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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
I'm just starting my first marketing course in my 20+ years of performing...and I am very interested in talking about the RIT ("Really Important Trick") pros and semi pros need to master. It's not the latest greatest ACAAN. Nope. And it's not the newest book test. It's the art of producing show bookings out of thin air.
So...I'm introducing this thread on the three websites I go to and seeing what happens. I'm HOPING that we can all start having a healthy exchange of ideas about what works and what doesn't work for going after shows. I'll start. Here's some of my stuff: 1) When I started doing mentalism, I approached my comedy magic clients telling them all that I had a "new show" for them...a show with a mentalism theme. Working former client listings has been very successful for me, personally. They know me. They like me (well...most of them do ) and they are open to booking me again. 2) I keep all my clients (the corporate ones) in a simple Access Database I've designed that acts like an electronic rolodex: It tells me who they are, what they did, what they've booked me for in the past -- and indexes them by "Follow Up Date" so I know who I'm contacting each morning. (Sometimes it's nobody...but at least I don't lose track of them.) 3) I work MPI and ISES very hard. Both are strong here in Alberta. (They are special events organizers.) I have done free shows for them. They usually result in a booking or two...but they require long term attention. 4) I email my existing client base three times a year -- always with something new...even if it's something old that looks new. I think more than three times is obnoxious...and less than three times and they may forget about me. I send them mail in Feb (trade shows, fairs and exhibitions) July (Fall shows) and October (filling out the Christmas Shows). My database helps me track who does what...so I can sort them. 5) I write down my goals and work hard to achieve them. I also design a new business plan each year and live and die by it. The plan has marketing, sales and personal goals. This helps me find out where I'm off course. 6) I court the local hotels...particularly the people who book conventions. This is tough because here they change often...but it's worth the time. I even offer the PROPERTY (not the individual) a referral fee so it's worth their while. 7) I redesign my sales materials every six months. Sometimes it's a tweak...sometimes it's a completely new design. It keeps me looking fresh. ALSO I update my website frequently with new references, products and options. I put Meta info in every picture. I have had very poor luck with agents and smaller meeting planners. I get shows from them...but they are often the most time intensive/poor return options on my list. I think for every hour I spend performing, I'll spend four hours marketing. How about you? I'm very interested in sharing information on this topic. Whattya say we have a good open discussion here? David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
I definitely have more questions than answers for you. So, I'm going to just straight ask one question and hope you don't mind answering:
I've looked into finding MPI members who could be a resource for shows. I can see how to apply on the international website, but it seemed much more geared towards speakers. I know my city has a large local chapter, but I can't see how to directly get a hold of them. Any advice? |
David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Sure.
I got an invitation to perform at an MPI luncheon through a client who is a member. I don't know about your market, but locally they have no shortage of performers ready to do a comp show for them. When I was chasing the MPI on another city, I accessed them through their local website which I got through my Edmonton contact. It you can't get in that way try sourcing meeting planners and hotel people. Tell them what you are looking for and even of they aren't MPI members themselves, I suspect that they may be good contacts on their own. It's worth the effort. Well...to me anyway. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
Blair Marshall Inner circle Montreal, Canada 3660 Posts |
Dave,
MPI is made up of meeting planners and suppliers. Here in Montreal to maintain balance a supplier must be "brought in" at the same time as a meeting planner. MPI also has several open events during the year. Some are social, some are educational. Both good ways to meet members. Your local chapter lists these events. B
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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Hi, Blair...
I've often wondered if an actual MPI membership would be worth going after. Thus far, I've only done "showcase" style events at some of their regional conventions and a few of their luncheons. Are you a member? If so -- how as it worked out for you? David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
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