I just got back from a morning bike ride when I had an idea. Has anyone considered marketing on Halloween? By this, I mean that instead of giving out candy to trick-or-treaters, you give out magic tricks with your contact info. on it? There are a ton of places to get really cheap magic tricks and it might be worth considering. Thoughts, anyone?

Not a bad idea! What would you give out? What age groups would rather get a "Trick" than a "Treat".....? Nice.
Dave

I think that is a great idea! I'd recommend using Fortune Telling Fish... the kids would love it! (And I'd be willing to bet the parents would be pleased that at least one thing won't make a chocolate mess.)

In fact, if you have a front porch, why not go all out and do a Halloween "mini-magic" show for the groups that come up. And while you're at it, how about sending out a press release telling how you'll be going the extra mile to make Halloween special and fun. I really do think there is lots of potential to generate PR and name recognition from this. Thanks for getting me thinking!

See ya!
Joe L.

I have used the fish thing along with my card for several years in the past. To my knowledge I never got a show based on it, but it does not mean it couldn't be a good idea.

Probably needs a little something extra. The good news was that I got to eat the candy.

I have given out "Magic Coin Slides" after public shows and they're great. It was more what I was thinking of. They're available at Kipp Bro. for cheap. In my upcoming Children's Magic booklet, I go into more detail on the giveaways.

A great idea. Just make sure that whatever trick you are giving to the kids, that it is both easy to perform as well as safe for the young children that you may be giving it out to.

I say easy to perform, as the best PR you can get is from a child being able to do magic from a trick you gave them. If they can do the trick easily, they will want to perform it for others. The more they perform it, the more your name gets out in the marketplace. A mom who sees a happy child performing a trick, would more likely want to find out more information and may hire you for a b-day show etc.

Just keep in mind that any marketing must be done right only if your name and contact information is getting out there. This means that if you give out a trick, make sure you have your name or logo and contact information on it. Keep it simple.

This is a great idea and can really work for you.

Maybe make small goodie bags with candy, a trick or the fish thingy, and your card?

Depends on how many kids you get, but remember, these days parents go through kid's candy to check it and they will see your card.

If you do kids shows, it's a great marketing idea!

I agree with Pickles. Making these small bags would be a great way to get your name out in your community and target the young kids who would possibly want a magician for their party. If anyone gives this a try, please let us know how it works for you.

When I decide to take Halloween off and do the candy thing with my Nearly Normal Wife, we great kids with Nigel and candy. (and business cards of course)

My card is more of an award card than a straight business card.

I go with the theory of giving the person a reason to keep the card.



Of course now that I am just doing the nearly normal thing part time, it is not as crucial.

My nearly normal counseling and Laughology Programs keep me busy and out of trouble.

My hat's off to all you business minded folks.

Harris Deutsch
Laughologist
http://www.nearlynormalmagic.com

Harris: A nice idea and I am sure the kids love to see and meet Nigel. That way they get to have fun and remember the fun they had when they get home and give mom the card.

I would also include a small flyer mentioning other things included in my business: Moonbouncers, clowns, inflaitable slides, bubble machines, pony rides, etc.

Pickles had a good idea with the goodie bags. You should give dozens of the goodie bags to your friends or relatives to pass out in other areas. If you know someone who you can trust, give them dozens of goodie bags to exchange as they travel door to door.

Re: Meeting Nigel.

I did a program on Monday for a Mental Health Community Meeting. It was a short one that involved using a couple of things put together to illustrate the importance of voting on an upcoming issue.

When I walked in the receptionist asked, "Where's Nigel?"

I quipped, "he did not know that he was invited."

She replied, "Always."

It is nice when people remember not just the great entertainer, but something associated with my program.
(and of course a way to contact me)

Harris Deutsch
Laughologist and Nearly Normal Magician

Harris:
That is so important. One must really listen to the comments and feedback people give to us. If the lady and others are asking about Nigel, then they certainly like that part of your show and it must tell you something.

I also like to do things in my show or in how I conduct myself that will stand out as rememberable in the eyes of the people watching. For this reason, I have always worn my red tux jacket and my black and white tux shoes.

It may seem like a small trivial issue in regards to what I wear, but I can say this much... people remember it. When they see other magicians at a fair all wearing the same thing and all in black, I stand out. They may not always remember my name, but they do know me as the guy with the red jacket and those cool shoes. Every little bit helps.

All of my Trick or Treaters know me already. I usually have shows during the day and I love to greet them in costume. I first do a trick for them then give them a treat bag. I don't give the kids my business card... I give them a coloring sheet with all the info.
Now what promotion are we doing right now to book those Halloween shows? Or should I say Holiday shows?

How about the razor blades from mouth trick?? You could put the razor blades in an apple and give it to the kids. Well maybe not....

I usually do the balloon thing for Halloween and always have a large crowd. Lots of parents ask for business cards and the kids enjoy it.