Hi everyone,
Just wondering, when busking or doing table hopping, do you put your business card on the table so that anybody can take it.
Or just give it out when somebody ask for.
How's your opinion?
Thanks.
YuYen

IMHO
If they are impressed with your magic offer them one.

Also get a sign to put on your case, and make sure it has your website on it. That way when people record your show or take pictures, your name and website stays with them.

Good idea!

Do a routine or effect that allows your business card to end up in their hands. That's the easiest, best and most assured way to accomplish this plain and simple.

Ask the restaurant to display an 8 X 10 picture of you, and have it announce the nights that you will be performing.

For table hopping, I ordered some colorful table tents from http://www.paperdirect.com I ran them thru my laser and place them on the tables at the beginning of my performance shift. It asks that they place the tent at the edge of their table if they'd enjoy a few minutes of magic. It has my web address on it, etc.

I certainly leave my business card with each table and Mindpro's suggestion is dead on.

Many restaurants do not want table tents on tables. They already have enough crap on the tables, what with the condiments, drink menus, spices, specials, etc. The bigger the business, the more likely they are to have specific guidelines as to how they want their tables set, and what should be on them. So make sure you ask before putting them out.

As for cards, of COURSE you get them into their hands if you can, but I generally leave one at the table, too. When they leave, if I notice that they left it behind I will sometimes collect it (assuming it is still in pristine condition.) More often than not, it is taken.

I am going to disagree here for a bit. First off, busking and table hopping are two seperate things.

When table hopping, I want to qualify my leads. I don't want to waste my time nor theirs. So actually I do not hand my card out to everyone. I only hand it out if it's someone I have qualifed, or I believe I am a good fit. Now I do also have "give aways" and "fun freebees" I hand out with my basic information on it as well. So I do keep those who I do not think will benefit from what I offer happy.

These also serve as a purpose for me. Let's say I don't think it's a fit, whether it's what I do, or what they are looking for. I can still refer them to someone who would be a fit, thus positioning myself as the go to person. Who knows, maybe they will have a need for me in the future?

As far as busking, I have a seperate business card. I do not want to "hustle a tip" from a possible corporate client.

Just my opinion.

I actaully use my biz card as my introduction as I approach a table. at my restaraunt my face and name are on the table tents and then I have a card that is a fold over card so its like a mini brochure

it has lots of pics and simple easy to read info. helps establish credibility as they look at it and see tha I have played casinos etc.

I think it is also a numbers game the more I hand out the more my name is in front of people.

sure you got ot have a great presentation as well but giving out my card... well that is what its for:)

just my radom thoughts

While I completely understand EE's position, I agree more with Sam's. I don't see how handing them a card is wasting either of our time. Business cards are cheap; paper the world with them! You can assess whether you are a fit or not when they call for a show (hopefully, they will call for a show!) I'd rather make that assessment when I am speaking to them specifically about their planned activity than during my set.

I don't know about most of you, but I have no idea what somebody's circle of friends are. THEY may not need you, but their father-in-law the corporate executive may end up with that card!

Buy the electric hot leads from me and give your card like that for unforgettable card givinf experience