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Habu Veteran user Texas / Alabama 393 Posts |
We moved, AND I am reentering the professional magician business after many years. So I'm in the same boat as you, and hopefully, neither of us will have to swim!
First, I have contacted the local IBM Ring and SAM club (no SAM near me, though). Through them, I will be able to gain knowledge of the area, etc. Second, I am getting a business phone as a magician so I will be listed in the yellow pages. I am also contacting members of the schools in the area (I am a substitute teacher) and gleaning knowledge from them. I am also contacting local party suppliers and such businesses to see what the need is in the area. That's just a start. I'm reading marketing material off of Internet resources, such as: http://magic.about.com/od/themagicbusine......agic.htm I am also looking up books recommended by Magic Café members on marketing. Hope some of this helps, if for no other reason than not to feel all alone in the restart! Good luck with the move and the business.
www.magicbyhabu.com
Real name: Rick Jackson Habu: Taken from SR-71 spy plane I worked on. It's name came from a poisonous snake on Okinawa. Hope my magic isn't poisonous! |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Check out your local super market or drug store, look for a family magazine, then check out the children's entertainment section. Open up your local phone book and see what's listed in the yellow pages under "entertainment". The ones that are not escorts service or DJs, you should give a call to. Buy yourself dinner in a local restaurant and, after you eat, ask to speak to the manager, and offer him your services.
HAVE FUN Al Angello
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Ted,
Don't overlook "pull" marketing, too. You are a new "Oddity" to the neighborhood. The local TV station and newspaper may enjoy interviewing you for that specific reason. Take it, it won't be back. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
magic113 New user 30 Posts |
I just want to Thank Everyone for their great input here. I have already contacted two family magazines, and my ad should start running in March. I have called several entertainers, trying to get a feel for the pricing and packaging in this area. I have also hooked up with a few entertainment agencies and performed a couple of shows. Now I'm in the process of redoing most of my marketing tools with my new contact info and a new marketing message. All and all, things are starting to come together.
Again, Thanks to all! Ted Peterson |
dkmontgomery New user Missouri 24 Posts |
There are some very helpful pointers mentioned here. I am new here to the Café. I have studied various marketing items in the past. I am curious about some titles of good PARENTING MAGAZINES that are out there. I don't live in a major city, but I am located within a few hours away. I am curious to learn a little more about advertising in specific magazines.
Also, does anybody know of any good advertising that educators look at frequently in the public schools?
Dan Montgomery
www.montgomeryfamilyministries.com |
NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
I recommend calling local professionals in town and chatting to them. The advice I got from those guys about my new market when I moved was vital!
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
I am in the first month of living in a new city and, despite having some trouble converting calls to gigs, I have managed to get 70 enquires of varying kinds in January.
Here is the advice I was given that worked for me: Step One: Before you do ANYTHING, take the advice I gave above and call other magicians in the area. Explain who you are and that you are moving to town and wanted to ask them a few questions. I was SHOCKED to hear magicians rubbish this idea, suggesting that magicians won't give advice and will lie to you because that's what business people do. Anyone who has read a fraction of the Café will know this is a lie. Check for Café members in your area, and then hit the phone book. Step Two: Call agents and event managers, and ask whether you can quiz them about the industry. If they don't have the time or are unhelpful, just move on. Agents know the industry and will be able to give you an idea of what type of acts are in need. Step Three: Send out a promo pack to the agents you spoke to, and follow it up with a phone call. Step Four: After chatting to your new magic buddies in town, take their marketing advice. (Yellow Pages is a dud? Don't advertise. Parenting magazines good? Call them.) Step Five: Set up you website so that anyone who Googles NEW CITY MAGICIAN gets YOUR website. I was getting calls in October of last year from my website. Step Six: Join the Chamber of Commerce, etc., as suggested above. Listen more than you talk, and have a trick and a business card on hand at all times! |
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