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pikacrd Veteran user Florida 387 Posts |
Ok I need some real help here I am experiencing a mental block at probably the worst moment that I could have one.
I have an upcoming audition with a Software Company who produces an encryption software product. The audition is with the CEO, CFO, and the Marketing Team over an informal lunch but I will be expected to present them with some ideas based on magic for an upcoming trade show. The product that they produce is a commercial product that generally is sold to large corporations and governments that can be put on to just about any device that you can think of (PDA, Lap Top, Jump Drive, DVD, CD, Mainframe Computer, Midrange Server etc). The main focus of the company that I can gather from the information that they have sent to me and what I pulled from the web is information protection (I can just here all of you tech savvy people out there are saying “DUHH”) believe it or not this company does not have a real clear message or tag line that is attached to the product for instant recognition in there marketing materials (I am not attempting to create one). This actually bothers me because I know and really respect the marketing director of this company. My question to any of you out there who care to help me out is what comes to your mind instantly when you here the term Information Protection or Encryption? I am working on the following ideas but any suggestions would be very helpful. Wonder Lock: 6 keys 1 lock the spectators get to choose the keys but only the magician can open the lock. Nothing Box (Rattle Box): The little round metal one, shake it and it sounds like something is in it open it and it appears empty. Watch Steal: Chicago Opener: Modified with a business theme. Magic Square: The numbers thing ties in with coding programs Card to Wallet: I have a few others in mind but any help that any of you can offer would be great. Thanks So much. Kris
“Indubitably, Magic is one of the subtlest and most difficult of the sciences and arts. There is more opportunity for errors of comprehension, judgment and practice than in any other branch of physics”. William S. Burroughs 1914-1997 American Writer
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Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
MisMade Bill, showing how the usual encryption schemes can be cracked as the bill is still recognizable as a bill and could be decoded. Then do a follow up change to a piece of paper that is covered with squiggles, showing that it can't be decoded by your client's product, then vanish the "bill" (I'd use a p***) to show how their product can even conceal the files from the hacker's browser.
CMH - to show how easy it is for daa to leave a supposedly secure network (token ring, narrow bandwidth). If they use multi-layered protection (password, encryption, two-layer encryption, etc), you could use the coloring book to show that the first layer is the easiest (password), the second layer is better (no colors and the protection is transparent to the user) and the third layer, encryption, being something that completely blocks a hacker's view of the relevant data (blank pages). Just a couple of ideas from an old-time thecno-geek. Lee Darrow, C.H. (Certified Novell Networks Rseller, 1989, but I've been doing computer stuff since 1967)
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
massimo New user 72 Posts |
Well, that is a good question. First, why are you coming up with a marketing plan for the??
Ok, I am over that outburst. Don't even think of mixing magic and mentalism for a corporation. Strictly speaking, some "magician's forces are cool for demo-ing security breaches. Then blow them away with a re-production of missing? Do something with cds and mini cds. A corporation pleaser has always been some form of thieves and sheep coin routine. Basically, you need to look through your mirage of magic and use your brain to add that theme to what you do. |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
I wouldn't worry too much about a specific product message, especially given the limitations you mentioned. During your luncheon meeting pitch them on using you to accomplish the following:
Stopping people at the booth - magic is great for that Helping pre-qualify prospects - ask them what their ideal customer profile is Creating goodwill and name recognition - making their booth memorable Then put together a few routines using the company logo on playing cards, such as Ambitious Card (the best always comes out on top) and Wild Card (on a transformation theme). If they have a budget for a giveaway, there's always the three card monte trick using a logo card. Jim |
icentertainment Inner circle 1429 Posts |
I shouldn't need to say this but Jim Snack is right- as always
You are selling the benefits not the features. You are selling the -WHY ARE YOU THERE- not what you will do when you are there. But it would be good to do a demo so they can understand a little bit more. (I Really love the coloring book effect you may want to put the company folder on the out side or get the company logo on a blank piece of cardboard as the front cover- with a message on the back so at the end you use that to recap) Find out before the meeting what there goal is------is it to increase leads, or is it to whatever but find out the number 1 thing they are there for- just call them up and this will help you in your meeting. Protection-- Any effect where something is destroyed and repaired would do as you could use the presentation of There are ways of hacking and destroying data (at this point destroy the bill) but we have the solution - repair it and do whatever. Alternatively have something which simply cannot be destroyed perhaps borrow a watch (or steal it) and place it into a bag- then get members of the audience to bang it with a hammer- when you pull it out it is unscathed.- the bag being the protection Mindreading stuff- where you demonstrate your ability to hack into the spectators mind- a joke ending would be after a book test you hand them a company brochure and say think of any word----And you can't get it. it's protected-(not to sure about this effect but typed it anyway) Ring, Watch, bill, card to safe or impossible location- like watch- your personal info is protected 24/7. Flaming wallet is always a favorite of mine- the wrong software burns a hole in your wallet, budget. more later cheers, Dave |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Thanks for the kind words Dave. Your ideas are right on target also.
The only caveat I would make right now regards the flaming wallet. Since last week lighters of any kind are not allowed on airplanes, in either carry on or checked baggage. That could pose a problem if Kris has to fly to the venue, unless he ships it to the hotel in advance. Jim |
pikacrd Veteran user Florida 387 Posts |
I first want to say thank you to all of those of you who pitched in via this web board and on the phone. Lee you were a great help and your ideas inspired me to take my thinking in a different direction than the ones that I started out with. Jim as always your advice is huge and always welcomed I would love the opportunity to sit and talk with you face to face one day.
Secondly an update on my progress and success with this client: After a lot of thought and time spent talking to different people about different creative ideas I had the meeting, I was surprised to find out that not only the people that I mentioned above were attending but rather the major portion of the US division of this company would be attending as well. The meeting went off much better than I could have expected, I walked into the office briefcase in hand and was greeted by the receptionist who without having to be told knew that I was the magician that they were expecting, she greeted my by my name and asked me to follow her into the board room and asked me if I would need anything after telling her no she said to go ahead and set up and that the CEO would be in shortly with his staff. To my surprise he walked in along with most of his US operation staff and seated them selves in front of me with a look of anticipation. The Marketing director (who I have known for several years) stood up and gave me a brief introduction to the staff and then I began a short set of magic. For those of you who have ever worked in advertising I would compare this to what you go through when pitching your ideas in front of the board of directors. I made my presentation and enjoyed myself while having a great time with the CEO and Staff who I involved in the majority of the work that I was doing. Lunch was then served in the board room as I was finishing up my set. When my set was complete the CEO and staff started asking me all manner of questions about me and what I thought that I could offer to there company from a business stand point. I answered his questions and he seemed very satisfied. He finished his lunch and shook my hand telling me how much he enjoyed and valued our time together. He turned to the marketing director and nodded his head in approval and just like that the board room was empty except for the Marketing Director and me. I was then asked to go back to the Marketing Directors office to talk about the details of the tradeshow. During that time I was offered not one but three tradeshows and the opportunity to perform at company functions that they hold annually. A deal was worked out and signed two days later. As of this date I have worked the first of the three tradeshows and found out from the marketing director that because of the success of just the first show that his company actually registered 65% more qualified leads than any show that they had done in the past including this same show last year. He attributed this to the manner in which I worked the show and handled the guests at there booth. I only point all of this out because of the help and inspiration that I have received from a lot of the members here at the Café, Keith Raygor, Jim Snacks course and posted advice, and other creative ideas that I have gathered from working pros around the world. In short I really think that the value of this meeting place is in the creative exchange of ideas on both the performance side and on the business side of the road. So thank you all for your help and ideas during my phase of mental block, and if there is ever anything that I can do to help you out with please let me know. If anyone is interested in the performance pieces that I did please PM me and I will be happy to help you out there as well. Take care, Kris
“Indubitably, Magic is one of the subtlest and most difficult of the sciences and arts. There is more opportunity for errors of comprehension, judgment and practice than in any other branch of physics”. William S. Burroughs 1914-1997 American Writer
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