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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
My rule for charity events;
If the band is playing for free, I am performing for free If the band is paid, I'm paid Before and or after I perform, I am treated as a guest and am served a meal at a table with the other guests that paid to enter the event. I don't eat backstage, or in the kitchen with the band. I will roll in and set up my own equipment |
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Al, I agree with you, except for one crucial flaw in your assessment... THEY did not ask him to donate time... HE offered his services to them. HUGE difference!!
So, in all likelihood, they will think of him as a real nice guy and are less likely to treat him like a rented toilet. If things do go south on him, walking away would seem far less melodramatic anyway. For the record, I too have experienced the worst of treatment from people who wrangled me into temporary slavery and humiliation at no expense to them. I learned the kinds of gigs to avoid. Entertaining wealthy benefactors at a charity fund-raiser is one of those that I say no to. The charities cannot survive without these boorish dolts, but the benefactors can certainly survive without the money they donate... which is usually a tax write-off for them anyway. Most of them do it to be seen, sip wine, and watch monkeys jump through hoops. In many cases, it is something they must do in order to maintain their social status. Country clubs and neighborhood associations don't look kindly on those who don't play well with the group. The charity organizers classically develop brown-noser tunnel vision. They focus only on those who write the checks, rarely on those who make their event an event. But, no one is going to force you to take on gigs like that, or even change your mind. Why are you trying to change his mind? Mick actually made a good point. In some situations wholesale handing out of business cards does look a bit desperate. But, self-promotion is still something most of us have to do. I still like the sign idea. It works for a stationary performer, although probably not for a strolling worker. While visible, it can still be subtle enough to not appear desperate.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
It baffles me why you would not only perform for free, but volunteer to do so. This is not a charity. Think about it this day: some pro might be losing out on a gig because you gave the store a cheaper alternative to hiring someone.
If you are willing to work for free you can always stay busy. And broke. And unpopular among the pros. Having said that, at the very least have a big banner there with your contact details, and give out plenty of cards. From experience, you are unlikely to get any commercial benefit from the exercise.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-07-10 11:28, TomBoleware wrote: Actually, it is different in that those activities you mentioned are generally aimed at target markets where people are more likely to be ready, willing and able to hire you, vs random people who were not qualified and are just going to a store. Your suggestion also makes the assumption that it is either one way or the other, when in reality the likely best use of one's time is none of these activities. |
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Danny Kazam Inner circle 1516 Posts |
I've donated shows in the past, and have no issue with it anymore than I have an issue with any company who does charity work.
As a painting contractor I have donated my time and labour to support Habitat For Humanity. The few charity gigs I have performed in situations where they would of never hired a magician, or any entertainment in the first place, so I wasn't taking a paid gig away from anyone. On occassions I have also recieved a charitable donation receipt I was able to use for tax purposes.
Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-07-10 18:04, charliecheckers wrote: What if it's a store where mom's go and take the kids? Wouldn't they all have birthdays coming up one day? Wouldn't they tell their friends about the magic man they saw? Yes, if it's a hardware store that sells power tools or a men's clothing store I say skip it. But if it's a family type place, I say get off the couch and go grab it. When you swap a show for advertising space, you not doing a "free" show. Advertising costs money, why not pay with a few tricks or balloons. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
I'd put together a large poster-sized sign of the creations you'll let them choose from. This limits your immediate requirements and is a perfect way to put your name out there. Then, make a large sculpture with a "Win Me!!" sign on it - or put up another poster with a photo of it. Some pieces of paper with spaces for name, phone, email, etc, and a fishbowl will collect your entries.
Tell the parents how much you'd enjoy a photo of you and the child with their balloon (assuming (1) the parents are with the kid and (2) the kid doesn't grab it and run off). If they say yes, have a friend take it with your phone and text it to the parent's phone, along with a personalized thank you with the parents and childs names. Ed |
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curtgunz Special user Only 99% of users have more than 784 Posts |
Welcome to the Café.
Be sure to check out the Ballooning 101 section of the Café as well. I don't do many freebies any more and there have be lots of discussions about it on the Café before. One tip on using the Café. The built in search feature stinks. If you want to search a topic go to Google and type: "Free Gigs" site:themagiccafe.com Whatever is in the quotes will be the search term but ONLY in the site listed. Now about the cards. HAND THEM OUT! When you are starting out hand out the cards. Put one in each balloon. Doggies get on wedged in the front "paws"; flowers get on in the petals; Swords get one in the handle. You are providing free marketing for the store's grand opening and any manager or store owner will recognize that you are a small business and will be glad to let you put your card in the balloons. I'm assuming you do a great job and are charming and reflect well on the store. If for any reason the store does not recognize that you are providing a service to them and you have to pay the bills too, I'd leave. But, you are on the right track. Magic (including balloons) is a PERFORMING art. You are much better being proactive and getting out there than sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring. All of this is assuming that you are just starting out. Whatever the case, welcome to the Café and I look forward to visiting with you and learning from you.
Click for Free Resources for Performers
YouTube channel specifically for family & kids show magicians. Click -- You need to subscribe. |
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Curtgunz;
Good Post |
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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-07-10 19:50, TomBoleware wrote: Choosing to work for free in exchange for promotional opportunities is ok, if it achieves the purpose. Going to a store opening is unlikely to land any gigs because the customers could care less about about your business and will likely not remember you were there. Do you really think parents remember who made a balloon animal for their kid and then hire them? If anything, it would possibly be a photo op for one's website or an opportunity to audition for a long term relationship with the store.The customers will most likely throw away anything you give them. If you want a Birthday Party booking, you would be better off going to a daycare center and making the same free performance offer, to be timed with when the parents are scheduled to pick up the kids (and arrange for advance notice and promotional material to be handed to the parents). That way you are at least working with a target audience and the parents know you will be there in advance. After looking at Dave's website I see he has a snake and rabbit in his performance. Those would be more unique and interesting. If you spend the same amount of time offering to do a free show that ties into the current library theme at a library, you may impress them enough to land a bunch of future shows within that whole library system. The point is that you should have a plan and purpose to your promotion, whether it is advertising or free shows. |
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