trying to convince them to book me.
To each his own! As usual, I respect your comments! |
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Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
Todd:
What are your thoughts on just having your name displayed but not having .com after it? |
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danryb Special user 506 Posts |
Back on topic... the last time there was a recession here I was working full time and got hit hard. It led me to become part time and put some of my eggs into another nest (business) which has been doing very well.
So now, this time round, I have 2 businesses (one part time magic and one full time service) and looking back in retrospect, I would say the last recession was the best thing that ever happened to me. I no longer depend on magic shows as my sole income and 2 things have happened since: 1. I put the price up per show and appear to be making more money from magic than I ever was. (albeit I perform less shows but that's fine - saves me having to dash around from one gig to the next like I used to). 2. I enjoy performing more than ever and this has had a very positive effect on my show and on my audience. So, my shows are better and I'm making more money when I do them and I have lots of time to devote to my other business and my family. Things can only get better. La, La, La, La..... Dani |
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
I am a big believer in multiple streams of income! I think performers / entertainers should not rely simply on shows, etc., to feed the family and clothe the kids. Many people do but what happens when a recession hits or another 911?
As far as just having your name on a sign...nothing wrong with that, but you need to have something! |
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Michael Taggert Special user Fredericksburg Virginia 656 Posts |
A couple of things everyone should do to help market themselves dueing the down time is to brand yourself through various ways. Putting a sign on your table with your website does work I get several calls a year from pictures of the show butI also give MOM a camera to take Poloroids of the kids at the show. My info is on the give aways. I use BOR sales as a way to suplement. All of these things get us through the rough times but also you have to have an airtight great show.
Folks typically spend money on less expensive but good entertainment in the down times. even in areas where the basic audience is not spending money you have to get out of your box and look for the audience. They are there. |
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