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evelyn13 New user 20 Posts |
I've been in the speaking industry for the last 18 years and got away from doing magic shows. I took a 2-year hiatus from the speaking business to "retire". I found out that Im not good at retiring. My question is this: what kind of results are you getting with online booking agencies such as Gig Salad, Gigmasters, etc.? I used to be on Gigmasters and did pretty well in the market I was in, considering the low price at the time ($240/year). That was about 8 years ago. I'm interested in listing primarily as a motivational speaker on Gig Salad, although I'm getting back to close-up and parlor magic as well and may include it in my regular website once I can get a prospect interested in a speech. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Posted: May 28, 2013 9:00pm And, oh yeah, I made my living for years as a comedy magician prior to entering the speaking business. |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-05-28 20:59, evelyn13 wrote: They are less effective for speakers as most seek them out for entertainers. With that said you will more than likely be disappointed in them if you approach them as "online agencies". They are not agencies. More of a proper description would be as "lead generators". This is often the biggest mistake I see performers have when joining these services, is, like an agency, the expect them to get them bookings. While it is possible and it does happen once in a while, this is not how to best utilize them. They will not sell for you. They can however be an excellent form of lead generation to get prospective clients to raise their hands and identify themselves. Those can be very effective if you respond immediately by phone when the gig request comes in and you have good chance of being the first or second to respond. They will speak to you and allow you the chance to make your presentation to them. If you are not one of the first couple to respond, your results can likely be the opposite - they will have already been bombarded with responses, phone call and messages, will likely not want to speak to you or will not call you back. I get great results as an entertainer and fair results as a speaker when utilizing these services in this manner. |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
You will be able to book a lot of jobs from both gig salad, and gig master providing you are the cheapest entertainer bidding on every jobs.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
JoshLondonMagic Special user 675 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-05-28 23:02, Al Angello wrote: Even then people don't know what entertainment costs.
Josh
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
There is still one entertainer in my area who uses Gig master, and even though he is the cheapest guy around he is having a hard time booking the gig master jobs.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
[quote]On 2013-05-29 09:21, Al Angello wrote:
There is still one entertainer in my area who uses Gig master, and even though he is the cheapest guy around he is having a hard time booking the gig master jobs. [/quote Because the cheapest doesn't always sell! The best value sells!
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
evelyn13 New user 20 Posts |
Thanks for sharing guys. I appreciate all of your input!
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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
I have had fair success with GigMaster -- and I'm absolutely not the lowest bidder in my market.
You really need to look at these services purely as "lead" generators. The ONLY thing they really do is put performers in touch with people who are planning events. Once you have the name and number, the sales job is up to you. So I decline the low end stuff and keep a cyber eye peeled for the corporate work. It's true that I only get a few shows from GM, but the fees for these shows are still worth many times more than the price of belonging to GM. You need to be very fast out of the gate and in touch with the client. Your materials have to be top quality and you need a solid, personable and professional approach. If you have these things, and have found the right kind of client, GM can be made to work for you. The worst thing to do is join, do nothing and wait for GM to hand you work. It's not going to happen. I have had very little success with Gig Salad. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
For me, Gig Salad has paid for itself. I've actually gotten decent (local) leads from it. The trick will be getting those same people the next time around. But, I've gotten 5 times the amount of useless leads as well.
I've bad mouthed gig salad before, because for a site that promotes doing gigs and helping customers, the way they set it up does not do that very well. But, it's worth making a free account and seeing what happens. Although, I hardly think a speaker would have any use for it. For performers and buyers alike, I think the novelty wore off. These types of sites were unique for a while, but in my opinion more people are weary of hiring right off the internet instead of having someone recommended. |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
I've done reasonably well with Gig Salad but I always ask the buyer to contact me so that I can make sure I am offering what they want. I have managed to book the majority that have called. (I'm not doing as well getting everyone to call but that's, unfortunately, the norm around here.)
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evelyn13 New user 20 Posts |
Thanks again for your input gentlemen. I used Gigmasters in the past for about 2 years and did fairly well with it. I 've been "out of the loop" and wanted to see if it's still effective. And yes David,you're absolutely right about getting "out of the gate" first. If you don't do that 53 other entertainers will have gotten to the buyer first and then there's very little chance of booking it--no matter what your fee is. I've heard mixed reviews about Gig Salad. Thanks David, Close-up Dave and Michael. I value your input. The market is somewhat different now than when I was actively pursuing magic shows. I'm trying to slowly get a grip on the current state of affairs.
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
In the beginning I did well with GM but not this year. Its been all about bargains, even when I give my best pitches (I know they work also because of past success). This year, GS is better by far. I think now GM is getting beat out somewhat by so many other internet entertainer sites.
ClICK HERE for HOW TO MAKE TRANSITION FROM MAGICIAN TO MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER WORLD NEW BOOK!
Click here for NEW PROMO TRAILER! 90 seconds of pure laughs without a standing ovation! Click here for Magicians Austin Mentalist Performance https://www.facebook.com/AustinMagicians https://www.speakermatch.com/profile/gianicano/ Magicians Company Entertainers in Dallas, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sHW_zVuSc https://about.me/motivationalpublicspeaker |
magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
Decomposed,
What other internet entertainer sites do you know of?
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-06-07 23:30, magicofCurtis wrote: Gig Mama is one that is starting to show some leads Curtis. I noticed you had a lot of great reviews on GM!
ClICK HERE for HOW TO MAKE TRANSITION FROM MAGICIAN TO MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER WORLD NEW BOOK!
Click here for NEW PROMO TRAILER! 90 seconds of pure laughs without a standing ovation! Click here for Magicians Austin Mentalist Performance https://www.facebook.com/AustinMagicians https://www.speakermatch.com/profile/gianicano/ Magicians Company Entertainers in Dallas, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sHW_zVuSc https://about.me/motivationalpublicspeaker |
magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
Decomposed,
I need to renew GM, but got tired of all the unwarranted leads.....
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
I went to renew my membership today on Gigmasters and they have dramatically increased the price. I don't think they are up to par with the SEO's and the new sites like Gigmama, Gigmaters, party blast, etc....
I use to think they were great and did bring in decent results, but I think they are slipping...
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
evelyn13 New user 20 Posts |
Thanks Curtis and Decomposed. Your help has been invaluable.
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
You are most welcome Evelyn.
Yes Curtis, GM have increased their price. I will have to decide in Sept if I will renew or not.
ClICK HERE for HOW TO MAKE TRANSITION FROM MAGICIAN TO MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER WORLD NEW BOOK!
Click here for NEW PROMO TRAILER! 90 seconds of pure laughs without a standing ovation! Click here for Magicians Austin Mentalist Performance https://www.facebook.com/AustinMagicians https://www.speakermatch.com/profile/gianicano/ Magicians Company Entertainers in Dallas, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sHW_zVuSc https://about.me/motivationalpublicspeaker |
magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
Yes more money for unqualified leads! lol
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
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