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roguemagic New user bizarre iowa 96 Posts |
I just purchased the booklet "Paul Diamond's—It Takes Guts, ******", and I was rather let down. I question whether his techniques actually work to secure tradeshow gigs.
I am a career teacher, and I found his approach to getting school performances way off base. If you came to my school district and attempted his approach, you would probably be shown the door very quickly. Despite his techniques for getting in the door, schools and districts have protocol for booking such events. I know, because I have booked many shows for my school. Has anyone actually tried his techniques? And how successful were you? Take care, Craig Wilson |
Shadow Regular user Akron, OH 171 Posts |
You have to remember that today things are VERY different than when Paul wrote that book. (PC and all that)
His style was always rough. He was and still is one of Magic's true characters. |
Timothy Regular user Alabama, USA 174 Posts |
I'll have to second that. I have never read the book, but I have seen some of his videos on reels ("Reel Magic") and he does have a bit of a drill sargent persona.
A great reel worker. Again, I have never read the book, but can any of his techniques be adapted to today's ways? |
mdspark Special user 784 Posts |
But...wouldn't the more appropriate and professional/ethical thing to do be either tell the potential reader that the info contained might be outdated...or just not sell the book anymore?
I have never met Paul Diamond..but two people that I know have and their impression was that he was only interested "in a sale" rather than acutally helping/consulting... Oh well, to each his own... |
Steve Hart Veteran user Cocoa, FL 388 Posts |
Hey Hold on guys,
Yes, it is true there are several magic books that are out dated. It is also true that you have to find the stuff that fits you. I read this book several years ago, did it. It worked for me. I crashed a trade show, worked a booth and they loved me. It depends on how you think. I know it is a little mischief in approaching the trade show business. But if you have the guts to do it, It can work. Do you know how Steven Spielberg got into the Movie making business? I worked many a trade show since then. I now know Paul, he is a true magician, Maybe a little bit harsh for some but I know that he has a warm heart for real magicians. In fact he is working the Florida State Magic Convention in Cypress Gardens, May 23-25th 2003. Steve Hart Cape Canaveral, FL USA
www.SteveHartSpeaks.com
www.magic2motivate.com "Motivational Magicians are some of the highest paid magicians, find out why?" |
roguemagic New user bizarre iowa 96 Posts |
I am truly sorry if I ruffled any feathers and I assure you that I was not making aspursions to Paul Diamond as a person or magician. I guess I was voicing frustration in response to the many testimonials praising his book, and the avenues of breaking into the tradeshow business.
I am desperately trying to get everything in order so that I can break into the tradeshow arena, and truthfully, there is not a lot of available information. Paul Diamond's assertion that "It takes guts, ******!" is something that I am dealing with, because it is quite a leap to go into this business. I need help, and other than all the books and videos I have been purchasing and studying, I do not know where else to turn. HELP! Take care, Craig Wilson |
Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
Craig,
If you want some up to date information, you might try Joel Bauer's "Hustle, Hustle". He has a rather "assertive" personality and he is working today... a lot. I think you might find Joel's methods an updated version of Paul's (although I have never read Paul's book). I am fairly quiet and not prone to crash trade shows, but Joel's book is excellent. Steven
Coram Deo
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Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
There seems to be quite a mystery about how to break into the tradeshow market. Anyone have success doing it?
Chris
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Craig,
I've had some experience working trade shows on both a local and national level and my recommendation is to start locally. Your local chamber of commerce or business trade group probably produces an annual "Business Expo" show at a local convention center. Approach some of the local businesses that exhibit at the show and pitch your services. Ask for a reasonable fee, but be more concerned about doing a great job, getting a great letter of recommendation, some good photos and possibly some video tape of you drawing people to the exhibit. While at the show, be sure to visit other booths and do a trick or two for them. Start collecting business cards from other exhibitors and you can market your services to them for other shows. You will be on your way. After you polish your act at the local or regional level and build your references, you will be ready to approach larger companies doing major national shows. Good luck. |
iamslow Inner circle Proffessional Slacker 2001 Posts |
Joel Bauer swears by Paul Diamond's techniques.
"Everyone has a plan till they get punched in the face" Mike Tyson
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Steve Hart Veteran user Cocoa, FL 388 Posts |
Hey Guys,
The trade show biz may be a mystery to many but it is a growing industry for magicians. Jim Snack is right. Start small and grow from there. Steve Hart Cape Canaveral, FL USA
www.SteveHartSpeaks.com
www.magic2motivate.com "Motivational Magicians are some of the highest paid magicians, find out why?" |
Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
Steve, thanks for the great info. I'll visit the website and see if it can help me.
Joel Bauer is pretty intense. He's always "ON" and selling himself. He's also a great magician (technically speaking) Chris
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
MagicalPirate Special user Shamokin, PA 828 Posts |
You have to go after your marketing style according to your character and temperament. Paul Diamonds methods work for him and others with similar personalities. I own both It takes Guts and Hustle, Hustle and I didn't find that either gave me methods that were comfortable for me. Sometimes we just have to keep investing until we find the method that fits us.
I would suggest you check out Jim Snacks marketing material. It covers many areas and gives you an idea of timeline for your career and a ladder of sorts to climb to get there. I guess you could call it a road map. It will at least tell you where you are in your career and give you a barometer reading as to whether you are at the point of jumping into tradeshow work. I find that the last thing I would want is trade show work. I've never been comfortable with in your face performer of the nature of close up work. My goal has been Fair and Festival shows. I have gotten better at dealing with people on a one on one and group setting. I sell children's toys and novelties at fairs and festivals. That's why I want to perform, I want to know how much money I'm taking away, rather than paying booth rent and hoping for the best. I hope you find the information you need. I would say that Jim has given you some good advice for getting started.
Martin Blakley, CSH, DASH, CMSA
http://www.thehypnoguy.com/HYPNORESOURCES http://www.docgrayson.com/ How To Sell Anything Online http://tub.bz/?r=1z Copyright to my own words retained 100%. |
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