Hey Rey Rey,

I'm not in the childrens market any longer. (Got fed up with being paid to babysit)

I'll be interested to hear how this brochure method holds up.

Great benefit to the party store - sort of like a, "For your party, don't forget XYZ supplies!" Superb thinking.

Good luck man!

Robert Bloor

HI,
My average rate of birthday party bookings from a group I have never worked before for last year was 11 (that's not includng repat bookings)with an average party size 25 as the yellow pages ad for me is quite cheap about $800.00 and my birthday party rates run from $200.00 to $350.00
I do not have much problem justifying the cost of the ad.
Phillip

The bottom line for any marketing is to find out how many shows you are getting booked from it. If it is getting you results then great. if it is not, then it may be time to reavaluate it.

Kyle,

There you go. If it works, awesome.

Most yellow pages ads I find are fairly ineffective. Although I'll say this...if it's done properly, it could add to your total marketing campaign.

Go with what works.
Or go nuts.

Robert Bloor

Being married to a publisher/Editor/designer helps!

Seriously, my logo was done for me by a friend who is a graphic artist (and whom I paid), the web site done for me by a firm I have done work for and my brochures, and other print material have been done by my wife.

The video stuff is being re-done shortly, on barter for a trade show gig.

One thing to keep in mind, barter income is STILL taxable income. See your accountant about that!

Barter is a GREAT way to get things done that you don't want to shill out hard cash for. The late Brian Flora had an audio tape on it and it's worth its weight in platinum if used properly.

Lee Darrow, C.Ht.

Now here is something you might like. It's free, it's easy and believe me it's very effective!

Just go out to the streets, gather a group of people and just do them some magic for free, use cards, coins, etc. Amaze them, smile, involve them in tricks and so on. During that or after you have performed just mention your show (when, where, etc.) Tell them that they will see even bigger effects and tricks there. Tell them that they all are invited.

Do it for about two hours for different groups in different places. Just walk around the streets, parks...Try to find some tourists and perform to them also, plus tell them that if they come in a group of more than 10 persons then—for example—two of them will get in for free and if more than 15 then...3, etc.

I did it once and later that night I had to perform four times instead of one. They sold out all four shows. So I was performing from 7 to almost 12 o'clock. It was exhausting but income was also.

Lee:

That is great to hear that you have taken the time and effort to have your logo and promotional work done by a professional designer. It certainly takes more time and more money to have it done this way, but I think you will agree that it is money well spent. You end up with a high-quality piece that really works well for you. This in turn will mean more business and more money in your own pocket.

I was fooling around once at the local Children's Museum and had people asking if I had cards and did children's parties (I don't currently, used to and will again, but not at the moment) When I'm ready to perform again, I'll go back to the museum and fool around with some cards and sponge balls and see if lightning strikes twice!

I get three bookings a week from my YP ad! I am surprised other people don't find it useful! Different areas with different markets I guess...

What is the best hook you've used for newspaper stories? Succesful ones I've used are:

a) My rabbit "disappeared"
b) I was performing my 5000th show
c) I was the youngest magician in town

Ones I plan to use are:

a) Statistics about home being the number one place for children's parties
b) Release a free booklet How to Have a Kid's Party for $50
c) Offer to make any politian disappear during the next election.

Any others?