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Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
What I'm about to say take it with a grain of salt because I'm just an expert on the subject.
You're at a BIG party. You're asked what you do....if you're a school teacher, that may interest that person because they have children and...have opinions. They may think teachers are underpaid. Have fun with the argument if you feel it's worth it. Say you're a plumber...they may have some issues and want some advice....might be an opportunity to help, give out your card, etc. I could go on, but whatever you say you do for a living, is going to define you. If you say you're a Magician..well...99 3/4 of anyone you meet has never seen a Magician outside of TV, a stage show in some city or a family member that was horrible at it. Magicians, do tricks. Don't want to do tricks at parties? Don't say you're a Magician. Be generic, evasive and move to another circle of people. Establish yourself by saying you're a Magician and when asked to do a trick,and say any answer that results in a "no" and you get no sympathy from me. I worked for a great restaurant manager who told his new hires " people in the service industry should be shot if they ever tell a guest the word no. You offer alterantives. I can't shoot you, but I'll fire your a@# if I ever hear you say no to a guest in my restaurant". He was the best I ever worked for. You're at a party in your town, you're always working. How you get out of a situation you out yourself in if you don't want to satisfy a request to do a trick is up to you, but if you let it be known you're a magician, pay the price.
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Wow someone who gets it.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Jaz Inner circle NJ, U.S. 6111 Posts |
Really though, there are ways to refuse graciously.
"Sorry, I left my wand home for this occasion." "I don't work on my days off." If they persist, and you're in the mood, then say, "OK, one quick trick and that's it. I'm not here to work." |
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Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
Well....
Ever have a customer service issue ( you as the customer ) and been told "ok, we'll do it this time, but this is not what we do" and feel like you got the issue resolved, but a wet rag was also thrown in your face? Saying "ok, one trick, but I'm not here to work" is the wet rag. It doesn't matter that you're in fact "not working" but you you are definately "on" when in public. This is like the celebrities that LOVE all the attention, except when THEY don't want it. Well...you can't turn it on and off. To turn it off is to make people think you are not what you say you are or..you're a jerk. Paul Newman made a stance to STOP signing autographs. Now how he was viewed? As a jerk. I guess we all decide how we want to be viewed. All I'm saying is...whatever you do, make sure they think you are what you said you are and the greatest, most wonderful person they ever met. Please no one a ask me "should I be expected to do my whole act for free".. ..You will have missed the sermon about perception. Go to the back of the class.
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
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ldl1017 Elite user 476 Posts |
Danny Doyle,
I did not bring it up. I was asked by another person at the party what I did for a living. I did nothing but say to this one person what I did. Other than that, it was not discussed. I don't understand why you naturally assume that my ego is so big that I have to introduce myself as a magician. As a matter of fact, I said I was in entertainment. I normally try to avoid a direct reference to magic at all (when at a social gathering). When at a social function, I like to remain as anonymous as possible about my magic.
“I am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.”
Billy Joel |
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ldl1017 Elite user 476 Posts |
This is inane. It looks like no matter what type of event you're invited to, if your a magician and your asked to perform you d**n well better or you are not a magician. At least a couple of people understood what I was asking. It seems like I have to tell them some strangely evasive occupation or maybe move on to a different discussion or group at the event. I'll tell them I'm an unemployed bum...this way no one will talk to me, not even my wife. lol.
“I am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.”
Billy Joel |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Where did I say you introduced yourself as anything? I simply said that the word got out because you said it. This is the truth sorry if it bothers you so.
Like I said if you say it they will ask. It is natural. Sorry if THAT bothers you. Don't project things I didn't say.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Hansel Inner circle Puerto Rico 2492 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-06-01 22:37, S2000magician wrote: Oh my Goodnes you blow my head off, LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ones of the best comments that I see on the Café!
Follow Me...
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Hansels-Comedy-and-Magic-Show-929625643774678/ Youtube: HanselSP Twitter: @HanselSP Instagram: HanselSP |
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chicagoharry New user 94 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-06-02 17:32, Christopher Kavanagh wrote: Danny is right Someone does get it. Your always working. Hey don't bring it up if you don't want to get called out. It's that simple if you bring it up get ready to get into character and start working. Oh and by the way If you brought business cards to this party. Then you planned on performing before you even left your house... |
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ldl1017 Elite user 476 Posts |
Chicagoharry,
I didn't bring business cards to the party. I had no intention on performing. I didn't see business cards mentioned in Chris Kavanuagh's statement either. Unless you're referring to his scenario of the plumber handing out his card. I am not a 24/7 performer. I was at a SOCIAL function. I was letting my hair down and enjoying myself. Maybe some other performers will drop everything and like a trained seal, "get into character" for the masses. I do not do that. I did politely extricate myself from the situation, but it got me to thinking about how some of the other supposed professionals handle this situation. With the exception of four or five individuals, I obviously came to the wrong group for some advice.
“I am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.”
Billy Joel |
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chicagoharry New user 94 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-06-02 22:29, ldl1017 wrote: With all due respect. This is just my opinion. First I'm not a trained seal I highly doubt that any of the other performers here are either. But I know the ABC's of being able to sell anything and that is Alway's Be Closing. Me personally I learned to always have material and business cards on me. Why to me whenever I'm performing I'm looking for potential clients (marketing myself) and qualifing individuals for my services. I'll perform 1 effect and move on. When ever I leave my house I already expect that at sometime through out the day I'm going to be asked to perform. Whether I'm using the 3 foot rule where everyone within 3 feet of me know what I do. Because I mentioned it myself or because I got someone else to mention it for me. Or maybee someone across the room saw me and mentioned it. To me it doesn't matter it's an opportunity to market myself. Why am I always marketing myself that is simple Magic feeds my kids and keeps a roof over my head so I always have to be looking for work I can't afford not to. Now if magic isn't your first income than hey you may be more inclined to turn down a performance politely. But you can always invite them to come see you at your restaurants to see you perform. So regardless your STILL working. And that is my point that whether performing or infoming your still working. Personally I don't just INVITE people to come see me perform I GIVE THEM A REASON to come see me. And that's why I don't decline an opportunity to market myself.... Just my 2 cents. |
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S2000magician Inner circle Yorba Linda, CA 3465 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-06-02 23:19, chicagoharry wrote: A very cogent explanation, Harry. Thanks for taking the time to put your opinion in context. |
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Tony Iacoviello Eternal Order 13151 Posts |
I'm having flashbacks of Amway.
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S2000magician Inner circle Yorba Linda, CA 3465 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-06-02 23:48, Tony Iacoviello wrote: These days, it's Quixtar. (I guess they didn't like the Amway reputation, either.) |
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wsduncan Inner circle Seattle, WA 3619 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-06-02 18:43, Christopher Kavanagh wrote: Chris, Your point is fine, but you're missing a key factor in the equation. Lots of stars have people come up to them and ask to see something from their act. Many of those requests are not reasonable. My brother in law had hired Buck Owen’s for a gig at his club and a drunk in the audience kept yelling “Play Tiger by the Tail!” during every song. Buck stopped and said they had a set song list they had rehearsed, and would be doing many of their hits. The guy responded by yelling “Play Tiger by the Tail!” Buck’s response? “Someone saddle that a.s.s. and ride him out of here.” The point is, that yes, if you decline you may be viewed as a jerk, but since the person who views you as a jerk is also a jerk, who cares? A reasonable person would ask, and if told “I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to take the spotlight today.” Then that reasonable person would get on with their life without whining. |
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Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-06-03 00:20, wsduncan wrote: That's a great story about Buck. I think the stage actor John Barrymore ( The Great Profile ) had a similar line when he had drunk in the audience. I think my telling about Paul Newman was really apples and oranges and didn't apply to what we're talking about. Newman was at a urinal when someone asked him and he said "that's it-no more". We market ourselves on a local level, business cards, whatever we use, because we're in the business of selling our entertainment services. Even by doing that, we don't have to mention it at a party. If someone recognizes us, it's because of what we've done to have that happen. That's good. That person at a party that asks to see something, if they are turned down,it would be because we don't know who they are. If it was the Mayor of the town, we'd do it because we'd want to impress them for perhaps future work. So, I treat everyone like they're the Mayor. I don't know who they know. I was at Michaels this afternoon with my girl and check out girl said "I know you, you're the magic man". I have no idea who she was ( every network passed on American Idol. The daughter of the president of Fox told her Dad she thought it was a great idea and he went with it-everyone knows someone ). There was chit chat and then she said "got any tricks"? Long story short I did something and gave her my business card. She may throw it away, who knows. But, I treat everyone like they know someone ( also I'm gearing up for when I'm known so that I never get punked on camera ). We picked an amazing profession to be in. I've sold real estate, DJ'd, all sorts of interesting things to me, but no one cared. But when people know I'm a Magician, they act different. There is still mystery about it. Yes, as with anything, there are burdens with it. I guess if we attended a 4 hr. party every night and were asked to do tricks, it would get old. But to attend a function and "maybe" someone will ask to see something, I wouldn't say no. Famous people that don't have to go around begging for work like I do can act anyway they want;-)
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
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Rich B. Special user Philadelphia 632 Posts |
I don't believe anyone on this forum can argue for one side or the other which is the "proper" way to handle this scenario. It should depend on the situation itself. How did they find out your a magician? (as Danny Doyle said). If you really wanted to relax, make sure this doesn't come up. Many years ago I would be at a social event and practically beg someone to ask me about magic so I could jump right into a mini show. I know longer do that...but I'm always prepared to do something in case it does come up. If someone finds out your a plumber at a party, they most likely are not going to ask you if you would mind to fix that leaky pipe in the bathroom. If they find out your a magician at a party, I think its pretty natural for someone to ask for you to entertain...thats what we do...its a party. So if someone finds out your are a magician, expect to be asked to perform.
Its funny that this just happened to me. Last Saturday after a gig, my wife and I had to attend a surprise birthday party for a high school friend of hers. My wife didn't really know many people at the party except for her high school friend. I knew no one. During conversation with the host, my wife mentions that I'm a magician. The host says "my mom loves magic!...would you be able to do something for her birthday." There are 2 answers: 1) politely decline as you are off work. 2) do a short show Either answer is OK. I answered like this: "You know, normally I don't perform at social events, but I had a show before the party and I have my gear in the car. I would be happy to do a short show for your Mom". She is elated and gathers everyone together (about 50 people)and I do a 15 minute set that focused on the guest of honor including a birthday card trick. The audience was very appreciative. After the show I gave out about 20 business cards upon request. For me it turned out to be the right thing to do. Maybe for someone else it would not have been the right thing to do. Rich B. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Here is what some are missing.
You can decline politly. Yep it works and you now walk away. When you walk away, that is not the end of it. FAR FROM IT. The guy who you refused, is going to talk to people. Many times no biggie, but many times if you do this enough during the night, well again through casual conversation you are going to be the magician who could not, OR WORSE WOULD NOT do a trick. People for better or worse have the perception that magic is just "done". They have no idea what goes into it.(Which is a good thing) So now when they talk to people later you could very well be the magician who could not do even one trick. If you don't think this happens, your head is in the clouds. I mean wouldn't you rather be the guy who did just ONE trick and belew their minds? Or the "plumber"? No matter how "polite" you are it is an excuse. It is seen as one. Sorry to tell you but the world moves on and spins even when you leave contact with these people. When it goes on, HOW you are spoken about will be decided by your actions. I am not saying I perform at social events. I don't. Actually truth be told I don't go to too many social events where I don't know most of the people there anyhow so it is not an issue. But I am saying in truth you do have to wonder about what people are going to say when they leave your presance. So if it "happens to come up" I personally think it is better to do just one trick for them, REALLY sock them between the eyes with it, and move on because you are not "working". That is just me. Anyone elses answer is 100% right for their situation.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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ldl1017 Elite user 476 Posts |
When I post on this forum, I do not have what I consider, pie in the sky expectations regarding the responses. The assumptions that take place are without a doubt mind-boggling. I state that I attend a party and engage in conversation with another partygoer. This conversation ultimately takes the natural course of where do you work and what do you do for a living. I mention that I am an entertainer. I do not volunteer that I am a magician, but seeing as I am not a social misfit and I am above playing useless word games about my vocation (as was suggested by another poster), I answer the individuals natural question as to what I do in the entertainment industry. The leaps that the members of this forum took were amazing. I was told point blank that if I did not want anyone to know what I did for a living then I should have basically kept my mouth shut. It was inferred that possibly I am not making my sole living doing magic, so I do not worry about marketing myself 24/7. It was suggested that I should always be ready to “get into character”. I do not live by the “3 Foot Rule”. I don’t tell anybody that comes within 3 feet of me what I do and I don’t try to contrive a situation where I or one of my stooges has to bring up what I do so that I may have an opportunity to perform and pass out my cards. Magic is my living. I am always looking for new business and having been in sales for the majority of my adult life (30 plus years) I know where and when to solicit business and try to make new contacts so as to “keep the roof over my head and feed the kids”. The implication here seems to be that since I brought up what I do, I should step up to the plate and perform. If I do not, I am regarded as less than professional. It was suggested that if I truly wanted to relax, I should have made sure it did not come up. Only a social Neanderthal would take this approach. When asked the natural question of what one does to earn a living, how do you steer the conversation away from what you do without looking like and idiot? It’s ludicrous to propose that I be evasive about my occupation. Granted people don’t meet magicians every day of their lives. But, there’s lots of occupation’s that are unique and we do not ask for demonstrations of there talents. I graciously declined and moved on. I was merely curious what the rest of you thought. Some of you agreed with how I handled it and some of you vehemently disagreed. Those that disagreed, did so to the point of saying that if I did not perform I am not a professional…”Like your almost NOT a pro”.
I have been a member of this Café since 2002. I have 237 posts to date. This is not a large number at all. It is the assumptive gall and the cynicism within this community that keeps me from posting more frequently. Before anyone gets bent out of shape, I do want to say that this forum has many, many talented performers. That’s the reason I keep coming back.
“I am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.”
Billy Joel |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Did you miss the part where I said whatever anyone else does for them is 100% right?
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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