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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
Phil, we forgot another thing, you also know your doing it right when your diary (& resultant income) give you the freedom to turn away shows you don't want to do. When we first start out we wait eagerly for the phone to ring and took any job. You know your doing it right when you can turn away things IE Little jonny's mum phones , "Jonny saw you at Sams party and he wants you for his" You remember Jonny as being a spoilt brat who came close to ruining the show for everyone, you look at your diary and see you can do Jonny's Party. "Oh I'm sorry I'm fully booked that day".
I wont take a booking for a 4-6 party on a saturday or Sunday if I've got an extra page, I offer them earlier or later times, if they don'twant that then they can book someone else. Booking a 2-4 on a Sat/Sun can block the day off, Anyone ewlse would have to do an 11-1 or 5-7 which is sometimes too early or to late for most people, especially those with young kids. I can do all this because I'm confident that someone else will ring for that day, or if not it doesn't matter, I've morte than enough work coming in. Sorry Guy's early morning typo, not "Extra page", is should read "Empty Page".
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. |
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
Phil, we forgot another thing, you also know your doing it right when your diary (& resultant income) give you the freedom to turn away shows you don't want to do.
HI, Yes good point,I have several clients on my avoid list! I also have the freedom to take time off for magic coventions and any other leisure intersts... It always makes me laugh when people say they are so busy and erning so much then turn around and say they would love to but don't go to Blackpool convention (example) because its a weekend off! Phillip |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
My problem is I have to book a weekend off at least 6 months in advance. Because once somethings in the diary I have to do it.
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. |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Clive is right. If you book way in advanced, it is never a good thing to have to cancel a show. It is bad for your reputation. At least be happy and thank god every time you keep getting bookings. Consider yourself very blessed. =)
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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Wolfgang Loyal user TEXAS 223 Posts |
It took me years to figure out, but I finally solved the balloon problem(s):
I stopped doing balloons altogether. I've never had a complaint about it. And I haven't looked back since.
"Sure, I do Scotch and Soda in every show. What? You mean there's a trick by that name?"
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
Clive is right. If you book way in advanced, it is never a good thing to have to cancel a show. It is bad for your reputation
Hi, I am not suggesting that anyone does that. I have never cancelled, missed or even been late starting a show (unless it was the bookers fault) Phillip |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Phillip:
That is great to hear. i also take my gig dates and my start time very seriously. It may seem like a small deal, but if you are there on time or early and you start exactly when they want you to, all this adds up to better, quality service to your client. This can also mean repeat performances for them or others at the party that have seen you.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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Christopher Special user 531 Posts |
Not to mention, arriving just a bit early helps unbelievably with the show later on. Just adding a few minutes before my start time allows me to watch the children as I setup and know who the troublemakers may be as well as who may be easily embarassed during a performance.
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
I've only ever missed one show and that was three weeks ago, I had to go to Newquay to entertain kids at a wedding reception, I left in plenty of time, Traffic on the A30 in the summer is horrendous (and that's an understatement) so I allowed 3 hours for a 1-1/2 hour journey. unfortunately I blew the head gasket on my car and had to be towed home. As the show was so far from Plymouth, the traffic is so bad, it was a Saturday so all my mates in Plymouth were working and I don't know anyone in Newquay who could have covered the job I had to phone from the Tow truck and say I couldn't make it. On top of the lost earnings for the day, It cost me £400 for the repairs on my car, but I was more upset that I'd let someone down. Luckily the people knew me from previous shows and knew I that if there was any way I could have got there I'd have done it so they were very understanding.
<<<<<<-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It took me years to figure out, but I finally solved the balloon problem(s): I stopped doing balloons altogether. >>>>>>> What problem? I don't find it a problem, I enjoy doing the balloons and get lots of favourable comments about them.
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. |
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Christopher Special user 531 Posts |
If it's a birthday show, I only do balloons for the birthday child as part of a trick.
If the other children ask, I tell them that for their special birthday party, they can get their own balloon too. Never had a problem with that. |
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-07-14 19:25, magic4u02 wrote: I know a magician who doesn't have a strict starting time written into his contracts but instead a strict FINISHING time. That means he will always finish at 10:30 and if the client is disorganised and doesn't get him on until 10:25 then he does a 5 minute show. |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Nicholas:
Lets just hope that that person is not getting many gigs and will soon be out of business. That certainly is no way to establish a reputation of giving quality entertainment. With any show, you must be flexible with your client. Of course this goes witin reason. But you must be willing to help make their event special even if they are often so confused with everything that is going on that day. I am very serious when I say that how you conduct yourself before and after your show is just as important as the show itself. I have received many great compliments and repeat performances just from the fact that I was of more help to them as a friend offering to help, as I was a good performer.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
At the same time, it is important to not be taken advantage of.
I once lost a WHOLE DAY by a client who asked me to come in to meet the big boss on the day of the event at 10:00. They kept e and waiting before sending me away (4 times) until I finally met the guy at 4:30 (I just said hi) I then had to be back at 6:30 for a 'rehearsal' which didn't happen. They then started my show an hour late I wasn't finished at 11:00. In the end though, I have no one to blame but myself! |
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
You are right. That is why I ask a lot of questions up front./ This shows I am professional and I am thinking about their needs, It also helps me to ask the many questions I need in order to minimize problems when I get there.
I also always send out a contract for my larger shows. This not only tells the client about all the details of the event, but also comes with a technical rider that basically spells out my needs for the day of the performance. It is a bit more work to send this out like I do, but I feel it has really helped me in the past.
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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Wolfgang Loyal user TEXAS 223 Posts |
Quote:
What problem? I don't find it a problem, I enjoy doing the balloons and get lots of favourable comments about them. If you've ever done balloons for 50 kids at a single show, you'd know. It can take longer than the show.
"Sure, I do Scotch and Soda in every show. What? You mean there's a trick by that name?"
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
If you've ever done balloons for 50 kids at a single show, you'd know.
It can take longer than the show. Hi, Good! then I can earn much more money without as much travel costs, travel time, get in or get out time and reset time. suits me, though I understand if you choose to work differently. Phillip |
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Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
I have and it's no problem, 2/3rds done at home, the rest once I've set up and a little extra charge on the bill. Today I've got 60 kids at a pre-school it will only take a short time to make the balloons at home, but I've charged them for an extra hour to cover the extra work.
I often do 3 x 2-Hour party's in a day, each with 25-30 kids, all get balloons. I don't find it stressfull, I don't find it's hard work, The fact I set up and am making the balloons as they arrive give the impression to the booker that I actually started early, which impresses them no end. Making the balloons during the food break, instead of taking a break and waiting for the kids to finish eating also ensures the booker is happy they're getting 2 hours of entertainment not 1 1/2. <<<<<<<<<With any show, you must be flexible with your client. Of course this goes witin reason. But you must be willing to help make their event special even if they are often so confused with everything that is going on that day. >>>>>>> True, but they also have to understand you may have another show to go to, so if they've boooked you from 1-2 and youve got another booking starting at 3 you will have to finish on time. I'm very flexible, but if I do have to finish on time for another show My contract states it's their responsibility that the show can start on time and I reserve the right to shorten the entertainment so I can finish at the agreed time if I have another show to go to. You can't be late for the 2nd show just because the first lot havn't got their act together.
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. |
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
"If you've ever done balloons for 50 kids at a single show, you'd know."
I do, all the time, and it works wonderfully. The kids like it, the client (usually the parents) likes it, and I like it. Kyle Peron writes: "With any show, you must be flexible with your client. Of course this goes within reason. But you must be willing to help make their event special even if they are often so confused with everything that is going on that day." Exactly! You are supposed to be the expert in the show area; you do this all the time. The client only does it occasionally. Therefore you are the one who has to make things run smoothly. (And you CAN do that if you are polished enough!) Kyle is right when he implies that the best way to judge your show is on repeat performances. If they don't like you, your show, your attitude, or your handling of the situation, they won't have you back. If they do, they will. It's that simple. |
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Wolfgang Loyal user TEXAS 223 Posts |
I guess I don't possess y'all's balloon-sculpting skill to crank our 50 balloons in what I consider a reasonable time. And I'm not interested in adding time to my shows just to make more money because I never charge for a show.
Nowadays, my kid shows are mostly at hospitals where they'd prefer not to have the balloons anyway. Of course, I'd probably enjoy doing balloons more if I didn't make every kid a hippo-and-monkey-riding-a-motorcycle-with-hamburgers-in-their-stomachs balloon.
"Sure, I do Scotch and Soda in every show. What? You mean there's a trick by that name?"
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-07-16 08:59, Peter Marucci wrote: Just so I might salvage my ego...the night mare gig I mentioned was run by a nationally recognised event management company for over 2000 guests with a budget of close to $250,000. Still my fault though.... |
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