|
|
misterillusion Special user Roseville, California 748 Posts |
I have a question for anyone who would like to comment. This past year I performed my 20 minute magic show for a large number of social groups (Lions, Kiwanas, and Rotary). My intention was to promote my business as well as sell BOR. I accomplished my goal, but the results were quite a bit less than I anticipated as far as spin-off bookings.
I ended this approach last year, and it is not part of my marketing plan for this year. From out of the blue, though, I just received a phone call from the president of one of these clubs inviting me to join their club in a board position called "tail twister". Apparently this position is for someone who keeps the meeting fun and humorous. I guess that tells me that they enjoyed my humor when I performed there last year. Joining would mean a commitment to attending two evening meetings per month which last for an hour or two. I believe that joining one of these social clubs would be fun, but my question to you is: would this help promote my business? The person who contacted me told me that I would increase my contacts and bookings by joining. I am not so sure just based on the number of bookings I realized from last year's campaign. Anyway, I am interested in any opinions regarding this. Thanks, Charlie |
Robin4Kids Veteran user Lower Alabama 396 Posts |
Charlie,
I have been a member of Lions many years ago and more recent years I have been in Kiwanis. If the only reason you are joining is to promote your business, I would recommend that you don't join. If you are a good networker, you can sometimes make profitable connections, but I have found that most people that join civic organizations to promote their business are often disappointed and drop out. The purpose of these clubs is to do things to help the community and not so much to help each others business. In an attempt to increase membership, I believe that a lot of people make the mistake of promising things that may or may not happen. They should be promoting membership for the true purpose of the club and if someone joins and happens to make contacts that pay off personally, then that is just a bonus. My advice is to visit the club at least a couple of times, meet some of the members, see what kind of programs they have, and get a better feeling for the way the club is run. After attending a few meetings, you should know whether it is something you want to be a part of or not. Personally I have thoroughly enjoyed being in a civic club and doing lots of great things to help a lot of people. I have picked up a little business from the connections I have made, but not enough to solely justify my membership. Hope you take a closer look at the club before making a decision. It can be a very rewarding experience in other ways than your business! Good Luck! |
dearwiseone Inner circle Portland, OR 1143 Posts |
Charlie,
Robin's suggestion is right on, in my opinion. If you're looking to promote shows, there are much better uses of your time. If you're looking for friends, socializing, etc., then I think you'd really enjoy being a part of such a group. The truth is, you probably would increase bookings by becoming a part of any group, and advertising your business. However, I think it's also true that there could be more effective uses of your time, if you sole purpose is to advertise your show. - Kevin |
misterillusion Special user Roseville, California 748 Posts |
Thank you Robin and Kevin for your comments. You are expressing exactly how I feel about the situation. My exposure to the Lions, Kiwanas and Rotary has been very positive and I believe they are very worthwhile organizations to belong to....if one's objective is helping others and getting involved in the community. I agree that joining to promote my business would be the incorrect motivation, but right now that is my foremost goal in life. My wife is still working her day-job part time mornings Monday to Friday, and I am working on ramping up my magic business enough to give her the option of saying "take this job and shove it". (I have nearly completed James Munton's marketing course, by the way, and I highly recommend it for learning the basics of small business marketing.)
You are correct, Robin, that the person who called me was promoting the "networking" potential for me rather than the reasons I should consider joining. Your advice and comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to comment --Charlie |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I have been a Lions club member for a long time. Rotary club also. Don't use it to promote. That is I don't.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
misterillusion Special user Roseville, California 748 Posts |
Quote:
On 2014-02-18 22:54, Dannydoyle wrote: Thanks Danny. Good advice. --Charlie |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I can only see with one eye. Lions club made sense. I do lots of fund raising for them because it is close to my heart.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
Misterillusion,
IF you are looking to Promote your services. Look up the local ISES, MPI groups. These groups are for people in the meeting planning and special event industry. Also, look up your local chamber of commerce and go to their social networking groups. These groups are designed to promote your business and services.
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
misterillusion Special user Roseville, California 748 Posts |
Thanks Curtis.....I have already joined the Chamber of Commerce, but will check out the ISES and MPI as you suggest. I appreciate your input
--Charlie |
Nash Inner circle Hong Kong ~ USA 1101 Posts |
I second magicofcurtis.. once you are in, build relationships the genuine way, it'll take you much farther
I teach leaders the magic of curiosity and empathetic communication. keynote Speaker | Seattle magician
|
misterillusion Special user Roseville, California 748 Posts |
All good advice from everyone above. Thanks Nash.. I responded to the person who offered me the membership in the Lions, and I told him the main reason that I was turning him down was because I would be joining for the wrong reasons. He is most likely disappointed because I received no response of any kind.
--Charlie |
Rodney Palmer Inner circle 1317 Posts |
If you want to join an Organization then join Toastmasters or your Local Chamber of Commerce. I am a member of BOTH of these. And I pay NO Membership Fees as I Perform 1-Show for each during the Calendar Year at my convenience. And the Networking is great and I have booked numerous shows from both of these organizations as there are a lot of heavy hitters at both of these that are decision makers for various programs throughout my community. At least check into it and see what you can come up with. It will cost you only a little of your time and some gas money to see if these would benefit what you are trying to accomplish. Plus Toastmasters has made me a way better performer. They have taught me how to speak in front of large crowds, what to speak on and have helped me greatly with my patter on my routines as I can presents them to the Toastmasters club and they give great constructive feedback.
Rodney
"Creating Memories That Last A Lifetime"
In order to keep "MAGIC ALIVE" Please become a Mentor to a Young Person. |
lou serrano Special user Los Angeles, CA 671 Posts |
Hi Rodney,
How are do you approach these organizations about exchanging your services for the membership fees? Lou serrano |
MrHyde Special user 810 Posts |
If you do decide to join any group like these, a great strategy is to really get involved. Get on the Committee.
I joined National Speakers Association here in Australia many years ago thinking it would fast-track my progress into the field. After the first year I nearly didn't continue as I had met few people and didn't really see any progress. I was then asked if I would help out on the committee and everything changed. I was working with the top speakers, I got stage time at meetings and conventions and people were referring jobs to me. I was then asked to be on the National Board, connecting to another circle of experts. I served about 4 years in different roles and it really made a difference. Timothy |
lou serrano Special user Los Angeles, CA 671 Posts |
Hi Timothy,
Excellent advice. About a year ago I joined the local chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES) here in Los Angeles, and immediately joined the membership committee. I've made some really good connections over the past year, but it wouldn't have happened if I didn't get involved in the organization. People who just show up to the meetings but don't contribute to the organization get very little attention. Joining a committee allows you to establish relationships with people by working closely with them. I've thought about joining the NSA to further my speaking career. Any other tips on how to get the most out of my membership? By the way, how much speaking do you do these days? Lou |
misterillusion Special user Roseville, California 748 Posts |
Rodney, Lou, and Timothy.....great advice...especially about getting involved with committees.
Thanks for your input, Charlie |
MrHyde Special user 810 Posts |
Quote:
On , lou serrano wrote: Lou I did Membership too, at Speakers Association. I didn't know it at the time I said yes, but it meant  I did a 5 min spot at every monthly meeting and met every new person who came to a meeting. The USA chapters run a bit differently to those in Australia, but I have been over to the huge US National Convention twice. My other suggestion for NSA is to get into a Mastermind / Forum group asap. Most Chapters I think facilitate getting these going and possibly provide tools / guidelines. Really really valuable. I think I nearly doubled my income after the change in mindset and accountability my group gave me. How much speaking am I doing?  Being an MC is my niche within the speaking industry. (Just like Magic, speaking is a house of many rooms.) I still use Magic & Mentalism within that role but the focus is a lot different.  It's probably about 60 -70 % of my business now and in the last 2 years has taken me to Hong Kong, Hawaii, South Africa, New Zealand and of course every corner of Australia many times.  I still get some Keynotes and workshops but I'm not really pushing them at the moment. Luckily most of my MC assignments are booked 9 - 12 months out (with deposits)  so I can then work on slotting short Cruise Ship assignments in the gaps. I'm writing this in my cabin on a Princess Ship somewhere between Fiji & Vanuatu  : ) |
lou serrano Special user Los Angeles, CA 671 Posts |
Timothy,
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. There is real value in your last two posts, and I will take that information to heart. Wishing you continued success! Lou Serrano |
Rodney Palmer Inner circle 1317 Posts |
@Lou Serrano,
I just Cold Called them and asked if I could attend one of their meetings. They said YES and I made my pitch. I would give them one Show at my convenience and they would usually do a Fund Raising Type of Event and I was the Entertainment. In my area to Join the COM it is around $ 350.00 per year. And the Toastmasters is usually around $ 600.00 per year as they hold 2-meetings per month here where I live. So it is a Win Win for me. Is it my Normal Fee? No it is not, but I get much more out of these 2 organizations than anything else. And I get a lot of business from these 2-places as they have Attorney's, Doctor's, Lawyers, Businessmen, City Council Members, The Mayor and more. And there is a lot of word of mouth FREE Advertising for me. And when I perform the yearly shows I usually book at least 20 shows just from those 2-shows. This has worked for me for several years and has worked great for both parties involved. If you have anymore question please feel free to PM me and I will try and help you out. Rodney
"Creating Memories That Last A Lifetime"
In order to keep "MAGIC ALIVE" Please become a Mentor to a Young Person. |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
A business situation where both parties win?
Sounds like nothing short of a perfect relationship. Good on you. That is the absolute goal of all business relationships!
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricky business » » To Join or Not to Join (0 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.05 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |