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paymerich Special user Norwalk, CT 546 Posts |
I was at my regular Restaurant gig last night and it was SLOW , I only did 2 table from 6-8pm. Spent more time twisting balloons for the wait staff and other customers than doing magic. Even the manager of the restaurant was bored. BUT the tables I did get to do , man what wonderful reactions .. Did chicago Opener with a mind power patter line and it REALLY FREAKED the mother out ( even though I almost blew the DL, cards where not cooperating). I had the father "pick" the second card and he thought he had the trick figured out and was holding onto the topcard. When I could not find the second blue card and had the mother turn the card over on the table she screamed "your the devil ". I was busting up ..
That made up for the rest of the boring night .
Have a Magical Day!
<BR> <BR>The Maniacal Mage <BR> <BR>Pablo Aymerich <BR>Norwalk, CT 06851 |
twistedace Inner circle philadelphia 3772 Posts |
Two tables in 2 hours? That's an incredibly slow night. Have you thought about finding another restaurant?
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Allan Elite user 405 Posts |
Just a suggestion or food for thought. I will never tolerate being told "we are slow tonight so we don't need you, go home". Or "just work one hour & go home". When I reserve the night for the restaurant, I expect to work the full shift.
However, when I go to the restaurant & once in a blue moon it is as slow as you described, I have gone to the owner & offered to go home early (I have not offered to go home without working at all). I have stated that they don't need to pay me to sit around & do nothing and I will leave after only one hour. Why do I do this? easy, nothing kills an owner more than paying for something that they get no value from. If this happens twice or three times per year, it is a lot. I explain that I am a team player & we must both benefit from our relationship.This little gesture cements the relationship & really costs so little. Perhaps 1-3 hours lost per year. Perhaps that is why I work & keep my job for many years. I try to see the big picture which is to keep the job & the respect that I have earned as a professional entertainer. |
Hart Keene Inner circle Eugene, OR 1486 Posts |
Ever thought of not doing balloons? I want to be thought of as a magician, not a balloon guy. Unless you just want to do kid parties I wouldn't do them. Just my humble two cents.
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RicHeka Inner circle 3999 Posts |
Allan,once again great advice!I have been in my original restaurant for 16 years so the owner kind of leaves it up to me when I leave on a (rare) slow nite.He realizied long ago that I was not out to soak him.In my other venues I do exactly as you stated.
Magic w/Hart:I respect your opinion,however,in FAMILY restaurants balloon art is big..Very Big.The way I play it is:I am the House Magician,and balloon art is a gift for the kids after the magic.If a performer presents him/herself properly they will never be mistaken for the 'balloon guy'. All the Best. Rich |
Daryl -the other brother Special user Chicago 594 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-10-03 11:17, Allan wrote: I don't believe paymerich said he was sent home. Just that it was slow. PAYMERICH - you said this was a terrible gig but you got great reactions from the tables you did work. If that's your idea of a terrible gig then I've got some stories for you. |
paymerich Special user Norwalk, CT 546 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-10-04 10:04, Daryl -the other brother wrote: You are right Daryl , "terrible" is a poor choice of words. It was just boring . Unfortunately ,because of the timing, I did not offer to leave early. Also, it happened to be the other customers where very involved in conversations and not interested in magique. I do not approach tables where it is obvious they are engaged in conversation. Lessons learned for the night : Don't skimp on practice and rehersal. Even for the effects you know down cold. Example ( almost blowing an easy DL in RHM) Also don't be afraid to try new stuff ( that you have practiced of course) Example ( added Prof Nightmare and received great reactions) Respect your customer. ( be aware of their demeanor)
Have a Magical Day!
<BR> <BR>The Maniacal Mage <BR> <BR>Pablo Aymerich <BR>Norwalk, CT 06851 |
Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
Balloons in a restaurant... <shudder!> Having had a small kidlet, almost-infant, grab a balloon once, bite it and get a piece of it caught in his throat, almost choking to death, I really, really hate the idea of doing balloons in restaurants!
Now ponder this, Pinky (he said, doing his best Brain imitation)... the parents are driving home and the balloon pops, scaring the toddler, but nothing else, and they have to endure Junior's high-pitched squalling for the thrity minute drive in bad traffic. Migraines, anyone? And how do you think the parents will remember the restaurant after that drive home? As the fun place with the entertaining magician/balloon-bender, or the place where they gave Junior the balloon that popped and he screamed and cried ALL the way home? On the other hand, origami doesn't pop and get small pieces of expended rubber in falling out of the sky into other people's dinners, either... Lee Darrow, C.H.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
RicHeka Inner circle 3999 Posts |
Lee:I can definitely understand your concerns.
I do not make them for toddlers,only age four and up.I have a cute 'too large to swallow' plastic duck for the toddlers.The scenario of the ride home may occasionally happen,however,I would not be at my main restaurant for 16 years if this had an effect.I prefer just doing magic,but the folks with kids,want and expect the balloon animals in my family oriented venues.As I make the sculptures after the magic,I do instruct the children and parents about balloon safety.I never have had a piece of balloon land in someones linguini. Rich |
Nash Inner circle Hong Kong ~ USA 1101 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-10-04 18:18, Lee Darrow wrote: An on the other OTHER hand, the kid loves the adorable poodle ballon. Goes home happy and the parents see the smile on the kids face ... imagine what the parents will think of you and the resturant? If the kid is too young, I never make ballons for him. If I'm uncertain about it, I'll ask the parents and tell them "I can make him somehting, but make sure he doesn't bite it or choke on it. Its your call sir"
I teach leaders the magic of curiosity and empathetic communication. keynote Speaker | Seattle magician
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Allan Elite user 405 Posts |
Rich, thanks for the compliment. I have also enjoyed your posts.
Daryl the OB- I did not think that Paymerich said he was sent home. I just said that I would not tolerate being told to go home. What I was saying is that if it was that slow, I would offer to leave while I would not accept being told to leave. |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Table hoppers & party strollers » » ACK Terrible gig last night. (0 Likes) |
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