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SIX Inner circle New York City 1772 Posts |
Hey guys!
Well, good news, I have someone who is interested in having me be a magician at their hotel. I found out there is about 365 rooms and a restaurant/bar (which I will hopefully be working). I told the manager I will put together something for her to review, and we will talk from there... 1) What should I prepare...??? I was planning on typing up a page of how I will benefit the hotel, a page for pricing, what I'm offering, etc... I plan on charging about $200 per hour, with a minimum of 3 hours a night and 2 or 3 hours. (I'm starting high and expecting them to bring me down to about 100-150.) 2) Should I put together a promo DVD of myself? Would it be beneficial? Any tips or recommendations, please post them... Or if you don't mind sending me what you have ready, so I can compare what I plan on bringing in... This is a big break, and I plan on taking full advantage of it. Thanks, SIX |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
What should you prepare? I'm going to assume that the manager of the hotel has not seen you perform previously and simply picked your name from the telephone book.
If that is the case, be prepared to perform 5-8 minutes of your strongest close-up magic. Don't jump right into the performance too early in the meeting, and don't pull out your flyer with prices just yet. Keep the interview at the conversational level. Get the manager to talk about what he or she was looking for, how they heard about you, etc. At some point, the conversation will come around to you and what you do in your act. Be straight and honest when talking about your experience, and avoid puffing yourself up too much. Let your magic do the selling. Suggest inviting a few more people into the room, secretaries in outer offices, etc. The more, the merrier. Then, do your teaser act. After you have thoroughly entertained them for 5-8 minutes, get rid of the guests and then start talking business, money, etc. How much to quote? That depends on a number of factors. Is this a Ritz Carlton or an Econo Lodge? Do they want you to stroll in the restaurant or a complete show? Is it a one shot deal or for several weeks or months? How many nights a week do they want you to work? When you quote your fee, say that you normally charge $200 per hour with a two hour minimum (using your example above) for a corporate or association booking, but that you would be flexible with a hotel, especially since it is for multiple dates and there is the possibility of lots of spin-off bookings. You might also work dinner into the deal, since that's easy for a restaurant to provide at little cost. If the manager is still not sold, offer to come in one time and perform for an hour or two in exchange for dinner for you and a guest, so he or she can see how the guests like your performance. Then when you do that showcase, be sure to ask the guests to "tell the manager how much they enjoyed the magic on their way out." By the time the manager hears the third person raving about your performance, you will have sealed the deal. I don't know how much experience you have had, but this could be a good opportunity to get a regular booking one or more mights a week. It's a great way to polish your act, get name recognition, and book spin-off engagements. Good luck, Jim PS: Don't worry about a DVD, as it is better to sell yourself in person. If you already have one, that is good. Bring it along to leave with the manager if you can't close the deal on the spot, but it's not really necessary. And don't play it in their office during the interview. Keep them focused on you, sell them on YOU, not an image on a screen or on paper. |
Habu Veteran user Texas / Alabama 393 Posts |
Nice advice, Jim. I live near a lake, which has several hotels that I will be approaching soon. I will keep your reply in mind.
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! |
ralphdean Loyal user Northern Ca 300 Posts |
While Jim did not say it, I will say it for him.
Get his books! His books are full of the great advise he gives away here for free. They are worth far more than the price, and it encourages Jim to continue giving us tidbits. Thanks, Jim, for both. |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I am only going to say this as a "general statement".
More magic jobs are lost because guys make appointments, and THEN THEY TRY TO FIGURE OUT A PRESENTATION. Figure out a sales strategy, have a sales script, have materials. Don't let THEM tell you where they want you to work; you tell them where you can help them. That way, you are negotiating from a position of power. Do the homework, THEN MAKE THE APPOINTMENTS. Do it on the fly at your own peril.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Danny is right. Go into the interview with a game plan.
I suggest you open the presentation by asking questions. Get the manager to discuss what she is looking to accomplish by having you perform. Then if you think you can deliver the outcome she wants using your skills, tell her what you can do for her. Be sure to recommend solutions that you can actually deliver and conditions that will actually work for you. Don't get talked into performing under conditions that will make it impossible for you to do a great job. If you can't satisfy her needs, walk away. That's not only negotiating from a position of power, it's also being honest with yourself and your client. Don't make a deal you will later regret. Jim |
icentertainment Inner circle 1429 Posts |
You must perform first, before prices are talked about.
You don't need a DVD if you do a performance for them. Offer a free night and do 1 or 2 hours, but make sure the decision maker is watching. (Even bring your friends in, and get them to walk up and say how good you were without them actually showing that they know you.) Please tell us what the benefits of having you perform are, so we can check what angle your coming from. Don't drink, even if they offer it after a gig. |
BrianMillerMagic Inner circle CT 2050 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-02-05 21:38, icentertainment wrote: I get offered drinks in the middle of a strolling gig all the time. Usually I politely refuse, but people start to insist - I try to explain that, not only am I working, but I'm also only 18! Funny things people will do when they are drunk. |
SIX Inner circle New York City 1772 Posts |
They asked me to hang something in for them to review before I come in... A friend said a basic press pack would be perfect. Does anyone have one I can review, or any tips on putting one together?
His consists of: Head shot Resume Bio and some other info... |
Jim Poor Special user Fairfax, VA 676 Posts |
That sounds like a lot of fun. You could do a walk-around gig in the bar, and you might not have some of the problems a lot of restaurant/bar magicians have with coming up with new material for "regulars". You could even inform the concierge, if there is one, that you are available for private shows for hotel guests who might be interested.
I wish I had advice for you, but I'm very interested in what others have to say. Best, Jim |
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