Hi, I'm looking for examples for give aways to give in the performances, I've been working with effects from the magic sets, any other Ideas?. Thanks.

At my school shows, where I do an anti-drug show, I give away 4 x 6 cards with an optical illusion at the top, a review of the anti-drug message in the middle, and my booking information at the bottom. The kids each get one and I've booked quite a few shows from that.

The other thing might be a small book, printed on half of an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet, bound somehow, that teaches simple magic tricks that the kids can do. Of course, your name would be prominently displayed with contact info.

Both are cheap to produce, tax deductable, a keeper item, and good for business.

I hand out the large mystery dollar that has 5 magic tricks on the back and my picture and info on the front. You can get a template from Eric Paul and then add your own info to it.
Richard

Richard, when you say Eric Paul, where can I find him? Thanks.

Give aways are a great source of marketing and getting your name out to potential customers. It can also be done with little money down if you start to think creatively.

I will try and list some of the items I have used in my performances in hopes it may give you some ideas as well.

Coloring flyers: These are easy to make and have your logo, name and contact information on the bottom. You can easily find line art on line of wizards or things that are magical. Just make sure there is no copyright problems with using them. Clip art web sites may be a good source for locating an artwork that could work for you. I am a designer, so I designed my own coloring flyer to be a sillouette of my wife and I. It helps brand us better and keeps our name and brand message in their minds when they put it up at work or at home.

Magnets: The easiest form of magnet to make is to buy business card magnets. You can get this at most any office supply store. They have an adhesive side that your business card can stick to. They look good, are not pricey and allows your contact information to be seen every time they go to the fridge.

Assistant Helper Certificates: These are certificates that are made to be given out to the kids that help you at a performance. It has a place for them to put their name and states the magic could not have happened without their help. It also has your name and contact information on the bottom. Kids love these and parents tend to frame them at home. I designed my own, it is easy to do as most applications now come with a certificate making feature.

These are just a few items that I use myself that have worked great as handouts. They keep your name fresh in the people's minds and help to land future work.

I can be reached directly at magic4u02@aol.com for any comments or suggestions. Thanks.

hk, I'm working on publishing a booklet on my routines used in Children's Magic. However, the second section of the booklet contains two give aways (in detail) that I have used in the past many times. I'll let all you guys know when it gets published. I'm having a little trouble now tracking down sources so I'm not sure when it will be available.

-Andini

What about the xeroxed deck paper? Either make your own with your business cards on them or just staple them on.

Denny:

I am not sure what you are referring to. Could you elborate on this for us as to what exactly you mean?

If you're making a flyer to hang up some place or to give out with your business cards on them, stapling them is not the way to go.

Stapling your card looks sloppy and leaves tear marks in the card, thus destroying some of your contact information and causing problems for people when they try to place your business card in a rolodex.

If you're going to use your card with a flyer of some sort, what I often do is tape an envelope to the bottom of the flyer and place my business cards in there. Then just print on the envelope, please take one. This looks more professional and is easier for the customer. It also prevents the customer from tearing or ruining your flyer when they go to grab a card off.

I am not sure if this is what you are referring to, and I apologize if you were thinking of something different.

At any rate, I hope this information is helpful to you all. Always make every promotional piece as professional as you can because your promo pieces are an extension of yourself and your show.