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Magic_Steve Inner circle Maryland 1476 Posts |
Hey all. I need some help...
Here is my dilemma. The past 2 nights that I have been performing and the restaurant has been...slow. Like really slow. There would be periods of time where I would do nothing for 15 minutes. It was torture. I'm not sure what I should do in situations like these. Last week I talked to the GM, and told her that I was trying. I just said that theres not much I can do when it's slow. She kind of agreed...but I don't think she fully understands. And tonight, it was just like that. I just kind of wandered around, and waited for a table to finish ordering, getting off the cell, etc. I know it doesn't look good, and I need to change it. I have tried to lengthen my routines, but that can only go so far. Thanks for any and all advice! Steven |
Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
Go into a corner and practice? Read a nice book? You can't do it when there's nobody there. I know a nightclub I worked one time had only 2 spectators show up two nights in a row... but did the full show for them.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
I know it isn't for everyone, but this is one of the advantages of including balloons in my tablehopping. If things slow down, it gives me the chance to show my real skill with balloons. At one of my slower restaurants during the Hallowe'en season, I managed to create a huge lobby centerpiece featuring pumpkins, an old gnarled tree, ghosts, bats and more. On another occasion, I created a table top merry-go-round from 160's. The few patrons present enjoyed watching the scenes develop. The managers are pleased with the displays and apparently feel as though they've received some value for my fee...especially as they continue to receive compliments on the works for days afterwards. The displays also continue to market my skills for days afterward...which leads to jobs I may have otherwise missed.
The point is, find a constructive way to keep productive during those slow periods that suits you, benefits your sponsor and showcases your skills. Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
John Pendleton New user 71 Posts |
Mabe teaching me granny to suck eggs but...
If there's a bar attached work that, even try your hand at drumming up trade from the street outside - (playing spot the hungry looking couples). |
BrianMillerMagic Inner circle CT 2050 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-01-03 08:30, Skip Way wrote: I agree that you need to find a constructive way to be productive, but balloon animals, as you pointed out, are certainly not for everybody. I've seen first hand a few magicians that started sculpting balloons eventually that became the only thing that they were performing. If you can find some way to balance magic and balloons then great. Otherwise just be careful not to give up all your magic to perform balloons (unless of course that's your goal). |
todsky Inner circle www.magicstore.ca 2354 Posts |
When it was slow at the resto I worked at, I would sculpt balloons and decorate the restaurant with them, as Skip does. You can also try out some new material with the staff. Make some food disappear (yum yum!)
Todsky's Magic Shop: over 15,000 tricks, books, DVD s and Card decks. www.magicstore.ca
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echomagic Veteran user 344 Posts |
Skip Way has the best answer for nights like that. I think everyone who does tableside magic has had SLOW nights. I make up several multiple balloon animals. The waitstaff can bring these home or keep them for give-aways the next day.
This is a little advertising to attract Restaurant patrons the next time you perform there while keeping busy at the same time. Make sure to use your sharpie to add information to the sculptures. ( i.e. nights there is magical entertainment ) It would be great if you didn't become just a balloon guy but that also means that it is so busy with kids that you don't have time to do much magic. There will be plenty of nights for a lot of magic to be done. If you keep your magic routines in Restaurants short and sweet there will always be time for magic. KIDS LOVE BALLOONS! They will take their parents back there to eat! Performing tableside at Restaurants is all about compromise. You use what works in that venue. You can't always perform what you really like to. |
Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-01-05 19:10, BrianMillerMagic wrote: I've seen first hand a few magicians that started sculpting balloons eventually that became the only thing that they were performing. If you can find some way to balance magic and balloons then great. Otherwise just be careful not to give up all your magic to perform balloons (unless of course that's your goal). Magic is wonderful. Magic is fun. Magic is <insert favorable adjective here>. But, can we agree NOT to slight or inadvertently insult those who make their living as balloon artists...a skill that takes just as much practice and dedication as magic...and, as with magic, in the right hands can be very entertaining. This reinforces my mantra...First and foremost, be an entertainer. Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
Rob Johnston Inner circle Utah 2060 Posts |
I get this a lot. Sometimes it is so busy, I barely have time to reset my effects...but other nights it goes pretty slow.
I usally take a 5 min or 10 min break, get all my stuff reorganized...by the time I am done, there are some more tables. The manager knows it is slow, they won't mind.
"Genius is another word for magic, and the whole point of magic is that it is inexplicable." - Margot Fonteyn
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PaulGreen Inner circle 1133 Posts |
Hi everyone,
Perhaps an adjustment of your attitude would be helpful. Are you concerned that the management will see you as an unneccessary thing because it is slow? It is not your fault. Make the time you do spend with the guests even more special. When I was working in restaurants, I found that I actually had more time to interact with the guests. It doesn't always have to be Magic--sometimes you can just talk with the guests. Find out if they are on holiday; find out what they do for a living. In other words, be an extension of hospitality towards the guests. Remember, you are an "ambassador" for the house. I found that I also made more in tips (per capita) on slow nights. This can also be the time that you bring out your longer routines. Let your audience know that you have more than just quick tricks. The bottom line is--expand your horizons beyond just doing the Magic. You might find out that you have made new friends for the house as well as yourself. Enjoy the search. Regards, Paul Green |
Kozmo V.I.P. 5473 Posts |
Hey paul, didn't you talk about this very subject in that "live at the jailhouse" dvd set?
:) koz |
AaronTheMagician Loyal user 291 Posts |
Paul, as always, you are a genius.
When it's slow around the Plex (restaurant / entertainment center combo I work at), it's always a fun time. I don't do balloons (not to knock those that do...I've seen some truly amazing things done in just minutes) so I find other things to do. I once strung up invisible thread from three different walls and hung Go-Kart tickets and prize vouchers just out of reach. It made even the adults the next day wonder as to how they were just floating there in midair...I told them "I accidentally tripped and fell up, and didn't bother to clean up my mess." Other nights I walked around and found objects common to the building or areas where there are natural angles well covered (for card through window, etc etc). And of course, as it's been mentioned, doing longer or lesser-done routines. Why on earth would you waste a perfectly good night to have your own little Hamburg? (That's an ALLUSION if I ever did say one...) |
RJ Hunt Elite user Lakeland, FL 466 Posts |
Don’t sweat it too much if the place is usually busy there is nothing to really worry about realize that the restaurant and bar industry dose slow down right after the holidays, people are recovering financially form holiday spending. And this is an industry wide fact. I have owned several restaurants and still own a few bars and night clubs. They are all slow after the holidays…
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Eddie Torres Special user New York City 692 Posts |
Yep, this post-holiday week has been slow for me as well. I'm left waiting sometimes for half an hour before a table is ready for the ninjician. I use the time to talk to the staff and management and get to know them a little more. It's good to have as many people from one place liking you, as much as possible.
Eddie Ivan Torres
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PaulGreen Inner circle 1133 Posts |
TedB,
Why, yes, Ted,... I do address this stuff on that fantastic LIVE AT THE JAILHOUSE Dvd set from KozmoMagic.com! Hehehehe. Regards, Paul Green |
Hart Keene Inner circle Eugene, OR 1486 Posts |
I have Live at the Jailhouse and it is definitely good but I have to say that I have never seen a product pitched so many times on so many different threads. Not to be rude but it is getting old...
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Mike Goeller New user 26 Posts |
I could agree with Mr. Green more.
The slow nights are the times to win life long fans. Go behind the bar and chat it up with the 2 people drinking. Work a little longer routine with the table and chat with them. Let them know you'll be doing anouther set later behind the bar. (this is of course if you can go behind the bar) Get them to hang out at the bar and have some drinks, start a tab, make the restaurant some more money. Make each guest feel special. Since you have a little extra time for reset, do your bill in lemon (or other pre show prep) routine for a table. Make it so they are going to come back and bring friends to see you. You don't need to do magic the whole time. If regulars come in sit and chat, ask questions and listen, be a good conversationalist. You can build your biggest fans on nights were you can take some extra time to spend with each guest. Obviously this involves knowing how to read the table to know when enough is, but many time even couples (especially married couples) love meeting someone new and chatting. Also if its really slow use it as a time to make the wait staff fans of yours. Share a quick routine with them, talk with them about their life. Having the waitstaff on your side is one of the greatest weapons. They can introduce you by saying things about you, you could never ever say about yourself without appearing concieted or egotisitcal. One of the problems with slow nights is the kitchen will run fast. So your normal time to perform before the meal arrives may be cut short. So show them something quick and strong, chat it up and be likeable then let them know you'll be back to show them some other stuff latter if they'd like, then show up after the meal, recommend a dessert, and show them magic then. Hope this helps some... GTFM Mike G. |
DT3 Inner circle Hill Valley 1920 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-01-03 08:30, Skip Way wrote: What a great and valuable (to the restaurant especially) use of down time! D.T.3 |
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