Hiya Gang,

I've started a sort of "underground" (I know how well that word goes over, lol.) lecture that focuses on the Approach. I'm quite confidant in my abilities and feel that I've developed a very specific series of actions that vary for different situations to eliminate any fear of approaching groups with the intention of showing them magic.

This isn't for the street but rather for working environments such as restaurants, cocktail hours, corporate events, clubs, etc. I feel that I have the knowledge, and the ability to get it across, to teach fellow magicians how to approach any group of people.

Is there a market to take this lecture on the road do you think?

wondering,

jamie

That sounds like something I would like to see, however I'm pretty sure that most of the atendents of lectures are hobbiest

Lecture on how to approach people/groups?...If you already have the gig I would think that it would be a moot point. I think that if you followed your intent to take this on the lecture circuit it would cost you more than you'd make.

FWIW

I think you should do a little test marketing right here and tell us of some of your approach techniques. I, for one, will be happy to let you know if these are new to me, seem of value and the like. You wouldn't have to list the better ones.

IMO, most professionals that are already out there working have a set approach. Yours is no better than mine, and mine is no better than anyone else's. Your approach works for you, and mine works for me. No reason to fix what isn't broken.

Also, like mentioned, most that attend lectures just do this for a hobby. No working restaurants, private gigs, etc. Just strictly for fun.

Best.
Steve

You could always put your ideas in a book instead. Or a pamphlet.

I did a lecture tour that included a large segment on routines for restaurant work, approaching the tables, and getting the gig. It was very well received. I also did a lecture tour purely on the business side of magic, which also went over very well.

Having said that, I don't know how well an entire lecture on this one aspect of this one genre would work.

The lecture would actually be for people who perhaps haven't begun working yet or who are simply looking to improve their technique. I, for one, am always on the lookout for any ideas, thoughts, and methods for improving my craft...

Cheerio,

jamie

I don't know too many pros that go to lectures. Usually too busy being pros to have the time.

I don't think that the hobby guys give a hoot one way or the other how to approach people in these situations.

I think it may help the sect that want to start, but I am not certain how big that group is and how many attend lectures.

Hey! Sounds like a good idea! A lecture on The approach! Is normally the hardest part of a table act/stollning act. You can´t really put enough energy on that subject.

All the best!

Fredrik

Jamie,

Might be something better served with a publication. Maybe an instant download or such.

I think it could provide valuable information. Especially if in addition to advice you actually gave examples of a 1/2 dozen or so (or maybe 6) different approaches. ;-)

Good luck with it!
-Robert

And here we are- 6 years later!!! No one can say I don't put thought into my work, lol.

And for those of you interested, I'm giving away the first 12 chapters for free.

How much will it cost?

3 payments of $25=$75.00

Jamie, with much respect for you and your products, I believe good material already exists addressing the subject. Also, you don't appear to be price competitive. What would make your information the material of choice by today's buyers?

I thought this part was a joke because of the all due at once part. Plus it is VERY high.

John,

Awesome questions- thanks!!

A) Our art has a TON of material on every subject you can dream up. Absolutely! But I (personally) haven't seen all that I'm covering in a single place. Also, I've written this book as a Workbook/Textbook, so there is a LOT for the reader to fill out and questions that they need to answer themselves. And I know that there our new thoughts and ideas- because they're mine, lol! That's one thing about this work- it's only about how I got to where I am. That said, I'm in a super happy spot!

Here's the working table of contents:

(1)How many tricks you should know(1)
(2) So, who are you? (2)
(3) Developing your sets~ Part I (3)
(4) How to practice. (4)
(5) Your Magic Fridays. (5)
(6) Business cards. (6)
(7) Websites. (7)
(8) How Do You Look? (8)
(9) What are you wearing? (9)
(10) Funny or serious? (10)
(11) Are you any good yet? (11)
(12) Starting Conversations. (12)
(13) Touching people. (13)
(14) How Much To Charge? (14)
(15) The Cocktail Party (15)
(16) Getting started. (16)
(17) Volunteer gigs and charities. (17)
(18) What to say in your email. (18)
(19) The telephone call. (19)
(20) Getting There (20)
(21) Developing Sets- Part 2 (21)
(22) Silence. (22)
(23) What a contract looks like. (23)
(24) Transitions. (24)
(25) Conquering nerves. (25)
(26) How to get gigs. (26)
(27) Getting ready for your first one. (27)
(28) Fingernail care. (28)
(29) How much time to prepare. (29)
(30) Pocket management. (30)
(31) Your list. (31)
(32) THE BIG SECRET. (32)
(33) Your closeup bag. (33)
(34) Things to never forget. (34)
(35) Hat or No hat? (35)
(36) The handshake. (36)
(37) What to put in the lobby. (37)
(38) Who to approach first.(38)
(39) My first effect. (39)
(40) What rubberbands to use. (40)
(41) Moving through a room. (41)
(42) The first words you (I) say. (42)
(43) Highs and lows. (43)
(44) Getting applause. (44)
(45) More transitions (45)
(46) Saying goodbye to your group. (46)
(47) Tables versus standing. (47)
(48) Dealing with the Alpha male. (48)
(49) When you can’t be heard. (49)
(50) When you get busted. (50)
(51) Dealing with compliments. (51)
(52) Letting spectators shuffle. (52)
(53) Reset. Reset. (53)
(54) Venue Staff. (54)
(55) Kids at an event. (55)
(56) Burning through material. (56)
(57) How many hours? (57)
(58) Remembering names. (58)
(59) When to show the event planner, (59)
(60) The card force I always use. (60)
(61) Accepting tips. (61)
(62) Wallets. (62)
(63) Handing out business cards. (63)
(64) What to never borrow. (64)
(65) Someone wants to show a trick. (65)
(66) Regular decks (66)
(67) Weddings (67)
(68) Large tables. (68)
(69) Eating with them? (69)
(70) Vest or jacket? (70)
(71) Cups and balls. (71)
(72) Do it again. (72)
(73) Another magician shows up. (73)
(74) Performing outside. (74)
(75) When only five people show up. (75)
(76) Do you need a stage show? (76)
(77) Dance floors. (77)
(78) Leave them wanting more. (78)
(79) Dropping cards. (79)
(80) Sponge balls. (80)
(81) Dealing with disappointment. (81)
(82) Hecklers. (82)
(83) Body language. (83)
(84) One handed spectators. (84)
(85) Common lines. (85)
(86) Entire group versus one. (86)
(86) Entire group versus one. (86)
(88) Leaving them with something. (88)
(89) Custom cards. (89)
(90) False memories. (90)
(91) Invoices. (91)
(92) How to get testimonials. (92)
(93) Getting all the money. (93)
(94) Increasing rates. (94)
(95) Busking. (95)
(96) Repeat gigs. (96)
(97) Demo videos. (97)
(98) Social media. (98)
(99) Going full time. (99)
(100) Agents (100)
(101) Are you doing enough? (101)
(102) The beginning. (102)


B) Pricing is another story, lol. So maybe I'll just give some quick justifications:

1) I just typed "Textbook" into Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2......textbook And, to become a doctor, for example, you're buying DOZENS of textbooks. Not just one.

2) I don't belive in "outsourcing". I never have. The book will be printed right down the street from me so, as a result, it won't be as cheap as if I did it out of country.

3) My peak rates are $750 for an hour and $1000 for two. So, $75 seems like a fair amount if this book helps you get even close.

4) Each chapter comes out to less that .75 cents per chapter (I think The Big Secret chapter is worth a lot more than that, lol)

5) A quick search on Craigslist for "tutor" puts Math teachers at around $20 an hour. So, if we compare learning magic to math (which, in my opinion, we shouldn't!!) as long as it takes you more than 4 hours to go through the book (it will) then I think we're good.

6) Lastly, I asked my market. I got a fairly wide range- but I think it was in the ballpark: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEf4DmNY4......received

Don't know if those reasons work for you, but that's all I got!

Thanks!!

~jamie

I've read a TON on magic business and have been around for about 10 years (give or take). I think I have a whole shelf dedicated to it and a degree in Public Relations. I'm not claiming to be an authority (just saying so you know I'm not some schmo) and this is just my thought/opinion on the price.

It's worth it...

The first we heard of Jamie, we didn't hear of him because he created a good product. We heard of him because he was a WORKER giving solid advice. Then we followed his reviews on Magic Friday which featured golden tips through the articles. Then he came out with Impossible Bottles, Industrial Revaluation and The Vault.

The advice he always gave was well spoken, well thought out and if you tried it... effective.

Other books I've read on the subject have the problem of being vague. Like "Some spectators can't hold anything... keep that in mind" vs. a whole chapter dedicated to it.

Things like Silence, Pocket Management, Dropping Cards, Vest or Jacket, Reset, Alpha Males, Kids at an event, Getting the money, Transitions and Dance floors (I dread them),

If you are a worker OR plan on being one... you already know chapters like these are EXTREMELY valuable.

I'd pay the asking price happily.

I love the first 12 chapters of this book. This is going to be a very important book for me and others. For the amount of information and Jamie's justification on the price, this book is well worth it. It also seems that Jamie wants to help magicians like myself to get to the next level and not just make a quick buck. Thank you Jamie and I can't wait till the release of your book.

I skimmed the first 12 Chapters early this morning. I can't wait to take the time to peruse it completely. Great stuff Jamie. Not many people have the courage to tell it like it is. There are some great mentors in the world of business and Jamie has taken his passion for magic and entertainment and blended this with the world of business to create the ultimate game plan for anyone aspiring to make money in this challenging field. BUY IT! Just so you know... this is totally unsolicited. It is my personal belief.

Ray