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Keith Raygor Special user Naples, FL 968 Posts |
Over the years, I've been asked quite a few times for my list of benefits, and have posted it here on the Café a couple times. The first time is here.
That thread also has the approach I used to secure my latest residency, which has me in my 13th year at 5 nights per week. Personalized entertainment - especially good for special occasions, like anniversaries and birthdays Unique entertainment A cover for delays in seating or delays in the kitchen Entertain guests on busy nights Increase business on slower nights A way of attracting return customers that bring new customers with them A way of attracting publicity A way of delaying the customers from leaving, generating increased revenue A way of stimulating conversation between strangers in the lounge An extension of the restaurant’s hospitality Thanks for opening this topic back up, Chris. I was looking for the thread you had removed as it had so much wonderful information in it from others as well. I hope this helps. |
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newbstermagi New user 52 Posts |
I know this thread is a bit older, but I do have one question: What if you know the restaurant is privately owned (A local business) and the original call to get the info is not needed, do you call to set up an appointment for the pitch, do the pitch over the phone and then go in for an audition? I guess what I am asking is, if you know they are privately owned, and you want to catch the GM/Owner, how do you go about it for this circumstance? I am a teenager, so there are mild transportation issues at this point, but knowing I have an audition, meeting time or if they accept me, knowing when I work is not a problem in arranging transportation, but going in just to strike out in finding who it is I need to speak to seems a bit, for lack of a better word, impractical at this point. Any suggestions would be great!
Matt B. |
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kennewhitson New user Kansas 69 Posts |
Great info! Thannks for your insight.
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jasonpartin New user 1 Post |
Great tips from seasoned performers - thanks!
I'll offer a tip from a seasoned performer who has been a first-timer TWICE... I took a 15 year break as other responsibilities dominated my ability to perform a couple of nights a week. I recently returned to working restaurants. My advice is: don't over-think picking a restaurant for your first gig, just visit the place a few times and find an off-time to approach the manager or owner, then be honest about being relatively inexperienced and ask if you could perform before the busy times on an off-night. I choose Thursdays, even though I've been on a break, I have enough experience under my belt to jump back into it and know that I don't enjoy working on weekends. Thursday is a happy medium. Tuesdays or Wednesdays are ideal for a first-time performer, and you could always add more nights after the restaurant sees your value. Regarding tips, again I recommend not over-analyzing it. Get a few weeks under your belt for free, then figure out what works for you. Personally, I start off by saying that I'm offering a free service provided by the restaurant to ensure that everyone has a good time. I find that this diffuses inevitable tension (most people don't want to be solicited during an already expensive meal), yet I still get tips (even better, they seek me out later in the evening - it's feels more sincere!). Plus, being good pays for itself... focusing on making people feel good and have fun can lead to private parties or corporate gigs that add up more than tips. Above all, be courteous. All of the analyzing about how to approach a restaurant, how much to charge, or how to get tips goes out the window when performers interrupt a conversation, rush through effects without developing a personal connection, or try to impress people rather than entertain them. If you're a good entertainer (more than a magician), the methods of obtaining money unique to your approach will unfold. Good luck! |
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paymerich Special user Norwalk, CT 546 Posts |
I know of one restaurant that would close with out its entertainment : HOOTERS!
Have a Magical Day!
<BR> <BR>The Maniacal Mage <BR> <BR>Pablo Aymerich <BR>Norwalk, CT 06851 |
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mgsmagic New user Torrance CA 26 Posts |
I've been trying to get a restaurant for sometime now to no avail. I tried approaching a few but they all whine that I'll compete with the wait staff for tips, so when I offered an hourly rate they balked that they'd have to pay anything at all. At the end of the day it seems that no matter how I structure this I don't get gigs. I'd like a mid term regular restaurant gig to aid in marketing other gigs, however thus far I haven't gotten anything.
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Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
Thank you SO MUCH for posting this. I've been eyeing several local restaurants and this list will help immensely!
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
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Merc Man Inner circle NUNEATON, Warwickshire 2537 Posts |
Christopher,
Many thanks for taking the time and energy to write up such an informative and interesting article. Can I just clarify a few points? (i) Do you (and other magicians in the USA) work for a set wage OR do you receive a small retainer from the restaurant and work for tips? (ii) If you work for tips, what is your 'come on' to get you at the tables? (iii) Do you get any problem with the waiting staff as you are potentially reducing their opportunity for tips? I'd be really interested to hear from yourself (and obviously other magicians) that may have some answers to these points. Sincere regards, Barry
Barry Allen
Over 14 years have passed - and still missing Abra Magazine arriving every Saturday morning. |
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-09-15 15:04, Merc Man wrote: I NEVER work for just tips! Other people do and that's there deal...but you'll never see me working for tips alone. Any restaurant that I perform in I am being paid an hourly rate + I accept tips + my family and I eat there for free whenever we want. Quote:
On 2011-09-15 15:04, Merc Man wrote: n/a Quote:
On 2011-09-15 15:04, Merc Man wrote: Nope! The waitstaff make more money on the nights I work b/c I'm keeping their customers happy. The servers let their guests know about the awesome magician and ask if they'd like me to visit with them. Since the server let's them know about me, they get (normally) a nice tip from their guests.
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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Blayk P New user 60 Posts |
So much great information here. I'll be using a lot of it soon! Thanks!
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JeffWampler Regular user Bristol, TN 191 Posts |
The part about getting the contact information and finding out if they are corporately owned is priceless. However, I would caution not to be totally turned off by a corporately owned restaurant. The chain of command is a little different, and many times these places have a budget for entertainment. Very good information!!!
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ThatsJustWrong! Special user My flying monkeys are perched on 629 Posts |
I used to work tables often back in the 80's and 90's and can agree with everything said here. It was my policy, however, to work for a flat fee and a meal, and not accept tips from guests. Instead, I would encourage the guests to show their appreciation to their servers who I always took the time to get to know by name. Happy servers make life a lot happier for a manager and I DID accept a cut of tips when offered by the staff. Be aware of what they do, the traffic patterns, the pulse of the restaurant and the timing of the meals.Be supportive of the staff in the trenches and they will be supportive of you!
Joe Leo
All entertainers can benefit from some help from an experienced stage director. How about you? www.MisfitMysteries.com |
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Good marketing stuff, thanks. I worked a semi- restaurant for years and got good money since the clients coming in paid for entertainment. The economy wrecked that gig though.
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 |
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Herr Brian Tabor Special user Oklahoma City 729 Posts |
Christopher, thanks so much for taking the time to share this invaluable info with all of us! I am considering finding work in restaurants while I'm still in college, and this helps a lot!
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HighClass New user 87 Posts |
I always work for a set fee and give what ever tips I recieve to the waiter staff working the table. This keeps the staff happy. It also incourages the waite staff to introduce me to table, so I almost never approach cold.
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yabi New user Cherry Hill, NJ 92 Posts |
Christopher, the information you shared here is priceless. It takes a lot for any successful person to share their "secrets to success" like you have. It's truly appreciative.
Thank you for making this contribution (again). |
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WilliamMckeehan New user Moriarty, NM 40 Posts |
Great Post! The info will be very useful if I ever get out there working, thanks!
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borderjs New user 51 Posts |
Great topic, as I am still a beginner I have no plans to use this information anytime soon but I hope I can use it in the future! Thanks everyone for the tips!
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Glad to hear everyone is finding it helpful!
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
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EXTREMENINJA1 Regular user 134 Posts |
This article is very helpful. I'm 16 and hoping to get into restaurant magic. A couple of questions though. How should I dress? Is a suit or other formal wear the best way? I would feel odd in a suit and don't think I would perform well. Is jeans and a button down shirt + formal shoes a good idea? And finally, if the owner/general manager is not in but the assistant manager asks to take a message, what should I say? I know you said it is not a good idea to talk to the assistant manager but I don't want to be rude.
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