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AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
I have been moonlighting as a semi-professional magician for the past 6ish years (I am now 25). Within these years I have been able to meet and actually work alongside of some truly great magicians like Brett Daniels, and David Seebach. And recently the guys from Two Brother’s One Mind have reached out to me and asked if I could do a little opening act for them, they said they were fans and liked my material. I have met many friends who are very talented magicians as well.
Being a full time magician was something I would dream about, but I never thought it was actually possible, partly because I have a pretty good day job where I make a comfortable living. Long story short, My day job and I had a disagreement and it resulted in both my pay and my hours being cut. At first I was upset because I honestly had not done anything wrong, a new manager had it out for me. However I am not seeing this as a blessing in disguise. I now have the opportunity to take a real shot at following what I once thought was a “castle in the sky”. As I approach this phase in my life I realize I need to start marketing and advertising more, and getting my name and business cards into the hands of the right people. I went out and a good friend of mine took some new promo shots, I updated my website, and I have started working with a talent agency that seems to be very fond of me so far. I have started to actually look into working more restaurant gigs, and so far it’s been rough, but I’m not one to give up easily, and still following up on some more leads. As of right now I have a good strolling act, a good formal close up show, and my parlor act is getting to be very nice, thanks to the magicians mentioned before. My question is what can I do to get my name to my target demographic. (I want to work corporate events, cruise ships, and colleges) Does my website look professional enough? Should I reach out to more talent agencys, or find a manager? I know nothing is going to happen overnight and I am prepared for some really tough times, but I just want to be certain I am working in the right direction. (it’s like practice, if you practice it right eventually you will have it down) If I market myself right eventually things will pay off. Thanks in advance Andy Luka
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
My best advice is to learn the business side of show business as much as you possibly can. Start to read and connect with those who are really at the top of their game when it comes to marketing, marketing strategy and technique. It is one thing having a great product or service. However that does not get you far without a very good understanding of how to treat your business as a business.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Scott Burton Inner circle 1131 Posts |
Sometimes bad situations (your job) turn out to be amazing opportunities.
Overall, I think your site looks good - better than most for sure. I would have you smile more in your photos (looks more inviting and entertaining) but that's a preference style choice of mine. My advice: go to your target market and introduce yourself. The opposite is waiting for them to find you (web site SEO). Test some approaches and see what works for you. In the end, your success in this first stage may depend on how many decision makers you can get in front of. |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I would also add that you need to make sure you have a well established brand, brand identity and brand message. Your website, business cards, stationary, postcards, and promo kit should all be well branded with a clear brand mark and a consistent brand message. This can really help people to get to know you and get to see the value you can offer to them.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
Kyle knows his stuff, that's for sure. another member here is Jim Snack. He has a "Success in Magic" course that should be REQUIRED of everyone going into the business. Seriously it paid for itself within 6 months after I bought it. Break a leg
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dearwiseone Inner circle Portland, OR 1143 Posts |
I second the advice of Scott, you need to make your website fun and exciting. Right now, your photos look like you're very bored or depressed. I assume your target market is period style classic tea parties?
You mention wanting to work cruise ships and colleges. You're going to need a lot more fun in your show than what your pictures portray. Cups and balls probably isn't gonna get you booked for colleges or cruise ships! The website looks better than most, I'd suggest getting rid of the "powered by godaddy websites" button at the bottom, that takes away. Keep up the good work, some great advice has already been given here. - Kevin |
AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
Wow, thanks guys! I wasn’t expecting such quick responses! I have heard about Jim’s marketing program, I will be sure to check into it this afternoon. As far as my website, I know there are still a lot of things I want to do, but I’m no expert in the field.
Some of the photos on there are merely “place holders” while the other ones are being color corrected and photoshopped. We took over 4300 photos that day, I will be sure to get a few with smiles and ones that showcase more than my cups and balls. Also I have a few gigs lined up that are going to be recoded so I can start putting together a much needed and long overdue demo reel. If there is anymore advice I am more than willing to listen.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
tacrowl Inner circle Maryland 1633 Posts |
Andy -
Took a look at your web site - and visually it is okay - but it doesn't sell your services. It is "You" oriented, big pictures of you - it talks about you and what you do. Common mistake made by many, but clients could care less about you, they care about what you can do for them. The second problem with the site - no video, which prospects want to see. So I wouldn't rely on the site to generate any work at this point - but hope you will consider these points as you move forward. (Apparently I was typing when you responded...) In absence of a site that sells you, making contacts is one of the strongest ways to generate business. Avoid beginner networking - here is my business card, can you use my act? Getting in front of the right people and making a strong impression is important. Since you are new at this - I'd recommend two things - I'll agree with Paddy on Jim Snack's course. I'd also recommend you take a good look at Barry Friedman's GetMoreCorporateGigs.com You may also want to poke around http://entertainment-experts.com for some of the web marketing tips and advice on cruise ships shared by my guests. Since you described it as a nice parlor act - I'd recommend you strengthen it to a killer parlor act before trying cruises. But remember - every pro was where you are at some point. It takes dedication and determination. Good luck! |
AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-04-30 15:25, tacrowl wrote: Thank you! My video is in the process of getting done, and I will reach out to a friend of mine who is a professional writer and see how we can re-display the ad copy on my site. I agree with your comment about cruise ships, and my act needs to be Killer, I was looking at tackling that monster in about a year or so, because I want my parlor act to be top notch. Right now I will be working a few regular corporate gig, while I put together a "dinner and a show" with a few local restaurant/bars with banquet rooms. This is how I plan on polishing my parlor act over the next year, so I can prepare myself for the bigger stuff. By no means do I plan to book a $5,000 gig tomorrow for some huge company. I understand I need to work towards that, generate a brand, reputation, and pay my dues. That is something I can only do with time and experience. This is all entirely new to me, I never really had to market and advertise before, I was content with doing the work that landed on my lap, but now I have some short term, and long term goals and I’m doing everything I can to achieve them. Again thank you guys so much, you have no idea how helpful you all have been already.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Members here have given you some good advice, why not approach and ask those "names" you mentioned in your original post. If they are working and do not see you as a "threat", then their advice would be the most encouraging.
Talent Agent, you mean their are Talent Agents still in business today. I am happy to hear that, I thought they all were all dead. Why not sit down with that agent and get some advice from them as well. You as the "One Million Dollar" question, how to get to a "target market", if it was easy, everyone would be doing it and working solid. The general answer is always "promotion", but that does not help much, I know. I agree in today's world, video is king, and you have to have a video of you in action. Not a lot of those teaser ad type videos, but real video of you doing your close-up and stand-up material. It can't be a home made job either, it should be television quality. I also agree with the design of your website. You paste that huge fuzzy picture of yourself, and in wide screen, that is all I see 1st. Also it is so large and you pixels are so high, it takes to long to load. Reduce the size of the photo and have a caption to grab the viewer. Add more pictures, if you have 4300 photos then put some on the website. More pictures a little less text. Most advice to going professional, is when you booking are so large they get in the way of your day job. Does not sound like you are there yet. Make the initial investment in your videos and your research. Seek out those that can give you good advice and direction. Make it known you feel you are ready to go full steam into self-employment. Remember, you have to pay almost 50% in taxes, so you have to make enough to live and get around. As far as cruise ships, there has been tones of advice on that subject here in this section of the Café. Use Google and search Café Cruise Ships and you should come up with hundreds of forums with all kinds of quality advice. There is even a book or two written on the subject by magicians. Check them out. Again, video is important and then it is a waiting game, as they currently have magicians working for them they know and trust. Good luck, in your decision, but from what you are posting, you are not totally ready as of yet. Do some more preparation work before you "jump off the cliff". |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-04-30 13:40, magic4u02 wrote: I agree with Kyle. You should not be looking at marketing but developing a business format from which to operate. Marketing is only one part of your business format. Without this in place you will simply always be marketing continuously for bookings. Begin with tweaking what you already have. You have a very uninformative, nondescript, un-consumer-friendly (not to mention agents) first fold of your web site. This is a web site created from an entertainer's preference or perspective, not from a potential client's interest or perspective. This will not lead you to it's intended purpose. This is not a great first impression. Your promo and business cards should also follow suit. I tell many that you need to have all of these things in place BEFORE you even begin to think of marketing. This should be followed by a pre-determined marketing plan when the time is right, or you will just be continuously throwing things against the wall hoping for something to stick. Best of luck! |
AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
By no means am I looking to take the plunge now. between the gigs I get on my own, and from the agency, combined with my new hours at work I should be just fine.
However I am looking into how to improve my marketing and eventualy phase out my 9-5. that's why I have this post. So far the advice has been priceless. Thank you all so much.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
Sam Sandler Inner circle 2487 Posts |
While all this advice is really awesome and you should take it and mull over it I would like to throw out a few things to think about.
1-before marketing you need to know WHO YOU ARE. who you are as a performer determines who you will perform for. 2-once you know who you will perform for you will then need to become an expert in that field and learn what those potential clients want and then you will know how to market your show to them. look for the need and fill it! 3-before you quit you day job make sure you have not only enough gigs coming in but enough savings to pay your bills for at least 3-5 months. (i now you wont really do that, what real entertainer does LOL) but the goal here is to have some savings to fall back on if you find yourself in a slow month while starting out. 4-and this goes to number one - don't try to market your show to all venues there is a reason "specialist" get paid more then general family Drs. 4.5-i firmly believe that my marketing is from teh moment I walk into the venue till the time I leave. but even more important is the time after the show. ths is the time to mingle and work the crowd. people will want to talk to you they will want to ask questions from "how did you do that" to how to you become a magician. but this is the time you make connections and potential clients can learn more of what you do. 5- EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way. Mark Twain The only source of knowledge is experience. Albert Einstein AND FINALLY-- have fun in all that you do. don't be afraid to try new things
sam sandler- America's only full-time DEAF Illusionist
http://www.samsandler.com http://www.deafinitelymagic.com |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Think of it as a journey. You don't start the journey at the end. You get there. Jump too fast and tey to contact people before you are ready will burn bridges.
Get a plan together. Step by step. Plan how you are going to make it to the next level. AND SRICK TO THE PLAN. The biggest k istake guys make is thinking they are ready when they are not. I am not saying one way or the other here mind you. I am however saying that the agents or whatnot you want to work with arw busy people. They will often not give you more than one shot. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. If you get tagged by a cruise ship agency as not ready then most will always think of you as not ready. This is where you have to be brutally honest with yourself. It sucks but can save you major heartache. I make no judgements mind you. Only mentioning the most common pitfall. Good luck.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
AndyLuka Elite user Milwaukee, Wisconsin 440 Posts |
It's been a while since I posted this page looking for advice. I am happy to say things are going great, I no longer work a 9-5 and I am currently in Branson MO. Performing on stage in The Revollusionsts along side some other amazing magicians. It really is a dream come true.
Making Magic and Fantasy a reality in a world where our reality can sometimes be rather cruel
Http://www.lukamagic.com -That's Me Http://www.deceptionsmke -My Show |
Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
We are proud of you.
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sirbrad Inner circle PA 2096 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 30, 2013, dearwiseone wrote: Lol! Yeah the main page photo kinda looks like he is thinking "Please call me! Please phone ring!" You should look as though the phone never stops ringing.
The great trouble with magicians is the fact that they believe when they have bought a certain trick or piece of apparatus, and know the method or procedure, that they are full-fledged mystifiers. -- Harry Houdini
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sirbrad Inner circle PA 2096 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 30, 2013, Paddy wrote: Yeah I was already over 20 years a professional and I still bought it and learned a lot from it. I still read it till this day, one of the best purchases I ever made and the best "magic business" program out there not just "marketing" either but the business as a whole.
The great trouble with magicians is the fact that they believe when they have bought a certain trick or piece of apparatus, and know the method or procedure, that they are full-fledged mystifiers. -- Harry Houdini
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