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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
I think of customer reviews on an independent site are different than hand picked ones on a company website. The only testimonials I would ever pay attention to are ones that are specific to a particular aspect of the product or service that match a specific need. Things like “He was awesome” “She was amazing” and such mean nothing to me.
Gerry- great topic and interesting discussion. |
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Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
Thanks Charlie.
I hope things are going well for you in Med School. Maybe you'll be the next Dr. Albo. Gerry |
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Senor Fabuloso Inner circle 1243 Posts |
Gerry first things first CONGRATULATIONS on a successful performance and happy customer. As to the use of ACTUAL things said by someone about your show, as far as I know it is perfectly legitimate to use anything said publicly about you. It's also to my knowledge appropriate and acceptable to use the TRUTH in your advertising. A very dear friend of mine worked for Murry Povich and while not getting a testimonial, did say in his list of credits work for the man. I myself had used some of my famous clients names in my advertising as well.
So don't worry about using the truth in your promotional materials. It's not only legal but the right thing to do. Some people really care about such things and while it really doesn't say much about you will bring work to you.
No matter how many times you say the wrong thing, it will NEVER be right.
If I'm not responding to you? It's because you're a TROLL! |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
The problem of course is the quote in question was not public. It was in an email. So your entire point had absolutely nothing to do with his question.
Many company email addresses have specific prohibitions against the exact thing you are encouraging him to do. I know mine has a footer about the information only being for the recipient. So if it was a public comment then all bets are off. In an email it can be entirely different. In this case being in the email can make all the difference in the world. It could easily get the person it is attributed to in trouble and even him for using it. Listing them as a client is way different than attributing a quote.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
Quote:
On May 18, 2018, Senor Fabuloso wrote: 'Cause getting someone who spoke well of you fired is DEFINITELY the way to build a solid repeat client list.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
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Gerry Walkowski Inner circle 1450 Posts |
All I can say is that I'm glad I posted this topic here and that I also heeded to the great advice given here as well.
I was on the fence about this, but still leaning toward just coming out and asking permission. (t was a great email testimonial and a company as highly regarded as Disney.) Oh well, at least I can mention the company on my website, so that will have to suffice for now. Again, many thanks to all. Gerry |
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MikeClay Special user Atlanta GA 761 Posts |
You can also use a reputation management system to help collect reviews consistently and deal with any negative reviews.
These software platforms can run from $45 a month to $1800 a year But most people ignore people that don't have current reviews in Google and / or below a 4 star average.
its ok.. balloon dogs don't bite
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WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
Quote:
On May 18, 2018, Dannydoyle wrote: Exactly. More so - When it comes to anything that could be related as a company's specific endorsement of your show (ie: John Smith of Microsoft says, "This show was great, I think everyone should hire him!"), you must get permission in writing before using any part of that. Because if one uses a quote like that, without permission, it could get the person quoted in a lot of trouble. That person will then have very negative feelings which will likely be expressed to their cohorts, which is not good for business. Senor is very fond of making statements and then getting mad when they are countered.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Many performers have a "me" perspective. Can "I" do this?
Often they forget that there is another side to the equation. It is usually the most important side in a relationship in which you want them to purchase your services. Instead of "can" the question is "should" and that is what the OP was asking. It is fantastic that he was asking the question. I think this quote from the OP is the crux of the matter. "Well, it turns out their company policy forbids giving testimonials. So while this person told me he would love to do this for me, his hands are tied on the matter." This IS the answer and why anyone wants to make a lot of noise about using "ACTUAL" things people said is beyond me. The client has asked him not to, and as it turns out the company specifically forbids him from giving quotes. If the company takes the time to bother to have a policy it is best to stay within those guidelines completely regardless of what the "TRUTH" might be. You can use actual things said, and tell the truth in your advertising and get the gentleman in trouble at his company and lose a client. Both of those things can happen after you did a fantastic enough job to get the guy to tell you how much he liked the show. Personally I would not go about things in that fashion. Other's mileage may vary.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Cleverpaws Regular user Northern California 155 Posts |
Testimonials can always be faked, whether you say "john smith of Microsoft says:..." or you just say "a recent customer says..." You can still use john smith's quote, just don't put his name in it. I don't put customers names on my testimonials as many people like to keep their privacy. However you can put John S. of California says "..." without getting in trouble. And if people do not believe your testimonials, they are probably not going to like your performance either.
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WitchDocChris Inner circle York, PA 2614 Posts |
Quote:
On May 19, 2018, Cleverpaws wrote: I don't think the two are all that related. I've read plenty of glowing testimonials I believed were absolutely true, for shows/products I absolutely did not like. I've read reviews I thought were faked for shows/products I thought were excellent. I will concede that if they think your testimonial is fake, there's a good chance they won't bother seeing your show, though.
Christopher
Witch Doctor Psycho Seance book: https://tinyurl.com/y873bbr4 Boffo eBook: https://tinyurl.com/387sxkcd |
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Senor Fabuloso Inner circle 1243 Posts |
Quote:
On May 19, 2018, Cleverpaws wrote: EXACTLY! To bad others can't see past their own conformation bias. If they could they might learn something? Oh and again madness is for the mentally challenged. I DON'T GET MAD.
No matter how many times you say the wrong thing, it will NEVER be right.
If I'm not responding to you? It's because you're a TROLL! |
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CurtWaltermire Special user Curtis The Mentalist 505 Posts |
I agree with Danny and others here. Always a voice of reason, no matter how much the boat may rock...
I have always asked, and always will. Anymore, I simply direct clients to leave ratings and reviews for me on Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. I have gathered tons of video and written testimonials over the years and have found that it usually doesn't amount to getting any more gigs. Just recently, in spite of all of my glowing reviews and testimonials I have on social media, my website, etc, did I have a client ask for specific references for them to contact. Believe it or not, they were a law firm requesting a show for this coming Christmas. I didn't mind at all sending them a list of clients and contacts for them to verify. And I have permission from the previous clients to do so as well. Testimonials and such have their place, but don't really carry the weight that it would seem, no matter how big the company, celebrity, or how fantastic what they said is. I've found that for the most part, if you're not a well-known public figure, if they haven't heard of you then all of that matters only to a slight degree. Most people hiring you just want to know if you're good and entertaining, will make them look good (or at least NOT make them look BAD), and if you fit in their budget. Collect some, get explicit permission to use them and use them wisely, sparingly, and tactfully, but don't expect too much from them. I once drove Indy 500 legend Bobby Unser down a mountainside in Beaver Creek, Arkansas while blindfolded after an event that I also performed an after-dinner show for earlier in the day. He had a fantastic quote that I also got on video. I asked him if I could quote him and he said "absolutely." We've even spoken on the phone about it after the event. Such a thing has not done jack to book me any subsequent events. Not one. So IMO the risk isn't worth the potential trouble it may cause, especially since the best-case-scenario it will deliver anyway is nothing-to-mediocre at best. But it makes for a good story to tell. And I tell everyone that the best part of it all was scaring Bobby Unser to death at only 40 miles an hour...
Curtis Waltermire
Mentalist/Magician/Speaker/Actor/Grandpa/Cool Dad & Above-Average Husband CurtisTheMentalist.com YouTube Channel My Touring Public Show "The Mastermind Show" Check Out My Podcast "The Mastermind Show with Curtis The Mentalist" |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I do not think testimonials sell much. Never have.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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CurtWaltermire Special user Curtis The Mentalist 505 Posts |
True Danny, but they're great for reminding us of how genuinely fabulous we think we really are...
Curtis Waltermire
Mentalist/Magician/Speaker/Actor/Grandpa/Cool Dad & Above-Average Husband CurtisTheMentalist.com YouTube Channel My Touring Public Show "The Mastermind Show" Check Out My Podcast "The Mastermind Show with Curtis The Mentalist" |
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WDavis Inner circle 1276 Posts |
Quote:
On May 25, 2018, Dannydoyle wrote: I’ve refrained from posting for a while, but want to reinforce and add on to Danny’s opinion. I agree testimonials don’t sell. IMHO, They only reinforce established opinions on a persons credibility. The better option, for me atleast, is what Curt did. Though, I provide a contact list of satisfied customers with my media kit. A list of contacts for reference is more credible than any testimonial and for B2B this is a better way to go. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I have always said that if your testimonials are selling you work on your video.
A picture is worth a thousand words. It must be off the charts how many words video is worth. While testimonials can provide proof of what it is you are claiming, they are a VERY small part of the picture. Having potential clients spend time having to read through a testimonial that it is a foregone conclusion will say how amazing you are is a waste of time. Let them SEE how amazing you are. SHOW them. I know all the talk about "social proof" and yada yada yada. The best way to use them in my view is to use places like TripAdvisor which they have the site for that reason. Or Yelp. If someone else having a good experience is selling you the pitch might need adjustment. Mind you NOTHNG I have said should be applied to birthday party moms. I have no experience in that realm so do not jump at me if this is your market and things are different.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Quote:
On May 25, 2018, CurtWaltermire wrote: It is amazing the things I am afraid to say. But yes this is sort of the point I believe about them. You are pointing out in an amusing way the different viewpoint of using them. Sure it is impressive to us that we worked for whoever doing whatever and they loved us. But to people it is often "of course they loved him otherwise why would he tell me about it?" Too often marketing for individual variety performers is about their own ego and not so much about landing clients. This is why they have trouble landing clients.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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CurtWaltermire Special user Curtis The Mentalist 505 Posts |
Quote:
On May 25, 2018, Dannydoyle wrote: Precisely. However, even properly-timed, shameless self-promotion goes a long way as long as it has the targeted end-user in mind.
Curtis Waltermire
Mentalist/Magician/Speaker/Actor/Grandpa/Cool Dad & Above-Average Husband CurtisTheMentalist.com YouTube Channel My Touring Public Show "The Mastermind Show" Check Out My Podcast "The Mastermind Show with Curtis The Mentalist" |
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
I too have sat back only to watch this thread digress into opinions and not much true information or insight. There is a difference. I am glad someone is saying this (rather than myself always and then, of course, I am the bad guy for being honest) rather than some of the new pop-in know-it-alls and their opinions.
I think those of us that work with other entertainers, buyers, industry professionals, etc. have a more encompassing view and understanding of this, which is quite different than personal opinions. This discussion was becoming quite jilted and began to offer opinions as facts. A lot of opinions offered here. The point is what Cleverpaws and the guy that calls himself Fabulous refers to is simply not the same thing as the OP and others have been discussing. The outcome, intent and purpose are completely different. Also, as Danny, Curt, and Walter point out, testimonials, depending on how they are used and the exact type of testimonial vary, with many being less or completely ineffective. Many, as you can tell by the opinions early in this post, do not truly understand the true concept of testimonials and how they are best used. They are not to sell or convince anyone of anything. And general self-adapted beliefs and variations of this are even worse and less-effective if at all. Most try to impress themselves and not much more. Rather than all the various opinions, it would be better served to discuss the proper context of such usage, purposes, and intent. Plus the different types of testimonials and their appropriateness/effectiveness. Kudos to Gerry for taking the high road and the professional position, rather than the "just do it" mentality many seem to prefer. To Danny's point, if there is not an assured purpose and controlled execution, they can work against you. Then, the issue of fake testimonials is an altogether different issue and topic. There is no need to do this. Getting the proper and right type of testimonial should be most performers main priority once they truly understand the how, whats and whys of testimonials, and of course, THEN it becomes a matter of knowing how to use and utilize them. One size does not fit all. |
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