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johnra Elite user oklahoma 450 Posts |
Hello all,
I figure I should give some back ground about myself and my act before I state my issues. My act is a little more mature meaning mostly high school and college kids but I've had great success with the much older crowds doing the same act. I do things like Velocity (Paintball gun trick) aswell as the razor blade illusion. The other items run along the same vein. I perform with Bands primarily, I ran into an issue with a promoter today who said that if he ever booked me for a show he wouldn't even know how to promote it since he's only worked with bands, I have no answer for him other then "Well let's do a trial run and if it doesn't work then things will go back to normal." My other issues are that I would like to branch out my business. I want to soon perform full time so I'd like to include corporate shows and trade shows into my business. I have no clue how to go about this. I'm sure I need a press kit and all that jazz but still I'm not sure who to send these to. Any help would be greatly appreciated, John
John Shackelford LIVE!!!
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Bradley Roberts Elite user Las Vegas 413 Posts |
If you are starting to work in the Business of Show Business you have come to the right place. Some of the guys here put out some of the best stuff to market your show and you.
A few things to make your business the best.... 1. Have a website and a good one 2. Have marketing plan with Press Kit, Business Cards, Handouts, etc. 3. Have a demo Video to give out if they ask. 4. WORK HARD and don't give up. One stop for marketing information would be Brad Ross with the IT Factor. http://www.itfactormagic.com. He has great information where to start and covers it all. Also Brad has some other outstanding products that can get you started off like a Champ in the marketing of your business. http://www.makemagicmoney.com/store.html Another would be Eric Paul at http://www.moremoneywithmagic.com. Yet another Dean Hanky at http://www.thedean.net Take a look see what they offer. They most likely will post here to to help you out. Cheers, B-Rad
B-Rad "The Kids Magician"
Brad Kids Magic Website "A child's smile is one of life's greatest blessings." |
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Also Jim Snack is one of the favorites here.
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Bradley Roberts Elite user Las Vegas 413 Posts |
Ooo ya Jim Snack too... How could I forget him.
Sorry Jim Cheers, B-Rad
B-Rad "The Kids Magician"
Brad Kids Magic Website "A child's smile is one of life's greatest blessings." |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
You must know your ABCs, but backwards: Conceive, Believe, Achieve.
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Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
Quote: Yea, that might work in a different world. The way to success is to learn how to market from Jim Snack, follow his directions and work your ace off marketing, closing and doing shows.On 2009-07-29 19:57, Dynamike wrote: |
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Maloney Special user Newfoundland, Canada 709 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-07-29 19:57, Dynamike wrote: That is actually the most intelligent thing I've read here.
The Magic and Illusion of Jordan Maloney
"Experience the Unexplainable" www.jordanmaloney.com Go check it out! |
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RJE Inner circle 1848 Posts |
John,
There is no "one answer" to your question. If there was, we'd all be doing it and be successful. Personally, I have never suscribed or bought a "marketing course" either by a magic specific author or otherwise. I never found I needed it to keep busy. Others swear by the things and say it is the only way to keep your calendar full. Then there are those that no matter how hard they try, or don't, they do few shows and in a very limited market. A press or promo kit is important, but not for everyone. If you choose to create one, then you can send it to every agent you can find contact info on. Send it to every market that you wish to get into, banquet halls, restaurants etc.... This can be a rather large investment at first and it may or may not pay off in shows. It will however, get your name out there and people are more comfortable offering work to a known name than an unknown one. If you put together marketing material, be prepared to constantly update it. Do not mail or send the same material repeatedly. Some prefer snail mail, others e mail, some both. It can include flyers, brochures, business cards, promo photos, promo DVD and more. It can be creative, informative, serious, funny, whatever personality or type of act you are trying to sell. A decent promo video (DVD)may be an asset, depending on the type of show you are looking to promote. Generally, the larger the show, the more important the video (DVD). For some markets, a DVD is really not important. Business cards are a definite asset for most performers. You should find that you are regularly asked for a card from audience members following any performance and this of course leads to more shows for you. Determine what markets you want to get into. See if your material is appropriate for those markets. You may find that your current act would not sell well to some. If that is the case, you may need to develop new acts and material for those specific markets. Similarly, any advertising you do should also be marked specific. Also, be prepared to have more than one act for each market so that you can perform repeat bookings with new material. Some say this in not necessary and that they will repeat with the same show or with just a few changes. However, if you want to build lasting clients, then offer them something new and you can extend you bookings for many years building a truly large client base. If you are approaching agents, send gifts. These at first can be something with your contact info on it. Something practical (they keep on their desks) or something fun (they play with it or talk about it) are both good. Later, if they book you, send them a card at holidays and you can include gifts that may not be contact info (ie in Ontario a gift card from the LCBO). The purpose of the non-contact info gift is that you are building a personal and long term relationship with your agents. Finally, make sure that the act you present is good. That cannot be stated enough. Every door you try to open will only stay open if you can deliver. Good luck. |
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TheDean Inner circle Reno, Nevada 2164 Posts |
I Agree with Robert (RJE) 110% in that no one "NEEDS" to get some marketing course. The internet and your local library are chalked FULL with LOTS of information… MORE than you will be ever able to get to, read or ‘use’ for that matter!
The challenge is, as I have said here many times, is NOT a lack of information; heck you can see that this-place alone are loaded with 'information' and like the over-all internet and the library, there is more that anyone could ever possibly apply to our respective business’! Hey, you can take what ya know Right NOW and just APPLY IT! TOAY, THIS very second and get some returns pretty dog-gone quickly if you simply “Take ACTION Until!!!” THIS THREAD already has more than you can use right now, so just Take ACTION immediately on what you DO know NOW and CAN apply "WHILE you keep learning more and better ways to take action more EFFECTIVELY", but still, TAKE ACTION NOW! (…and frequently… and UNTIL!) I will say that the REASON we learn from others (on the net, in the library and in course materials) is to help us save time, talent and treasure along our journeys path, but all the killer information in the WORLD (for Free or For Fee) is ‘useless’ if you don’t APPLY IT and TAKE ACTION now! Success is not a perfect process and nor is it a destination… we’ve heard it all before, It “Is A Journey”. We keep adding more ACTION to what we know and we keep getting better and better over time… enjoy the ride and the ‘process’. It’s quite FUN if you allow it! SURE, there ARE shortcuts at the expense of others mistakes, so when you stand on the shoulders of giants you can better see the destination before you and distinguish the PATH from the PITFALLS and that is what ‘Learning’ does for you. I realize no one NEEDS to spend a penny to get more information… I WILL say that I have personally invested millions into my life and career and it has yielded personal, professional results well beyond the silly little investments I have made. – If I were to have done it all again, I would have done it sooner and more frequently, but that’s me. (…and because of the RESULTS! – Duh!) Please, use the net, use your local library and “IF” you were to invest into your success (in THIS example) I would embrace Jim Snack’s information FIRST! (I wish I had it when I was coming up… for sure!) IF you GET IT and “Apply” It, it will likely cut many years and many MISTAKES off your journey to your desired success destination! Who doesn’t want that??? Stand on the shoulders of giants for less than the income you will make from ONE SHOW! (…and Jim will show you how to do MUCH better that just one-show for sure!) – A small, but fair trade For SURE and by FAR! You won’t get that kind of return on investment in the stock market for sure! So, KEEP LEARNING to be sure, BUT more importantly, “MAP” (Massive ACTION Plan) your way to success! Take action (UNTIL) and the results will come! Success will NOT walk between you and your TV… that is for sure! Hope that helps some! “Find Your Passion… DO Your Purpose… Make It PAY!” I am at your service and in HIS Service, Deano (loving life and lifestyle) in Reno <><
Dean Hankey, *M.D. - The Dean of Success Solutions!
Serving & Supporting YOU and Your Success! "Book More Shows... Make More Money... SERVE MORE PEOPLE! - Not Necessarily In That Order…" (*Marketing Doctor) |
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TheRaven Special user 597 Posts |
Quote:
I perform with Bands primarily, I ran into an issue with a promoter today who said that if he ever booked me for a show he wouldn't even know how to promote it since he's only worked with bands, I have no answer for him other then "Well let's do a trial run and if it doesn't work then things will go back to normal." Others may think I am loco, but it sounds to me like you might want to consider putting together a simple business plan. Doesn't have to be fancy or long. Sure you could just jump in and hope everything works out, but especially if you want to go full-time and you have to support yourself doing this, you want to have a plan and make sure you satisfy yourself that it is feasible to generate the revenue you need. A marketing plan would come after a business plan. Don't be tempted to buy a business plan. It is your own thought process and the act of puting it on paper, that provides the value. |
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Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
Mike, you told someone to just believe and it all comes to you. WRONG!! Work your butt off and you see results. Learn from real experts who have actually done what you want to do and follow thier advice. If newbie listen to you that is the road to failure.
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jackturk Elite user 463 Posts |
The best advice you've gotten boils down to Dean's favorite words: Take Action.
One of my favorite books on business is by Michael Masterson, "Ready. Fire. Aim." Take your shots. Evaluate the results. Adjust as necessary. Repeat. One bit of advice I will give -- when you make your pitch to anyone, whether it's trade show, school, or whomever, make sure to have it written down first and memorized before you start talking. Offer clear benefits from their point of view -- nobody cares about what you want, only the results you can deliver for them. Biz plans are great. Do them in powerpoint, as big honkin' bullets, so you don't bog yourself down in the details of how you word everything. Go to Guy Kawasaki's website (www.guykawasaki.com), check out his free speech presentations, and you can find a great outline for just such a biz plan. Never give up, even when discouraged. Because you will be discouraged an awful lot... everyone hits rough spots. Just keep moving forward. --Jack
"59 Ways To Recession Proof Your Entertainment Business -- FREE!"
http://www.GetLeadsLikeCrazy.com "How To Make $25,000 a Year Doing Birthday Parties Part-Time" http://www.magicmarketingcenter.com/birthdayPT |
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Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
Frank Starsini wrote on another board about the only rule for success. It's called the 10,000 hour rule. The article he brings up talks about people like Bill Gates and others like him, including what I try to do. Basically the rule states that if you really want success and you love the field that you're in you put in 10,000 hours perfecting your craft.
That's all I'm saying that success comes from WORKING at it. Not from dreaming about it. It's work that does it. |
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johnra Elite user oklahoma 450 Posts |
Hey Guys,
All great advice I have been very busy here lately please excuse my absence. I realize that is my problem in that I don't take enough action, I'm 18 probably should have mentioned that at the begining. I think this may be one of my biggest issues, I don't think anyone really takes me seriously. I was just laid off from my job (Got love the economy) so now I have decided to take my chances for a month or two and try to get as many bookings as possible. My clientel as stated before is mostly bands such as New Found Glory. I don't know how many of you do shows similar to that but it's very hard to get in on them. I have a Demo video but I feel it lacks Pizzaz most people enjoy the video but I still don't get bookings with it, Mostly because I don't send it out I work mostly through myspace and the alike. Who is the person in a corporation that I should send demos to? I think If I start there and keep at what I'm doing currently it could be a great stepping stone. As well I have started a business plan. Thanks again for all the advice I have already recieved and the advice to come, John
John Shackelford LIVE!!!
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Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
John, send the DVD to the V.P. of sales for the companies you are interested in. Stress the benefit to them that you can bring. i.e. for trade and consumer shows you stress "I will double the leads you get from your booth!" Then explain that your shows draws crowds and your patter features their products advantages to the people so thier sales force can then close more interviews.
remember that they are not helping you. You are benefitting them. Paddy |
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johnra Elite user oklahoma 450 Posts |
Would this information be available online?
Thanks again, John
John Shackelford LIVE!!!
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trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
I may be able to offer up some advice. I just started into the full time business. Let me first give you a quick history. I was laid off from my full time job about 6 months ago. I seen this as an open opportunity to pursue my career as a magician. I had ZERO dollars in the bank account for expensive promotional material, and just hints and pieces of business knowledge. KNOWLEDGE...you must determine what direction you want to go in...be it corporate, birthday parties etc. Lets say for your sake...corporate
Know that you know what market you want you can start to design your material around that market. If you don't have thousands of dollars for a new website and professional look....dont do corporate. I just figured this out through my coach Brad Ross. You must first have a PLAN...and not just in your head either. this was a major problem of mine that finally go discussed at my last meeting with Brad. Know your outcome Determine what your achievement and reward goals are. Set a Target Date of completion for your goals determine what is holding you back from achieving those goals already Make a list of why you must achieve those goals, and also a list of what will happen if you don't (worst case scenario) Develope an Action Plan working Visualize yourself have already achieved that goal. Determine the steps you took to get there Start first at the completion date and write down the steps you took along the way Have a YEARLY, MONTHLY, and WEEKLY Plan Set daily goals to help achieve your weekly goals. Set Weekly goals to help achieve your monthly goals set monthly goals to help achieve your yearly goal Each daily goal should have a target date, and then a column beside it for achievement date. As you achieve each step cross off that step, and write the date you achieved it. You see...I wanted to do all those things at once as well, but one thing I finally figured out is this...and I have known for a long time THINGS TAKE TIME You must first lay out a plan and when you would like to achieve that new market status, and then impliment it. There is no advice that can be given here that is going to help you get into the corporate market overnight, or even in a years time. The final piece of advice I would like to leave you with If you do not know how to get into a new market, spend the money or whatever it takes to get the KNOWLEDGE you need in order to do it. Oh yeah and this too Many of us already have the tools necessary, but we keep searching and buying until we hope to be ready. Get Out there and do it! My biggest problem was I was constantly wanting to buy new marketing material or the newest trick, and little did I know I had everything I needed already...I just had to read the materials again and apply it! Charles |
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sirbrad Inner circle PA 2096 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-08-01 12:52, TheDean wrote: Fantastic post and great advice! Many keep waiting for "some day" and that day never seems to come. When you take action and learn as you go, that is when dreams begin to manifest into reality. I know, I am living proof of that. I used t procrastinate as well thinking I had to know everything all at once and just became overwhelmed with information and got nowhere. I then just took what I had and began working with it. Then all of the sudden I had more money and more opportunities as opposed to just sitting around waiting and waiting...I researched marketing courses here for years until I first got Jim Snack's course, and it made a huge difference. So far it was the only course I ever needed. I think Dean had a success program or something, I am sure it is a good one as well judging by his posts. I may have it check it out and the price. Quote:
On 2009-08-04 23:24, trickychaz wrote: So true, Amen to that! You can still buy all the tricks/books/DVDs you want while you are making the big bucks and acting. Most seem to wait for the Holy Grail of effects to come flying in, not realizing that they already have them on their suitcase or drawer. The real magic comes when you decide to act and make the decision to make your dream reality. Once you are able to find out what has held you back you need to correct that problem and run forward guns blazing. Once you take that initial step it will get a lot easier to continue moving forward.
The great trouble with magicians is the fact that they believe when they have bought a certain trick or piece of apparatus, and know the method or procedure, that they are full-fledged mystifiers. -- Harry Houdini
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MikeClay Special user Atlanta GA 761 Posts |
But don't just "Take Action" do it now and do it FAST..
AND ALWAYS TEST TEST everything in marketing.. if your testing you can improve Test your website copy Test PPC ads Test business cards (YEAH!! Finally found one that has great call through rate.. now its the control of the test and am working on a new design) Test Flyers Test to see if your audience is "Escaping Pain" or "Chasing Pleasure" (in other words whats the most effective sales copy for them, most are "Escaping Pain") If it can be tested then it can be improved.. and I see it all the time. You train a group in Internet Marketing and only 1 in the class does anything, and the rest wonder WHY it doesn't work while the 1 who took action excels quickly.. ASLO get FREEMIND mind mapping software and learn how to mindmap to explore new "Markets" the difference in mind mapping and brainstorming is when you map it out you tend to find patterns and link them, this can uncover opportunities to expand your business.
its ok.. balloon dogs don't bite
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-07-30 00:54, Maloney wrote: That is how I accomplished my mission. Conceive: Put your goals together. Write them down. Read them everyday. Believe: Have confidence. Desire. Faith and belief. Achieve: You accomplished your mission. You completed your journey. |
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