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William Wortman Veteran user Omaha, NE 301 Posts |
I was wondering what is the best way to first approach a GM for a job, by phone, or in person?
Is it better to call first then set up a meeting, or do you just show up and ask for the GM? Does it apply with hotels too? Lastly what are some of your pitches to the GM on the phone and in person? |
rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
I think it is best to approach them in person. If they are interested, they will most likely want to see a trick and you are limited by the phone. A very important thing to consider is the time you approach the manager. During meal times, it is obvious everyone working is going to be very busy, but there are also prep times between meals when the staff will be very busy. I would suggest calling ahead and asking person who answers the phone when a good time to come in and see the GM would be. Don't ask for an appointment, just a window of time. As far as a pitch goes, there are lots of people here who can give you much better examples than I can, but as a general principle, make sure you are talking more about the benefits to the GM and the restaurant as opposed to how strong your magic is.
Thanks, Richard |
Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
rtgreen Inner circle Portland, Oregon 1322 Posts |
I just read Chris's post from above and found it helpful enough to print out and add to my notebooks. It's good stuff so check it out.
Thanks, Richard |
William Wortman Veteran user Omaha, NE 301 Posts |
I have, it is in my bookmark, I'm just seeing what other people say and take a little from each persons post.
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davidpaul$ Inner circle Georgetown, South Carolina 3086 Posts |
What is the best way?? I've found there is no "best" way. It all depends on the
personality of the person in charge and whether it is corporate or privately owned. Some GM's /owners will NOT see you without an appointment. Some will when you stop in. (at the proper time) I've had success writing a brief letter first and then following up in a few days. Other times the GM never saw the letter I sent. As a matter of fact I have a meeting this coming Monday with a GM just by calling on the phone and briefly introducing myself and what it is I do. (benefits to him of course) He was very friendly and very open to the idea. Bottom line you must be professional in every aspect. I made up a nice portfolio to hand him with pertinent easy to read info. You can be sure my shoes will be shined, fingernails trimmed and polished, breath fresh etc. etc. You can also be sure he will be looking specifically at those things as well as my warm personality. Afterall would you expect anything less from someone who might potentially be representing your restaurant?
Guilt will betray you before technique betrays you!
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jiayi Veteran user Canada 313 Posts |
The best way for me is to go visit the restaurant in person, ask to see the Owner/GM, sometimes they might be looking for a magician too. Then you are in luck! I got 2 restaurant gigs for being at the right place at the right time. They are too busy to be bothered by phone calls.
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Christopher Lyle Inner circle Dallas, Texas 5698 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-09-11 23:48, jiayi wrote: Correct! Many will just hang up on you assuming that your some kind of telemarketer...which to a certain degree, you are. When I call, I'm a customer giving them a compliements about them, their staff and their restaurant so that opens up all of their time to speak on the phone. Christopher
In Mystery,
Christopher Lyle Magician, Comic, Daredevil, and Balloon Twisting Genius For a Good Time...CLICK HERE! |
DrMagicMike New user 21 Posts |
Here's a quick trick that I've used to pretty good success over the years. Once I find out who the right person is to talk to... once I develop a little rapport with them I'll ask them to point out any table in the place and I'll approach them, do a trick or two and he can watch the outcome from a distance.
I then approach the table... and I introduce myself: "Hi my name is Mike, I'm a magician, and I'm actually auditioning right now for a job here... don't look around, we're being watched. I'm hoping you folks can help me out... is it ok if I do a quick trick for you?" I then do something quick... maybe follow up with another very short effect and then thank them. I also, during the magic, tell them that the more "amazed and entertained" they look, the better it is for my audition... Of course I do this all in fun with the table... they like being part of the audition... and will give a wonderful response and applause when I'm done. I then walk back to the owner/manager and simply ask with a big smile on my face, "so... when do I start?" There are a lot of ways of booking gigs... this one works well in the right situation. Mike |
BCaldwell Special user is really regretting his 524 Posts |
Of course, that is assuming you got the audition in the first place, right DrMagicMike?
"...that's just my opinion. I could be wrong." Dennis Miller
~Bob~ |
DrMagicMike New user 21 Posts |
Hi "b"... yes, we seem to be running into each other a lot lately!
What I really try to do with the above technique is to "create" an on the spot audtion. Instead of trying to schedule something I try to get an impromtu "audition" of sorts. It plays pretty powerfully (great illiteration)to the decision maker since it appears to be completely off the cuff. Can't be used for every situation... but more than often than you might think. Mike |
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