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impossible man Elite user 403 Posts |
I recently entered into an agreement with another local magician for mutual referrals to each other's areas. On his website you sign up to refer shows to him and receive a check, but with me he had a two way verbal deal. Nothing in writing, and then he was surprised when I had to double check make sure I owed him a fee.
Lately it appears that he has been holding contacts until the last minute, when he knows he can't take them, then passes them on. I'll get nothing for weeks then a bunch in one day, when he's sure I've sent a check for the last one. It doesn't look too professional if I call them way too late, like I'm the one not following up in a timely manner. The referrals are "cold handoffs" - he never responds to the prospects to let them know he received their contact request, and that they should contact me or that I will contact them. He is now broadcasting contact information to all his magician contacts, so that I would be one of I don't know how many scrambling for the business. Can you imagine being the poor confused prospect getting 2,3 or more calls from everyone except the magician you contacted? And all of them claiming that he referred them? Especially since he promised me an exclusive area. Apparently his philosophy is that any magic show he is aware if should net him some money, even if he can't do it personally, and that he is justified in going around me now since I can't take all the jobs. I know that magic is a business, but I have been in sales long enough to know that there's a difference between treating magic as a business and trying to get as much money for as little work as possible. And the customer knows the difference. Needless to say, I've opted out of his program, which has netted me one show total in about 9 months, and cost me 20%. |
Hart Keene Inner circle Eugene, OR 1486 Posts |
My question is why are you relying on someone else? What happened to good old fashioned "go out and make a name for YOURSELF"? No offense, but you should take care of YOU. This guy also sounds like a bad businessman so it shouldn't be a problem for you to take over an area that you want.
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Ya know, Dean. I get more calls than I can sometimes handle. The same is true of the other quality performers in my area. If my calendar is full, I simply refer the client to my list of preferred referrals as a courtesy. Sometimes, I'll even make the calls for them as an extra courtesy. Guess who they'll call next time they need an entertainer?
In business, it really should be all about the client's needs...not the performer's. We simply refer to one another...no charge...no record...no bother. When the clients are happy, business is good. Leave this "I referred you, you owe me" fool behind in a cloud of dust. My opinion. Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
All of my referals are free, but I'm a juggler/magician, the IJA is a strong brotherhood, we have very strict rules about conduct, and appearance, and if no one ever returns the favor I don't care.
HAVE FUN Al Angello
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
impossible man Elite user 403 Posts |
Yes, Skip, that's why I thought of the warm handoff, it lets the client know we're taking care of them. For callers who have no other resources, I refer them to IBM rings that are closer to home, and give them the contact information they need. There are no fees involved, it should just be reciprocal courtesy.
Yes, Hart, I get contacts I never dreamed of from my website, including the Detroit Zoo, and the ABC show Wife Swap! Plus I was invited to work up a presentation for the Honda Hero in India. So little by little I am using my marketing techniques, mastery of sleights and other really powerful tricks, and great interaction with the audience to win people over (oh, and I don't charge a lot.) Thanks for your input, both. I knew this thing was getting off the rails, and now I definitely have no regrets about begging off. |
bubbleburst2004 Veteran user 370 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-10-17 16:12, impossible man wrote: This is a brilliant strategy. |
impossible man Elite user 403 Posts |
I am happy to report that I have had a chance to directly interaction with the other magician on these issues, which were based on too little communication. I just asked the questions that went unanswered in my emails. There was even some tension on the phone, not sure why, maybe I sound a little skeptical or something?
Anyway, hated to leave this unresolved. |
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