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Jacoby New user Canada 27 Posts |
I am new to the MagicCafe, so I am sorry if this is not the best place for this question. However, as a future student of marketing and advertising, corporate magic really catches my eye. I work semi-professionally now as a student, but if I ever did perform magic for my full-time profession, I would like to be a corporate magician/mentalist above other forms.
However, the problem is I live in a very small community in Southern Ontario (Canada), so there are not many 'corporate' opportunities here. I have tried a few resources, such as hotels, and suggest my service for business meetings. And talking to a local Lumber Company (RONA) and have them build a box to any design they wish (within reason), and I would escape out of it (Still working on a method). But as of now, these will not be viable options for at least a few months. So I was wondering if any corporate magicians, or anybody with good advise to get me an early start on corporate magic when I live in a very small town. Thank you. |
Futureal Inner circle 1695 Posts |
Good luck on that escape.
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Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Jacoby,
Living in a small town can be an advantage when you are just starting out. Michael Ammar once said something like, "Everybody needs someplace to be bad!" Getting to know the sales staff at the hotels is a good idea because it could result in being referred to their clients, however, they must have confidence that you can deliver the goods. It might be worthwhile to showcase your talent by offering a free show for the hotel staff holiday party (or barter for dinner and/or an overnight stay for you and your wife!). Once the Director of Sales knows that you are great, he or she will be more likely to recommend you for an event. Also, find out who is the largest employer in your area. Then market to either the Human Resources Department or the Sales & Marketing Department. The HR Department often plans events like holiday parties, employee recognition events and public events. The Sales & Marketing Department will plan sales meetings and trade shows. In a small town, you might be working an event like a "home show" that is directed to the general public, rather than a closed corporate event. It doesn't matter, just get some experience working with other business people and meeting their needs. It might be worthwhile to showcase your act at a local meeting of HR professionals and/or sales and marketing professionals. Don't be afraid to do a free event where you can be seen by a large number of possible clients. Just yesterday I did a free program for a District wide meeting of Toastmasters in Saratoga Springs, NY. There were about 150 people from a number of different companies, and I expect to pick up a few clients just from being there. Also, take a look at the largest cities in driveable distance, and do the same. Don't expect overnight results. It will take some time to build your business, especially in the corporate world. Jim |
Jacoby New user Canada 27 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-11-08 04:46, Futureal wrote: I am not sure if this is sarcastic or not. But obviously there would be small 'specifcations' I requested. But otherwise, Thank you. Jim: These are some great ideas, thank you. I also want to put together a good promo package (DVD Promo, Brochure etc.) But the problem is for a Promo video, I don't have enough footage of me performing, I certainly have enough experience to have one, but I just can't manage to film as many performances as I would like. But I will try and keep in good contact with the hotels. |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Regarding video, put your demo on your website as a streaming video. If you can set up a showcase in person, then you won't need a video. Good luck.
Jim |
Joe S. Loyal user Los Angeles, CA 272 Posts |
Hi Jacoby,
I hope you give my advice some serious consideration, because I've been where you are. I went to college in a small town in upstate NY and majored in Advertising/Marketing. Out town didn't have big business and the hotels pretty much only catered to college parents. I was 19 years old with no decent video footage and a lack of corporate experience. Today I make my full-time living as a magician in one of the most competitive markets around: Los Angeles. You can see my TV and demo clips here As you can see... we have A LOT in common. My advice to you is threefold: 1. Buy at least one decent magic course. These two are my favorites and you should invest in BOTH: Jim Snack's Success in Magic details how to make a living doing lots of different shows (bar mitzvahs, birthdays, tradeshows, ice cream socials, etc.). There's a lot of great advice in this course and I'm glad I own it. Lou Serrano's The REAL Secrets gives you the tools to make great money performing close-up magic. (no kid shows, no fundraisers, no stage shows... just close-up magic). I gave Lou a testimonial because his advice has put thousands in my pocket. Both courses are great, and they cover completely different stuff. These are NOT marketing courses (direct mail, etc.). These are courses for building a career. Don't just read them... do what they tell you to do! 2. While magic should always be a focus... during college you should concentrate most on... COLLEGE. The education you get (and are already paying thousands for) will pay huge dividends in the corporate world later one. I can think of two specifics: a. The business skills and advertising principles you learn will enable you to run your business better. b. Because you and your corporate clients have shared experiences and knowledge, you'll feel more "at home" in the corporate arena. I know many pros who lack a degree and many don't feel comfortable around executives. You should still be working on your act, your persona, and your skills while in college. But your part-time gigs should take a backseat to your full-time learning. 3. After college, take the skills you've learned from your school courses and your magic courses and move to a bigger town. Go where the shows are - Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver. If you want to be a generalist, you can live anywhere. If you want to focus only on corporate... go to a big town with a good airport. Work hard on your show, work hard on your marketing, and be prepared for it to take a while. This won't happen overnight. I hope this helps. Good luck on your journey. Joe |
Jacoby New user Canada 27 Posts |
Thank you Joe. My plan is to move to a bigger city. I am strongly considering Vancouver (Because I don't really want to leave Canada), and I am looking at both VFS and UBC for my studies, so it would only make sense to stick around after.
I do have some courses in building a career, but no big ones, so it is probably about time I get started in that. Thanks for responding, it shall be put to good use. |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Great advice from Joe!
Jim |
Christopher Starr Inner circle Heart of America 1850 Posts |
I second that!
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