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Thatmagicguy! New user 9 Posts |
As of right now I work a few restaurants during the standard dinner rush as wells as running a flea market stand selling beginner tricks and finally weekly shows at a resort lobby(walk around). Like many others I'm sure, I constantly get asked if I "do" birthdays, parties, dinners... I am more inclined to work (and prepared) for cocktail parties/adult functions. I understand that kids parties are a necessary evil, though be it very profitable, but I am looking for more ideas on how to go about booking more cocktail parties while performing walk around.
I am going to incorporate a booking list at my flea market store where people can sign up to be added to an email list to keep my name current which will hopefully lead to new clients. |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
First, welcome.
We need a LOT more information. Is it in culture of your area to have entertainers work cocktail parties? There are areas of the world where the only type of show you can book is one type - or - another Is your advertising geared to the target market? I don't see a lot of content on your site. It also appears that your "look" is directed to the 20s, 30s crowd and possibly the people who hire in your you are 40 and up (with a family and house in the burbs) so there may be a disconnect. All in all, I would say you have research only you can do because you are in your area. Look around and see what other successful entertainers are doing and take it from there. And now... here are some other people to recommend buying various courses in marketing. Take it away.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
I agree with Jay in that sometimes an area may be pre-conditioned to think of magic as applicable to certain venues and events, but not others. I once moved to an area where the strongest magic going was for kids. It was because of a very high profile children's entertainer, who had been seen and known for decades. My goal was to first bring the magic to high end restaurants, and then to the private sector (cocktail parties, corporate events, etc.).
It was an uphill battle, but I was eventually able to change the perception and have magic accepted as a viable form of entertainment for grown-ups. In fact, there were times when I had someone ask about having me entertain for children, but they approached me with almost a sense of caution, thinking that they might be insulting me for asking. Of course, I also worked kid shows, but people had become so used to seeing me at adult functions and venues that it seemed out of the norm for me to also do the other. You can change the perception of magic in your area, but it takes a lot of hard work, persistence, and the ability to handle rejection with a smile. Eventually though, you will crack a few key nuts, and the ball will start rolling. I would add that almost regardless of the type of material you believe you are presenting, the audience may see it differently. They must be made to think, "This would be great for our dinner party", and not "I wish the kids were here to see this." You can be setting your own bar without realizing it. Finally, let me say that nothing gets you work, like you already working. Being seen is primary. Being seen in the right places, is key. It helps if a potential client sees you working in a situation where he can quickly and easily draw a comparison to his own upcoming event.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-03-28 22:38, Michael Baker wrote: This is absolutely the most vital thing that anyone can ever learn. I recently moved to a new area where there are a domination of children's performers, and a real lack of a market for adult entertainment. I didn't know when I moved that people weren't accustomed to live entertainment, so I've taken it upon myself to try to make a market for myself. It takes vision, a variety of ideas, and a plan. Find out what makes the most impact for your goals, and make your vision a reality. Find a drum and start banging on it, its the only way anyone will hear you. |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
So, Dave
Are you making any headway and how long is it taking?
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-03-28 23:11, Close.Up.Dave wrote: Although I think we are on the same page, I'd not see this as a lack of a market, but as a wide open market waiting for someone to fill it. Of course you still have to educate the market.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Thatmagicguy! New user 9 Posts |
Thank you all for the help, the encouragement and the new ideas! I for some of the unanswered questions, I live in San Antonio, TX surrounded by an excellent mix of magician of every level as well as no shortage of venues to work. Being 21 and a college student, I am looking to work with a younger age group between 20-35. As I said before just as in any big city there is no shortage of clubs, restaurants or expensive cocktail parties!
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Dr_J_Ayala Inner circle In search of Vlad Dracul and his 2169 Posts |
Jay and Michael offer some great advice and I would definitely take it to heart.
My input here would be to suggest that, when you are able to, get some promotional materials made up for you and your show. Have a couple of action photos taken (you holding a cup after revealing a lemon under it, or holding linked ropes, for example) and use them in the promotional materials. These do not necessarily need to be flashy, but they need to be neat, clear and to the point in their message. They can be anything from 3x5 note card size on up. Even a nice business card with the types of events you would like to offer your services for. If you cannot afford to have them done, make them up yourself. Just a word of caution if you do go the DIY route: Use quality materials and be sure to keep it simple, but informative and overall - make it memorable. Give them a reason to NOT throw your business card or promotional material away. Another way to keep yourself in the market, aside from being seen doing your work, is to perform some sort of effect after which you give something away as a gift or a souvenir. Realize that if you use your business card with your name and contact information on it, you are essentially asking for something in return (hopefully) and it then ceases to be a gift, BUT, it can still make the experience someone has with you a memorable one. If you do any signed card effects, have them sign the card and then fill it in with "To: JD____, From: magician ____" and so on. You do not even need to put your number or contact info on it, because if you do a good job, people will come up to you and ask you for information. I have found in my own experience that in many areas, there is rather an overabundance of work and a lack of performers. As Michael put it - an open market waiting to be filled. You really must know your area well and what is expected by most business owners and their clientele (who may, in turn, eventually become your clientele too). Check outside of your local area too - do not just confine yourself to one relatively small area in which to work. If you like walkaround, take some promotional material to bridal stores and/or popular banquet halls (especially businesses that organize events for private citizens or corporations) and give them a demonstration. Ask if they would be willing to recommend you to their clientele. Offer, in turn, to recommend their business to people. There is a small caveat with that: You must make sure that the businesses you are pitching to are reputable and are as good as you would make them sound. Afterall, you would not want to recommend a horrible business just to get work for yourself - that will come back on you. Just do your research and this is a very viable way to market yourself. These are just a few of the things that I have successfully used in the past, and currently use too. This is all based on my own experience. I hope this information is useful to you. |
MeetMagicMike Inner circle Gainesville Fl 3501 Posts |
Quote:
I understand that kids parties are a necessary evil... Not all performers think of Kids Shows this way. I for one love doing kids shows and also feel that it is an important job. I am a positive influence on children and good representative of the art of magic. I'm one of the few performers who truly performs for all ages. On a given weekend I'm just as likely to get hired for a senior, college, or kids function. Non of those catagories are beneath the others. If you have a low opinion of Kids Shows I hope you will stay away from them. The idea of someone doing kids shows because the "Have To" is disturbing. |
BrianMillerMagic Inner circle CT 2050 Posts |
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On 2012-03-29 14:01, MeetMagicMike wrote: I quite agree. I don't believe kids shows are a necessary evil. They're far from necessary at all. In fact, I've never done a true kids show ever. I work for college & corporate events primarily, and the occasional family friendly party. And I'm booked 20-25 days a month, sometimes more. |
Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-03-29 00:16, Michael Baker wrote: I agree with this statement for sure. Its not that there isn't a need, its that the demand hasn't been created. I had started out by going on a long run of approaching restaurants without landing any and got discouraged. This is when I realized that the tactics I had been using before weren't going to work as effectively before. Part of this is because there is a HUGE domination of restaurant chains over privately owned (to a degree I've never seen before). So I took a break, and I'm going back out again next week with a new list of places. I had to really evaluate what I had been doing, and what it really takes to win someone over quickly. So now I've got multiple ways of approaching, and I'm going to see what works. I'm also starting a special online project to get noticed more by restaurant owners and the public. |
Thatmagicguy! New user 9 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-03-29 14:01, MeetMagicMike wrote: I respectfully disagree, at this particular point in my life, being a 21 year old, bar going, college student/young adult, I simply prefer entertaining at events where I am more familiar. this is not to say that I feel I "have to" perform at kids shows. Perhaps I worded it wrong from the beginning so ill try it again, "I prefer adult shows to kids parties however I understand that, and am wholly prepared for and comfortable entertaining, kids shows are a natural part of what we do." better? So simply to my specific preference right now, children's shows in a way are a necessary evil to me. I take pride as I'm sure all of us do to be able to entertain all age groups from 2 1/2-102 1/2, however I am simply more inclined to entertain adult parties. I don't think this should mean that my views are "disturbing" in any matter or that I should not be performing childrens parties simply because of my view. I believe as long as you are able to offer an excellent service to go above and beyond the clients standards the show should go on...for the right price of course |
55Hudson Special user Minneapolis 984 Posts |
ThatMagicGuy,
The Children's Show question is an interesting one. Is magic a business or a hobby for you? If it is a hobby, then do what you want. If it is a business, then segment your market and target a specific market or set of markets. Since you are in college, take (or audit) a marketing course. Not advertising, marketing. One where the professor opens the first class holding up a 1/4 inch drill bit and asks, "when someone buys this, what are they buying?". Good luck! Hudson |
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